Is it just me
Moderator: MK
Is it just me
or is the used kiting gear market getting real saturated? Prices on used stuff seems to have come down quite a bit in the last couple of years.
I think you are right, Brian. Good used kites can be had at really low prices nowdays. When I bought my first used inflatable a couple of years ago, there was nothing decent available for less than $600. Now you can get a slightly used current model year kite for that price and there are plenty of 03' kites for less than $500-- even some new ones.
My perception is that the improvements in new kites are pretty minor in the last couple of years, especially in the smaller sizes. My late 02' Naish X2 12 flies about as well as anything else around in that size. The bigger stuff has improved quite a lot in the last couple of years, but I expect those improvements will very soon become incremental too. The rate of improvement in windsurding gear in the last 20 years is reflected in about 4 years of kite evolution.
The upshot is that it is a great time to buy used, but a tough time to sell. I am adopting more of a buy low and hold philosophy now.
My perception is that the improvements in new kites are pretty minor in the last couple of years, especially in the smaller sizes. My late 02' Naish X2 12 flies about as well as anything else around in that size. The bigger stuff has improved quite a lot in the last couple of years, but I expect those improvements will very soon become incremental too. The rate of improvement in windsurding gear in the last 20 years is reflected in about 4 years of kite evolution.
The upshot is that it is a great time to buy used, but a tough time to sell. I am adopting more of a buy low and hold philosophy now.
-
Portland Pete
- Posts: 115
- Joined: Thu Feb 27, 2003 7:06 pm
- Location: pete at petegoodrich dot com
My 2 Cents
I am in the buy and hold mode too
the resale value of my kites is gone
New kites would also eliminate the cardiovascular benefits of my kiting.
1. A Onepump upgrade would eliminate my 5 minute warmup
while pumping up the bladders. (especially helpful in winter)
2. A sliding 5th line setup would eliminate all the swimming
to roll the kite over to relauch.
3. A broader wind range kite would eliminate my kite
dropping from the sky and my long walks home
carrying a wet 40 lb ball of fabric and string
Pete
I am in the buy and hold mode too
the resale value of my kites is gone
New kites would also eliminate the cardiovascular benefits of my kiting.
1. A Onepump upgrade would eliminate my 5 minute warmup
while pumping up the bladders. (especially helpful in winter)
2. A sliding 5th line setup would eliminate all the swimming
to roll the kite over to relauch.
3. A broader wind range kite would eliminate my kite
dropping from the sky and my long walks home
carrying a wet 40 lb ball of fabric and string
Pete