board companies in general

lukewtwt · Outlaw Joined: 17 Feb 2003 Posts: 200 City: Memphis

This entire LF/O'brien/HL/Gator/DU discussion has brought up several points about what we like and don't like about the companies and products that are out there. One point that seems to come up a lot is the price we all pay for our stuff. I hear a lot about how Hyperlite is overpriced, how too little competition would be bad for our sport, etc. While I agree that competition is a good thing for ANY industry, it does not necessarily follow that less competition will force us all to pay out the yin yang for our favorite ride. After working for a HO/Hyperlite dealer, and seeing everything that goes into a new line, I was surprised to find out that Hyperlite is working both to lower prices from year to year as well as making more durable products that they so can offer a better warranty. Now, Hyperlite is selling a lot of product now, so why would they care about lowering prices or improving an already good warranty? Because, believe it or not, it is good business to care about your customers. Lower prices=more people who participate in the sport=more products sold. More durable products=the sport can explore different avenues (like sliders)=more shared influences with other boardsports=more people who participate in the sport=more products sold. An seriously, do you really think you pay more now for a board and bindings than you did when wakeboarding was in its infancy? Consider inflation, and the increase in advertising, R&D, pro team, and better products. I think it is obvious that we are really getting more bang for our bucks now than before, and I will continue to ride the products that work for me and that i can afford, which happen to be Hyperlite.

Luke

Mariognarly · Addict Joined: 14 Jan 2003 Posts: 853

well said, I agree, even though wakeboarding is one of the most expensive extreme sports(you need a boat and a lake and equip etc...) its pretty good for pricing.

Grouch · Posted: Feb 18, 2003 8:42 am Post subject:

That was just to long to read, my ADHD kicked in after the second sentence. Confused

lukewtwt · Outlaw Joined: 17 Feb 2003 Posts: 200 City: Memphis

Sorry about the length, but I was trying to say everything I had to say at once before I forgot it all. At my age, the memory comes and goes!

Luke

Grouch · Posted: Feb 18, 2003 9:05 am Post subject:

It cool I was just flashing back to high school english class and thought I had to write an essay.

I read it all and agree.

laser145 · Posted: Feb 18, 2003 11:25 am Post subject:

Well said
-Taylor

anarchy99 · Addict Joined: 14 Jan 2003 Posts: 616 City: tacoma

it would be nice to see a brand come out made by acouple riders on this then maybe they would know how it feels and wouldent make eeryone pay 500 bucks for a board and another 400 for bindings thats ridiculas but thats the price you pay when you want to injoy a sport.

slaydit · Posted: Feb 18, 2003 3:19 pm Post subject:

yeah, way too long.

-jey