Sticker Shock

[steveb]

I was just answering an e mail that made me think I should warn you guys about kites this year.
The top of the line kites canopies are made from a cloth called Theisen, struts and leading edges a material called Diamond. The raw material costs have gone through the roof.So a typical 15m this years around $1950, some brands are over $2000.
The brands that use lesser cloth won't be as bad but, Ozone, Slingshot,North, Cab etc.etc use it on their top of the line or all of their kites.So if you're planning to update your quiver this year you're in for a bit of a shock.
I hate being the bearer of bad news but it is what it is. If you think of the wind range of the kites and the amount of windsurfing sails,mast,booms,bases etc. you'd need to cover the same wind range it's still cheap. But a bit of a shock none the less.

[Lee_Uptown]

Can we start making our own kites? Steve can design, John can stitch, Denis can take care of legal stuff and testing, I can steal stuff from the lab... Sound possible???

[Hank]

Inflation ain't even reared it's ugly head yet. We've been in a deflationly cycle right now, at some point costs for everything gotta jump. Ben has been busy at the press.

The ski industry looks bleak for next year. Orders are waaaaay down.

[Tighe]

good reason to buy any of the great 08 kites that are on closeout right now.

BTW: Midwest Mountaineering has a full inventory of Slingshot T3s at 40% OFF. Can't imagine they can improve upon that kite.

What's the word on the new material? Lighter? stronger? Clearly not cheaper...or just available?