5 Things to Know Before Buying kite stick making machine factories
Understanding the Kite Dealer Business
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Let me assist you by inquiring whether you prefer actual kite shops over solely buying online? Occasionally, dealers may offer discounts, generally on slow-moving items or older models that may have fallen out of favor due to excessive stock.
Brands that engage in yearly discounting tend to lose their premium status. While one discount might seem harmless, repeating it annually trains customers to wait rather than pay the recommended retail price (RRP). While I won't name specific brands, once a brand is labeled a 'discount brand,' it significantly diminishes its value.
I've consistently partnered with brands that strive to uphold their retail prices for a logical reason. The brand's profit depends on its distribution chain, which operates on a minimal profit margin. No one enters this industry with the expectation of getting rich; we pursue this for the lifestyle, but we still need to pay bills. Over the years, I have lost count of the kite dealers and brands that have ceased to exist as kiting gained prominence.
Much of this loss can be attributed to consumer pricing pressure and a dwindling customer base. Each year, the market loses more participants than the number that schools can effectively teach and convert. As a result, falling volumes lead to spiraling prices simply because there aren't enough of us involved in sustaining the kite business. This includes stakeholders willing to invest in developing kites, those who distribute, sell, operate schools, and most importantly, the customers who buy these products and support the overall market.
If a strong discounting trend prevails, profits eventually evaporate. Shops and schools close, the market shrinks, leading to an overpriced windsurfing market served by a limited number of shops. Alternatively, shops may pivot to selling higher-margin products, such as SUPs or the current trend of wings and foils.
The notion of high margins is misleading; in reality, margins are softening, particularly with foiling reducing overall profits. Historically, kites enjoyed margins of around 36%, while boards were at 30%. Today, those numbers can dip as low as 20% with certain premium foil brands. If a 30% discount is prevalent, there’s likely a significant reason behind it.
Many dealers lack business acumen. When a 30% discount is applied, they often overlook the tax-inflated total while still facing local sales tax. I could illustrate the calculations, but if it’s not bolstered by the brand, it doesn’t bode well, especially for current owners who notice their kites' values plummeting when they attempt to upgrade.
If a premium brand retains its value, the cost of ownership decreases. For instance, if you purchase a kite for $900 and receive $600 in trade-in value, your actual cost comes down to $300. Conversely, if the brand has discounted to $600 by the time you trade-in, you won’t get nearly as much back. Therefore, it's advantageous for equipment to hold its value.
Moreover, engaging with kitesurfing can be relatively inexpensive compared to other sports, with no lift passes or green fees involved. Thus, my advice is to avoid putting undue pressure on the dealers; their ongoing existence is vital for the future of this sport.
5 Best Kitesurfing Kites for Beginners
Selecting the right kite for learning can be daunting. Here, I’ll review what I believe are the five best kitesurfing kites for beginners.
If you’ve gone through my article, “A Guide to Best Kites for Beginners,” you would understand various kite designs and how they may affect your kitesurfing experience as a novice.
Firstly, kite design and manufacturing have significantly improved over the years, leading to very few low-quality kites if you stick to recent models (less than three years old).
Secondly, there is no definitive 'beginner' kite. Most hybrid kites can support your early learning while remaining suitable for advanced stages.
As you progress, you'll develop a sense of your preferred styles of kiting, influenced largely by your local conditions.
I’ll assume you’ve taken a few lessons and are fairly comfortable controlling a kite.
Here, I present kites that will help you transition from your initial learning days to more advanced riding experiences for years to come.
I have personally tested all these kites and will recommend them based on my experience as a BKSA qualified instructor, utilizing these kites for teaching.
Below, you’ll find links to excellent deals on my recommended kites, so feel free to check those out.
For advice on other models you may have in mind, don’t hesitate to ask in the comments section below.
All recommended kites are user-friendly and possess essential characteristics you’d want as a beginner or intermediate kiter:
- Stability
- De-power
- Easy re-launch
- Good safety systems
- Robust build quality
You won’t be disappointed with any of these kites; your choice will depend on availability, budget, and your aspirations for progression.
Top 5 Kitesurfing Kites for Beginners
1. Eleveight RS V6
Eleveight is a new player in the kitesurfing arena but has emerged from the design team of Best Kiting, which offered affordable and high-quality kite gear. Upon Best's closure, the core design team established Eleveight, which has since flourished with proven quality and innovative concepts.
The RS V6 serves as Eleveight's versatile kite, catering to a broad spectrum of recreational kitesurfers from beginners to advanced riders. The kite boasts stability, responsiveness, and easy re-launching capabilities. We have effectively employed the RS for teaching beginners while enjoying it ourselves.
When it comes to budget, the RS is competitively priced, particularly for kites designed to accompany you through to intermediate and advanced levels without needing additional purchases.
2. Ozone Catalyst V3
Having a long history in wind sports, Ozone has always approached kite design pragmatically, with kites tailored to their target users. The new Ozone Catalyst V3 is specifically designed for beginners and intermediates, featuring a lightweight one-strut design ideal for light winds.
The Catalyst V3 is effective in ensuring you propel quickly while others struggle to keep their kites aloft. Surprisingly, it remains stable even in gusty or higher winds.
We have started utilizing the Catalyst V3 in teaching, as it’s forgiving, easy to re-launch, and excels in upwind performance—perfect for aiding your progress from initial water starts to intermediate riding.
Additionally, it allows for easy floating jumps, making it an excellent choice for mastering your first freestyle tricks if you choose that route.
On the pricing spectrum, the Ozone Catalyst V3 is budget-friendly, appealing to beginners who prefer not to spend too much on advanced kites initially.
As you approach higher intermediate levels, you may consider an upgrade, but the Catalyst V3 ensures you won’t feel left behind in your progression.
3. Core Nexus 3
Core, a German brand, has vast experience, with its founder dabbling in kites long before the sport gained traction. Core’s designers remain focused on performance and exceptional build quality, as reflected in their kite lineup today.
The Nexus 3 is Core's all-round kite, appealing to those who enjoy diverse kiting styles. It's arguably the most versatile kite I've ever flown, suitable for beginners, offering excellent wind range, stability, and easy re-launch.
Its robust construction and materials rank among the best in the industry, ensuring good retention in the second-hand market.
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4. F-One Bandit XV
The F-One Bandit, now 15 years strong, has cultivated a dedicated following for good reason. Designed as an all-round kite adept at meeting diverse desires, it offers expansive wind range and extraordinary de-power capabilities.
This kite is perfect for beginners eager to rapidly progress without frequently changing kites.
It satisfies all beginner kite needs while being easy to control and re-launch. If you want more thrill, simply direct the steering for freestyle or boosting, catering not just to beginners but also ensuring enjoyment for advanced riders.
Despite its cost, the Bandit XV can eliminate the need for one additional kite due to its expansive range, contributing to potential savings in the long term.
5. Ozone Enduro V4
Ozone has been manufacturing kites since the sport's inception and has also produced paragliders for longer. Known for high-quality kitesurfing gear, Ozone operates a state-of-the-art facility in Vietnam.
The Enduro competently addresses the competitive 'all-round' niche while fulfilling a wide range of user needs, from novice to advanced.
The fourth iteration enhances user-friendliness further, boasting remarkable stability, rapid turns, and simple re-launch capability. While not exclusively designed for beginners, it performs admirably across various skill levels without introducing unanticipated challenges.
Additionally, this kite allows seamless transitions between free-ride, boosting, freestyle tricks, and foiling thanks to three easy-to-adjust settings.
My Personal Recommendation
All five kites feature attributes suitable for beginners wanting a swift rise to intermediate levels and beyond.
Your budget will play a crucial role in your decision. If cost-saving and enjoying kiting in light to moderate winds are your priorities, the Ozone Catalyst is a suitable option.
However, I would likely endorse the Eleveight RS V6 for beginners due to its versatility and excellent wind range, which facilitates the transition to larger tricks.
Moreover, the RS' value for money is remarkable in comparison to other kites without compromising build quality.
If you can allocate more to your purchase, the Core Nexus 3 offers exceptional build quality and adaptability for various riding styles.
All these kites are trusted choices for novices and are widely employed in kite schools.
Seek Guidance
If considering second-hand equipment online, please feel free to request my advice through the comments, and I will respond promptly.
Share your current skill level, budget, size, and weight, and I’ll gladly recommend available second-hand kites tailored to your profile.
I'm always ready to assist!
Helpful Articles You May Explore:
Boards
Harnesses
Wetsuits
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