Power Kite Forum

Sunset/retirement policy

indigo_wolf - 23-12-2009 at 09:59 AM

No retailer or manufacturer board on PKF, so I guess here is as good as any a place.

In computers, when a product is discontinued you can still get replacement parts for it around 3 years later. Likewise, with software, products are supported up to 2-3 releases back.

Is there a similar guideline/rule of thumb for kite related products? When a manufacturer "sunsets" a product, how long is it before parts directly from the manufacturer are no longer available and you have to beg people to look in warehouse rafters and attics?

Figured the ramp down time would be shorter because of the niche market, production and warehouse costs, but was wondering if anyone had a good feel for the subject.

ATB,
Sam

jellis - 23-12-2009 at 10:45 AM

Sunset/retirement policy.... gee I thought you were talking about me being retired and living at Sunset Beach. ;>;)

indigo_wolf - 23-12-2009 at 11:11 AM

If you are retired and living on Sunset Beach, I would have figured you get to make up your own policies!! Heck, it's like being on Guam :smilegrin:

:wee: ;) :wee:

ATB,
Sam

ripsessionkites - 23-12-2009 at 11:28 AM

depends on the company really ... maybe 2 to 3 years from first production.

also if you knew the designer they would be willing to help you out too.

there isnt much that needs to be replaced on foils i guess. Material can be repaired, bridles can be copied. if you need to know the actual length so brands offer Line Plans and you could email the distributor or manufacture directly.
items like bar pieces would be come harder to get ahold of it they changed up the design with new pieces.

jellis - 23-12-2009 at 11:34 AM

Your right Sam
First policy get up after 9am
Second policy go to beach and see if wind and weather is right
Third policy if wind and weather is not good take nap
Fourth policy after nap go and check beach again.
nap
beach
nap
beach

indigo_wolf - 23-12-2009 at 04:36 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by ripsessionkites
also if you knew the designer they would be willing to help you out too.

there isnt much that needs to be replaced on foils i guess. Material can be repaired, bridles can be copied. if you need to know the actual length so brands offer Line Plans and you could email the distributor or manufacture directly.
items like bar pieces would be come harder to get ahold of it they changed up the design with new pieces.


Sorry.... should have been clearer. It's a part for a GI board that's used in the 2009 lineup for a board that is phased out in 2010.

I talked to Angus this morning, and as the part is relatively cheap, I just ordered 3 pairs (1 to use, 1 backup, and if needed, 1 for a fabrication model).

It's the angled riser that allows a AK board to use skate trucks. I don't expect the piece to fail, but paranoia is too deeply ingrained in the spots that I can't change. :sniff:

ATB,
Sam

Bladerunner - 23-12-2009 at 05:32 PM

Big props to Peter Lynn for stocking spars for the C-quads still. That is almost a decade !:bigok:

stetson05 - 23-12-2009 at 05:59 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by jellis
Sunset/retirement policy.... gee I thought you were talking about me being retired and living at Sunset Beach. ;>;)


Now thats what I'm talking about. How does that work?

jellis - 23-12-2009 at 08:59 PM

now I am confused wolfy..............LMAO