With the Aussie Dollar $$$ doing pretty good lately what are the chances of new kite prices going down for 2010?

Many importers/shops were pretty keen to blame the poor AUD on kite prices going up. How will they explain the higher prices if they stay the same?

Surely in these tough economic times lower prices would be better as more people would buy new gear.

Whose with me???

With increased competition and empty factories all over Asia, every manufacturer and marketing company will be competing for a ever dwindling amount of disposable income.

Me thinks we will see some discounting, value-add sales and maybe some desperate deals to stay afloat.

It's already happening in many industries.

Good for those with cash to buy , bad for those relying on this industry to feed the family.

I'm hanging on to my trusty Ion 2's until they are pieces of cloth.

Hi Guys,

Joe's right, with the industrialisation and rampant inflation in China and many third world manufacturing centres, I know in Vietnam where Ozone are manufactured, costs have been going up at the rate of up to 25% per annum for manufacturing.

Fuel prices have hiked shipping costs and everyone is trying to make a buck so I don't think that the manufacturers will be very forth coming with discounts or price easing.

The market is still not real healthy as we noticed a real drop in people taking up lessons this season although gear purchase has only declined a smidge.

This will be an interesting season for sure, I hope the new gear is good. The new Airush stuff this season looks great with a new kite to the fold and the end of the Flow. Some new boards but better sizing. North have done some nice work on the new Rebels and from all reports the new kites are back on track. The new Ozone C4 is about to come to the shores so there is, as usual, plenty to get excited about for the coming season.

Cheers,

DJ

Oooooo your in trouble now Darren lol

A quick search for "Ozone C4 kite" came up with nothing but this post lol...

There are pictures on the net. Do a search for ozone C kite.

Same bull$hit excuses from retailers as always. They will happily hike up the prices but sadly I have never seen a retailer drop their prices once their 'excuse' has fizzled.

Still havent seen beer prices drop even tho that Krudd tax has ended.

Fuel prices have dropped. Aussie dollar is back to 80c US. That means we should be seeing about $200 cheaper kites. Same prices before the summer financial $hit storm.

hi guys,
all hardcore kiters will rush to up grade there gear, even if its really a cosmetic change, whichin some part is a good thing, gets more second hand gear out there for newies to enter the sport, like myself, everyone is happy.
not sure about a price decrease though,human instinct we get used to change and adjust accordingly, good for manafacturers and alike.

k rudd bring on another stimulis package, happy days

i want to buy a new kite to

Unless there is something totally awesome i'm sticking with wht i have got.
Might replace my 9 if there is one cheap enough around.

Factor 5 said...

Kitehard said...

The new Airush stuff this season looks great with a new kite to the fold and the end of the Flow.

Darren, I guess the new kite replaces the flow and will be a similar model with a new name?

Hi Factor 5,

The new kite is a totally new design, not a souped up re-badged Flow. Alas the Flow had served us well. R.I.P. Flow. I did see the boys out testing prototypes and the grins on riders faces spoke more words than their brochures ever will. Even Mikey had good words to say about the new kite.

Can't say any more or I'll be in trouble.

Cheers,

Kitehard said...

Factor 5 said...

Kitehard said...

The new Airush stuff this season looks great with a new kite to the fold and the end of the Flow.

Darren, I guess the new kite replaces the flow and will be a similar model with a new name?

Hi Factor 5,

The new kite is a totally new design, not a souped up re-badged Flow. Alas the Flow had served us well. R.I.P. Flow. I did see the boys out testing prototypes and the grins on riders faces spoke more words than their brochures ever will. Even Mikey had good words to say about the new kite.

Can't say any more or I'll be in trouble.

Cheers,

Interesting but not surprising to see the demise of the Flow, despite hearing of many pushing them hard as a first kite rather than the DNA.
From guys I know who've owned the Flow all I ever heard about was "how do I reduce the bar pressure"

The DNA and the Vapor seem to be the perfect combo for beginner through to advanced so it'll be intersteting to see that they've come up with that is sufficiently different from these two

I have some very well used kites that are 2 and 3 years old. I am hanging out for some new gear to be released.

I am quite happy for brands to release new, updated models every year. It doesn't mean I have to buy them each year.

Hopefully it means a series of evolutionary updates that make for better and better kites. Bring it on!

Put away $2400 if you want a 12... You should be safe with that
Don't expect them to be discounted though - and pre-order one if your super keen