I feel Lacuna has lost their value proposition somewhat for the local market. A new 8m Omega plus a new bar is pretty much the same price as a 2024 8m Orbit plus a navigator pro bar. Having moved recently from Lacuna (granted it was the previous version) to North, I dont think they are really on the same level. Interested to see how the new Lacuna range compares to other brands like North given that pricing is not too far apart anymore. Perhaps a review of the new bar would be good to see? Thanks for the review!
Hey mate, thanks for the comment 😊 I was hesitant to touch on this too much and tried to rather allude to this in the video (to avoid bashing the older models) but with the new designers on board, the new V4 is a HUGE improvement on the older models (and the reason I was keen to partner with the brand). Honestly a '5-6 year equivalent' improvement in terms of build quality and performance. In my opinion, I'd say Lacuna has changed their value proposition, rather than lost their value proposition. I'd say their value proposition previously was 'cheaper gear at the expense of performance and quality' to make the sport more accessible to the average South African. Now with the new designers / owners on board, they are aiming to reposition the brand's value proposition more towards high performance, well thought out and well built gear putting them in the North ball-park (which obviously comes at an additional cost). This transition period will always be a bit of a tough position to be in as a brand and the only way to really convert people is through them giving the gear a try. It's very difficult to really portray this through a review video. If you ever get the chance, definitely give the V4 a try 😊 This is my opinion on Lacuna's situation as a brand but have asked one of the designers / owners to chip in here as well. (and correct me on anything here if need be) I am also working on the bar review video at the moment, so keep an eye out! 🧐 Cheers mate
Hi @RhinoRhinoGiraffe, thank you for your interest in Lacuna. Pricing and brand positioning are always a big topic, however we feel the current prices for Lacuna reflect a price that is very reasonable for equipment that will last you a long time in terms of both design and build. It is hard to compare past prices to the current ones, a lot has changed in brand since it was taken over by the new owners almost 2 years ago now. The last range under the previous owners - the V3 collection was ordered in 2020. If you combine 4 years of factory cost increases and the decline in the value of the Rand to the Dollar in that time there is no way the V4 product could be at the same level. Also you are comparing a discounted, last season product ('24 Orbit) to a current season product (V4 Omega), I think you will find the new season gear across all the major brands to be much higher coming into the season. As always at Lacuna we try hard to keep our costs/overhead low and try to provide quality equipment at a price that is sustainable for everyone involved - factory, brand, dealers and of course the stoked riders who are out there using the gear. But more than anything, we would love for everyone to try the gear and see if it is right for them. The most expensive kite is the kite you regret buying because it didn't meet your expectations or doesn't suit your needs. Thanks, The Lacuna Team
Love Lacuna! 😊❤
Thanks mate!
Wooho! Nice work mate!
Thanks Dave! 🙏
I feel Lacuna has lost their value proposition somewhat for the local market.
A new 8m Omega plus a new bar is pretty much the same price as a 2024 8m Orbit plus a navigator pro bar. Having moved recently from Lacuna (granted it was the previous version) to North, I dont think they are really on the same level.
Interested to see how the new Lacuna range compares to other brands like North given that pricing is not too far apart anymore.
Perhaps a review of the new bar would be good to see?
Thanks for the review!
Hey mate, thanks for the comment 😊
I was hesitant to touch on this too much and tried to rather allude to this in the video (to avoid bashing the older models) but with the new designers on board, the new V4 is a HUGE improvement on the older models (and the reason I was keen to partner with the brand). Honestly a '5-6 year equivalent' improvement in terms of build quality and performance.
In my opinion, I'd say Lacuna has changed their value proposition, rather than lost their value proposition.
I'd say their value proposition previously was 'cheaper gear at the expense of performance and quality' to make the sport more accessible to the average South African. Now with the new designers / owners on board, they are aiming to reposition the brand's value proposition more towards high performance, well thought out and well built gear putting them in the North ball-park (which obviously comes at an additional cost).
This transition period will always be a bit of a tough position to be in as a brand and the only way to really convert people is through them giving the gear a try. It's very difficult to really portray this through a review video.
If you ever get the chance, definitely give the V4 a try 😊
This is my opinion on Lacuna's situation as a brand but have asked one of the designers / owners to chip in here as well. (and correct me on anything here if need be)
I am also working on the bar review video at the moment, so keep an eye out! 🧐
Cheers mate
Hi @RhinoRhinoGiraffe, thank you for your interest in Lacuna.
Pricing and brand positioning are always a big topic, however we feel the current prices for Lacuna reflect a price that is very reasonable for equipment that will last you a long time in terms of both design and build.
It is hard to compare past prices to the current ones, a lot has changed in brand since it was taken over by the new owners almost 2 years ago now.
The last range under the previous owners - the V3 collection was ordered in 2020. If you combine 4 years of factory cost increases and the decline in the value of the Rand to the Dollar in that time there is no way the V4 product could be at the same level.
Also you are comparing a discounted, last season product ('24 Orbit) to a current season product (V4 Omega), I think you will find the new season gear across all the major brands to be much higher coming into the season.
As always at Lacuna we try hard to keep our costs/overhead low and try to provide quality equipment at a price that is sustainable for everyone involved - factory, brand, dealers and of course the stoked riders who are out there using the gear.
But more than anything, we would love for everyone to try the gear and see if it is right for them. The most expensive kite is the kite you regret buying because it didn't meet your expectations or doesn't suit your needs.
Thanks,
The Lacuna Team
Thanks guys! 😊