en tout cas voilà la réponse de kezin ozee de NP quand je lui dis que un pack formula=3 RSX c'est du pipeau:
Aloha,
OK, let's start with a comparison of a competitive racer's package of Formula gear (I use French retail prices, as they are the least expensive I have found):
(All prices in Euro dollars)
RS-5 9.8 - 1,049
RS-5 10.7 - 1,079
RS-5 11.7 - 1,099
X9 530 - 869
X9 580 - 969
Carbon 260cm boom w/ outhaul kit - 939
X3 48cm ext/Powerbase - 113
Top-of-the-line Formula board w/fin - 2,000 (source:
http://www.star-board.com/forum/starbullet...&t=200472061056 )
Retail total - 8,117
RS-X Retail - 2,995
Sorry, I came up a bit short, unless you're a big guy who needs a 12.5. Or a serious racer who wants to upgrade fins, or have a second rig ready on the beach in case conditions change.
Of course, you don't have to buy into it to that extent, but we're comparing what an RS-X sailor going for Olympic gold medals would spend versus a sailor who funds himself to compete to win in Euro-Cups. Sure, you can compete in Formula with less commitment by buying last year's models and used gear...but how many racers stand a chance of actually winning that way?
Now, does anyone pay retail for new Formula gear? Not many. And what does that say about the state of the market?
Believe it or not, after saying all that, I'm not bashing the cost of Formula. But, I think everyone would agree for that kind of money you want better value (which I gauge as a combination of performance and reliability), re-sale and innovation. And that is exactly what NP is stepping back and taking a hard look at. Because in the current state of the product and technology applied to Formula, all aspects need to be improved, at least by NP's standard.
So, NP is suspending current thinking and re-thinking before considering continuing the Formula program. That's how I see it. NP wants a new standard. Remember, the program is suspended, not cancelled.
Regarding my comment on other brands having issues, I absolutely do not want to get into brand bashing. All I will say is NP has by far the largest market share worldwide, the most visibility on and off the water, and probably the most visited forum on the web where these topics can be discussed. There's only one other brand I see freely discussing their competitive racing products in a forum venue, so how would you even know if some of the other brands are even having an issue?
That point really doesn't matter anyway, because NP isn't going to make the decision on what other brands are doing. NP is making their own decisions, as most leaders usually do.
Just my $.02. Or .0166 Euro...
Best regards, Kevin