SA
850 posts
Just bought a 2007 naish 12m boxer and keen to find out more on the 'smart bar upgrade'.Found some references in the forums but cant find it on naish's web site. Any links or info much appreciated.
VIC
1159 posts
I have that kite. It was my first kite - easy to learn with.
The smart bar upgrade was for the following years 2008 Sigma kites. The kite was initially released with a 2007 bar as there were manufacturing delays.
The Smart loop upgrade takes the depower and locates it below the bar. It's a spare part that may be very hard to come by these days. It include the chicken loop, centre line/depower line and a metal pulley to attach at the point where the two front lines come together.
Check the condition of the lines on your bar. If they look worn out, I would consider getting the latest 4 line bar from Naish, or the 2011 bar (they will probably be pretty similar) It will work on your kite and is a great setup. If you get it shipped from the States you will save yourself a couple of hundy.
I hope that helps mate.
WA
925 posts
Hi Lostinlondon,
Disappointing to see no support for your local retailer in your post. You are in fact wrong, you won't save a "couple of hundy". A known discounting website has the Naish UNiveral bar in the USA priced at $460 and a local shop on the east coast has it here for $599 RRP.
By the time you factor in shipping it will bring the gap down close to around $100. If you have a relationship with your local shop, I'm sure it wouldn't be too hard to get a 10% discount which makes the difference around $50 or $60.
I like to shop online too, but only when there is pricing like half price OS, otherwise I am happy to support Australian Businesses if there is only 10-20% difference in cost.
For peace of mind, instant service and ongoing support, isn't that worth an extra $50 odd or do you feel the US economy needs your money more than an Australian Small Business?
DM
VIC
1159 posts
I do support my local shop, I bought my last kite new from my local and last season I bought a new rash top and harness from the same shop. When anyone asks me about lessons, I always tell them to go to Kite Republic in St Kilda. I'm regularly at the social nights and go away on the ride days. So I think I do enough to support my local..
I lost my bar and lines in March and looked around for the cost of a replacement. I got the 2011 4 line Universal Bar shipped from the States for $350. I knew exactly what I wanted, I did not need to go into a shop to try anything on or receive advice. I considered the risk of something going wrong with my new bar to be negligible. I was also happy to wait for the delivery as I knew I wouldn't be out on the water for a couple of weeks due to other commitments. It wasn't just about the price but also the convenience...
