@Plummet - is your close friend and local Taranaki discount dealer threatened by Switch?
Of course Switch kites are getting better! Why? Switch is very pro-active in listening to riders and constantly addressing them with improvements.
Examples:
Method - Some felt the BP was high and needed more stability in extreme gusty offshore conditions. Method2 has much less BP, faster turning, very stable at all times.
Combat - Pack down, hard battens (preferred by Felix and Marc) were a complaint. Combat2 has inflato tips, better de-power, quicker turns, better re-launch. Jacobs rises to #2 in the world with production Combats developed directly with him.
Nitro - Relaunch, sheeted-out stability and BP were an issue. Nitro2 more stable, easy to re-launch. Nitro3 extensive de-power, drifts well, fixed direct bridle.
Element - People wanted a user-friendly, low BP all-round kite. Switch introduced the three-strut Element. Some felt Element1 needed more 'feel' (BP) and better low-end. Element2 has both plus fixed direct bridle with several user settings.
Controller Bar - Controller1 was a solid offering and featured a 2 front line safety including OS handle like many other top brands. Some asked for a single line flag. Controller2 can be easily set up to a single front line, two front line or true 5th line flag including suicide option. Additional improvements, all suggested by customers, are new low-wear center section, new durable and moulded-in-place composite grip, new soft bar end corners and universal flying line pigtails. Controller2 is the most versatile control bar available on the market and can be used for any sheetable traction kite including foils.
Switch Labs - Every component and construction scientifically tested.
Spare parts - Every model, component reasonably priced for quick shipment.
Service/Support - Immediate customer service and active user forum for complaints, reviews, advice, infos.
Money back guarantee - Try the kite. Don't like it? Send it back!
Lifetime Warranty - Enough said!
Switch is a global brand with a major presence:
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=2382909
Cheers!