Kiteboarding Forums

I've always been intrigued to know why guys buy imported boards. Is it an image thing or do you really find imported boards perform better (i.e. you’ve actually tried local boards). Or do you simply buy based on the graphics ;-)

My perception’s always been that our local shapers are at the top of their game (and have been for the past 7+ years), both in terms of shape and construction. Most of them export (and obviously sell) oversees, so why are so many locals buying imports?

Without naming/flaming brands can we have a show of hands? Who buys imports and why not local?

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Cheers

Andre

Local is lekker.

 

I only ride locally made boards now simply because of the great product, price and after sales service. The local guys are also much more keen to let you demo their boards so you can really take your time to find out what suits you.

I think when you're new to the sport you get brainwashed by the sales people and marketing of the imported goods, because we all know how brand loyal kiters can be. Maybe the stores make a higher profit margin off imported boards, because I do not see them pushing the local brands as much.

The local guys simply don't have the marketing budget to make their boards as well known and probably mostly rely on word of mouth to push their product. Bottom line is the local boards are definitely not inferior to imported ones and I would erg you to try out some of them when in the market for a new board.

My personal experience was that I couldn't find too many local boards around Durban, and the ones I did find just didn't suit my taste in design. Graphics play a big part too since you're paying so much for a board anyway, you'd want it to be something you're happy with.

The local boards though I think are made for our conditions, and outperform the imports in certain aspects. Can't complain about their prices too. I just think we don't have as much of a variety. I'm talking in terms of twintips. Surfboards i've seen loads of, but South Africans have been making surfboards for ages (experience in the market) so it makes sense to buy them locally too.

I agree with Style. With regards to surfboards, Local is the only way to go as our shapers are not only experienced but their quality and price is great. As for twin tips..... I believe that for the slight price difference, the imports do give you way more variety and R&D for your buck..

 

I spoke to the guys at long ocean to ask about having a board custom made and they can make one

with the exact speks that you want for less or some cases the same than a new imported board.

So as soon as I need an upgrade I know where to go to get a board that will be Local and

shaped the way I want it.

 

 

 

Twintip or Surfboard?

I find it hard to believe they can make you a custom twintip for cheaper than those that are mass produced in a factory production line.

I'm serious, I went to them and described what I wanted and the prise they gave me was under

the prise of a new import.

A new import goes for about R4500 to R4900 depending on what you're getting.

Go have a chat with them, tell them what you want, then compare the prises, you'le see.

Our clients are all retail based at the place I work and you wont believe the markup some of these

places put on products. There should be a law banning anything above 30%. And I think the kite

industry is the same, cause why at the end of a season you suddenly see -40% here -60% there,

makes you think.......

These guys isnt giving away kites at low low prises there just getting rid of old stock at a 5% or cost

in some cases. And I'm not dissing them, it costs a hell of a lot of money getting these imports to SA,

so its understandable. But ordering a board with no logistics involved will have a better prise.

Just 1 quick question. Seeing as there are import duties on all imported boards shouldnt locally manufactured boards be quite a bit cheaper rather than being there or there abouts with the imports?