Review Switch Element

flat, chop, small-waves, big-waves  

From 25 knots up to 40

50 

07m 

Hi Guys,
If it could help, you will also find my review of the Element 7.
Rider : 22 years old, 70kg.

I made 50 sessions with the Element 7 in South of France (strong and gusty wind) and in Netherland (winter conditions: 35kts and more or wave conditions: 25kts).

This kite allowed me to make a lot of progress in a first time. Light bar pressure could be a little disturbing at the beginning (especially when you jump), but it is also something reassuring and comfortable in strong wind. After a couple of session, you do not think about it anymore and just have fun.... Light bar pressure is also something I appreciate in waves conditions. In addition to that point, Element is great in waves conditions because the kite goes by himself in the good place in the wind window.

That reaches me to another good point : this is a very multi style kite. This is a good kite to make free ride, also fun in wave riding (even if Method sounds better for it) and free style is also possible.

In the winter, I took the opportunity to test the kite in strong wind. I notice that the control of the kite stays perfect, and stability two. However, the limit of the Element 7 is reached if you try to move upwind in very strong wind : the kite lost a bit of its stability but this is something reasonable comparing with other kite. The solution is to place the trim in quite full power position, to avoid depower position, and then, to move upwind.
About the construction, this kite is simply (quite) perfect: launching it is a real pleasure (fast and simple) and I am very happy of appearance of the kite after 50 sessions. (I stress that I wash it regularly (after 10 sessions more or less)). Just be careful : the univalve cause damages to your kite when you put it on the bag ... Switch put a patch on the kite to protect it but I think this patch is not sufficient. That is why I put a towel (the same like to do the washing up !) between the valve and the kite before putting the kite into his bag. Trust me, it is simple and it then, no more damages !

If you want to appreciate our Belgian hard conditions, you can watch this video on You Tube.

Link : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpCufpkQ ... e=youtu.be
A last point: I offer to beginners the opportunity to test Element 7 and their first kite impressions were (and mine too) very enthusiastic. I recommend this kite for beginners (easy relaunch, stability and strong construction). The bar depower is good and safe even if if the release system could be improved on two points : one : the kite continues to tract you on the water after releasing and the release system is quite difficult to refit after releasing.

Finally, let me thank Switch a lot ! Switch has created the Element and makes me very happy :-).

Cheers !
Samuel
Switch Kites Team Rider - Belgium - Element 7 & Nitro V2 12 

flat, chop, small-waves  

From 13 knots up to 25

10 

11m 

Disclaimer : I'm a switch team rider. I don't get paid, though, just have a small discount because I let try other people my kites.

I'm not a very experienced rider : I start to jump unhooked and to land backrolls.

But the main point of the element is to be very forgetful and to let me try anything : its reactions are always safe, it is were it is meant to be.

The construction quality is top notch, my sailmaker said those are a pain to deconstruct.

The relaunch is really effortless, even when things aren't good looking, with the bridles over.

the kite doesn't move when you don't look at it, and even if the bar pressure is easy, you always know where it is and can move it anyway.

The cost of this user-friendlyness is a not so enjoyable low end : you can use it from the advertized 13 knots (73kg rider on a 140*40 TT) but you have to move it so much you can't really think of something else. above 15 it's great though, until 24, but it's manageable till 26 and even 28 in gusts.

the depower is good, though it's designed to still have some tension when released to put it back more easily and ride more, but it's not 100%, it's a bit like suicide but not so intimidating for beginners. there is also a 100% depower with a "flag it" handle, but that's when things are getting ugly only: lines will tangle, like other 100% depower systems. having both is best.

Upwind is excellent : you're aren't going that fast (that's more manageable) but your wind angle is really close, I'm often 10° to 20° closer than the others : that let you try many new things.

in the waves, the kite is easily manageable : it stays in its place without pulling until you need it, and it gets back in the second.

Since Switch have a direct sales model without intermediates, the price is the best you can have.