The end...

...of Ozone fixed bridal kites, I did love my Method and Flow, but now prefer my Ozone depowers -

"Hello everyone, we have taken a big decision at Ozone to stop manufacturing the fixed bridle foil kites and accessories. The reason for stopping is that we would like to concentrate our time on depower foils and water kites and to keep driving forward innovation in the kite world.

We will of course continue with our warranty on all products and you will still be able to buy Ozone products for the next few months at your local shop.

We will be keeping the Ignition Trainer kite in the range. We will be stopping the Quattro, the Octane, the Method, the Pure and the Quantum and accessories.

Everybody in the team at Ozone would like to thank all of our customers for all the dedication to our fixed bridle foils over the past 12 years.

Cheers
Team Ozone"
Ozone news

Review - Ozone Access 6m

2013 Ozone Access 6m...

This is my second depower kite as I have also got a Ozone Manta 10m, flying the Manta is what convinced me to sell my trusty Ozone Method and Flow to fund a smaller depower.

The thing I like about the depowers in the buggy is the huge wind range and the gust handling abilities - also how much cooler does it look flying one handed with a bar...?

The Ozone Access is designed as a beginner/intermediate snow kite, with great performance, stability and safety and as a high wind/storm kite for the experienced rider - I bought it as my high wind kite, with a wind range from 15-25 knots it sits nicely below the 10m Manta.

 The build quality of Ozone kites is legendary and once again I was not disappointed. The sail is immaculate with neat seams and not a thread out of place. It has top quality Ronstan Orbit Block Series 20 pulleys, four unique blow-out-valves on the under surface, these seal as the kite inflates and velcro dirt-outs at the wing tips. The sail has the typical Ozone mesh covering the vents and diagonal internal cross bracing.

The Access has a clam-cleat trimmer that sits above the bar so that you can further adjust the power even while flying and this is easy to operate one handed. This features a really nice bit of design; the clam-cleat and end of the line have magnets in them so even if you have it pulled in fully (complete depower) the length of cord attaches to the clam-cleat and doesn’t flap around (I found this out purely by accident on my third or fourth flight!).

The 2013 6m Access comes with a 45cm Ozone Contact-Snow control bar and the 5th line safety system, Ozone Megatron chicken loop and 25m lines. It all fits into the usual high quality back-pack and comes with the instruction manual, key ring, stickers and repair tape.

The set up of the Ozone Access is simple with the lines wrapped on the bar and all numbered, I set it up on the grass opposite the house and the only issue I found was when I came to my first flight I had the 5th line safety over the top of the front lines where it is supposed to sit under them (easily rectified), I should look at the manual rather than thinking I know what I am doing!

Performance – first flight the wind was gusting 11-18 knots, once the kite was unpacked and the 5th line adjusted! I started attaching the safety leash to my harness and then to the loop on the 5th line that comes through the chicken loop then attached the chicken loop to the harness, release the handbrake, step back, the kite fully inflates and launches a few light touches on the bar and it sits nicely at the zenith.

Usually I would have a go static flying just to see how the kite performs, get a feel for the power- zone and range of power and try out the safety – this time I just hopped straight into the buggy, dropped the kite into the power zone as I pulled on the bar and off I went…

Like some of the other Ozone kites I have owned, if you work the kite at the lower end of the wind range you can start to get some decent pull as the kite develops some speed. And as the wind increases the kite comes into its own with some decent pull.

In the buggy the Access performs well, some great pull, awesome stability and is developing some decent speeds (probably not as quick as my fixed bridals - yet), I have flown it in about 10-11 knots and it has got me moving and was in its element 18-20 knots and gusty. My problem is hitting that perfect line in which the kite really performs at it's best - but I am getting closer.

I have been every which way with the kite, work it a bit to get some speed and it travels well up-wind. you can sit it off to one side and quite comfortably sit with one hand on the bar and let it cruise or cycle it through a sine-wave to increase the speed.

track with SW winds

The feel on the bar is great, nice and light pressure, but the feedback is really positive. Even with the shorter 45cm bar on the 6m the kite response is immediate and positive. Just the lightest touch to change the direction as good as if it were a fixed bridle on handles. 

I am still developing my skill with the depower kites but absolutely love flying on a bar, with the Access I am really letting it pull me through the down-wind power slides. Taking the kite to the top of the wind window, turning it through 180 and as it comes back down into the power zone, pulling on the bar as I turn the buggy through a 180 degree down-wind turn and let the kite pull me round through a huge, grin inducing, power-slide.

The 5th line safety system gives a total flag out when you release the safety on the megatron chicken loop. I wasn't sure how I would go flying with the leash attached to the harness, in the buggy, but it hasn't been any sort of encumbrance. A part from having to hook the leash onto the flag out loop there is no difference than flying any-other kite. Let go of the bar and pull the release on the megatron chicken loop and the kite collapses and totally depowers -the bar shoots up towards a red ball on the front leader line and there is no pull at all. There was a little bit of untangling needed though - but it's reassuring to know how effective it is.

There is also another quick release on the leash for those who like to get air and ride unhooked - not for me!

Ozone Access 6m from Mark Crook on Vimeo.

Landing the kite in normal circumstances is straight forward and easy, just grab the hand-brake webbing with one hand and pull it towards your hip and the kite lands easily even in the power zone. Put it down at the edge of the power zone on those strong wind days.

The hand-brake also works to reverse launch the kite when you stack-it, either keep hold and it will right itself and park on the ground or let it reverse launch and spin it and off you go...

There is no way I have even come anywhere close to realizing the true potential of this kite, as my confidence and competence with the depower increases I think it will give me enormous pleasure. It has already proven it's flexibility and stability in gusty conditions. I was always worried that I would regret selling my Ozone Method and Ozone Flow as they were my main work horses but I think the Access 6m is going to be a worthy replacement.

the back pack

close up on the bar

Access all areas...

I have sold my Ozone Flow and my Ozone Method...

and just ordered myself a 6m 2013 Ozone Access...

I hope it arrives in time for the weekend!

For Sale - part 2

Ozone Method 4m...

$300 plus postage.

Comes with original back pack, lines and handle and is in great condition except for a bit of wear on the bottom of the handles. My reviews (with pictures)...
http://baldiviskitebuggy.blogspot.com.au/2013/01/review-ozone-method-4m.html
http://baldiviskitebuggy.blogspot.com.au/2013/03/ozone-method-4m-review-part-two.html

I'm also selling my Ozone flow 5m - Buy both and save on postage! Listed on Extreme kites and Racekites.

For Sale...

Ozone Flow 5m

I have decided to go totally de-power and have to sell my two most trusted kites to fund this...

Comes with original back pack, lines and handles. No Kite killers. This was my trusty work horse and the kite I taught myself to buggy with. It has two small repairs with the Ozone tape to the sail, otherwise is in good condition except general wear and tear. The handle also show some wear. My review with pictures...

http://baldiviskitebuggy.blogspot.co...e-flow-5m.html

Listed on Extreme kites and Racekites, I am also selling my 4m Ozone Method and will try to get some decent pictures.

Decision...

Yesterday was a bit of a disappointment - there was loads of wind, in fact there was too much for my present quiver of kites.

But it did help me make a decision about where I want to go with my kites...

I have listed my Ozone Method 4m and Ozone Flow 5m for sale on Extreme Kites and on racekites and I am going to go totally de-power and am hoping to get a 2013 6m Ozone Access as this will sit nicely below the 10m Manta.

I was dreaming of a flysurfer speed 3 12m, but $2000+ was a bit out my league and i'm not sure I would have wanted to fly a 12m kite in yesterdays conditions, despite a huge de-power range!

So if you are interested in either of my kites drop me a line!

No video!

On Sunday I managed to dodge the showers and get out on the buggy for a couple of hours, leaving the GoPro at home!

I also left my Manta at home as there was a fair bit of wind when I left, but on the lake I was struggling to get moving with the 5m Ozone Flow and desperately wishing I had the big kite with me!

After a few spots of rain the wind picked up and I started to get some decent runs and some slides. I had about an hour of fun...

Then the clouds started to roll in and I decided to head back before the forecast storms hit!

Vimeo - a couple of my early vids...

These are on YouTube, but I have also uploaded them to Vimeo.

Filmed by my two daughters using a couple of Panasonic digital cameras...

Kite Buggy Session at Lake Walyungup from Mark Crook on Vimeo.

My second was filmed by me with a Panasonic digital camera, some of the shots were with the camera resting on a tyre...

Baldivis Kite Buggying from Mark Crook on Vimeo.

Ozone Kites

I have always had a thing about Ozone kites, I think it stems from owning my first power kite back in 2004 - a five metre Ozone Samurai, check out my first review at racekites.

I always regretted selling this kite to buy a de-power  (a flysurfer rookie 2 9m) which I was sure would get me moving on a landboard - another review on racekites. But kite boarding was never going to happen for me and eventually I sold my kites and stuck to mountain-boarding...

Then in 2007 we left the UK and headed to Australia and I sold my beloved MBS mountain board (a couple more reviews! MBS review and MBS long term test).

Eventually my love of kiting resurfaced with the discovery of the ideal location only 10 minutes from home, Lake Walyungup, and I was soon the proud owner of another Ozone kite - a 5m Flow. 

After static flying for a while I new I needed more, I had the space I had the kite now what I needed was a set of wheels! So I bought my Peter Lynn Comp XR+ and with the Flow started buggying. 

Ozone Flow 5m review.

Then I went through a few more kites (kite tart!) before settling on another Ozone a 4m Method...

this was to be my high wind kite and has pushed me to my personal best. And a couple more reviews...

Ozone Method 4m Review and Ozone Method review, part 2

And now I own an Ozone Manta 2 10m - my first taste of de-power...

Dawn

Yesterday morning I was down on Lake Walyungup at dawn, as the forecast the night before was for some decent wind early on...

When I got there, there was the the slightest breeze and even that dropped off to nothing! So from about 6am I wondered round, had some breakfast and waited and waited.

Eventually around 8am the wind started to pick-up, so out came the 5m Ozone Flow for a rather sedentary, on and off sought of session. Did have a few faster runs but nothing really worth mentioning and did kite back to the car park.

The sunrise was very pleasant and I did have time to enjoy it...

Frustration...

I was down at lake Walyungup early yesterday morning, in the vain hope that the wind would cooperate. By all accounts the wind was pretty good Saturday (but we already had plans) and as it turned out was none existent when I first got to the lake...

Bloody frustrating!

By about 8am and during a very light shower the wind did pick up I kept persevering with the 5m Ozone Flow and was going anywhere fast - I couldn't even get over 30kph...

panorama of the stormy skies!

The wind came in fits and starts and as the guys and their toy airplanes left the lake, I decided to try my 4m Ozone Method. It changed from an easterly to a more northerly and at least I was moving more...

I also played around with my GoPro and set it on photo mode-

Eventually around 10am I cracked 30kph and eventually got up to 40kph! Well below my PB! Not my best day, but it was good to give the buggy a decent run and I am loving the way it is performing and can't wait to really try for some speed...

Well off my PB and a really low moving average

Hopefully we will get some decent wind soon as I think the last good session I really had was New Years day...

Frustrating - but wouldn't of been anywhere else!

Another Sunday Session...

I was down at the Salt Lake yesterday just after 6am and left just after 9am.

For the first half an hour there was no wind, I couldn't even get the 5m Flow to stay in the air - it gradually picked up and I eventually got moving, slowly at first!

Through-out the rest of the time the wind could be pretty hit and miss with the kite being powered up one minute and drifting the next. At about 8.15 a couple of cars turned up from the model aero-club and started buzzing around with their toy planes! This limited the area I could fly in!

After a while I decided to head back towards the car park and in the buggy took an alternative route - it was great fun as it took me over some rough terrain and I needed to pick my way between the rocks and bush as well as tacking to keep going in the right direction with the southerly wind (see diagram!).

The red area was where I was flying and the blue line is the course I took back to the car park - but with more turns due to the southerlies!

Review - Ozone Method 4m

I have been trying various kites to really try and push my speed, I own a 3m Peter Lynn Core and have also owned a Peter Lynn Vapor 2.7m – until it pulled me out the buggy.

When I sold the vapour I was looking at where to go next and to try and fill a gap in my quiver – I initially ordered a 4.4m Peter Lynn Reactor II, but this was out of stock, so I was offered a 4m Ozone Method for the same price (saving about $100) – I jumped at the chance, I already have an Ozone Flow and in a previous life had a Ozone Samurai and I have always loved the stability and build quality of both kites.

The Method is billed as having that stability but with race-car performance. We would soon see…

Kite Power have always offered fantastic service and the kite had arrived within a couple of days. The kite comes in a similar bag as the Flow, different colour and graphics. And comes with, 20m lines, handles, a strop, key-ring, instructions, stickers and repair kit. No kite-killers.

I took the Method to the footie oval to attach the lines and have a quick go! Like all Ozone’s the Method has numbered lines to make for easy set-up. But true to form I still managed to get the lines twisted and tangled just unwrapping them from the winder - this is why I para-pack!

Once the lines were attached the kite sat there partly inflated, the Method has its air intakes covered by mesh like my Flow but unlike the Flow only has seven. It has the familiar dirt-outs at the end of the wing tips and the Velcro to hold the bridle when packing.

The construction of the sail is immaculate with not a seam out of place or a single loose thread.

A quick tug and up it went, even flying static the kite was quick through the air and turned easily without brakes and with a bit of brake would spin in its own length.

It looks incredible the graphics are great and I love the green, with the sun behind it and against the sky it is an awesome looking kite. The handles are the same as my Flow and were reassuringly familiar – I do prefer the Ozone handles to those of my Core.

Despite gusty conditions, the kite was great to fly and definitely develops some serious power and speed. I couldn’t wait to try it in the buggy...

The first flight in the buggy and I was down at the salt lake just after 6am, there was a reasonable easterly forecast and I was determined to put it through its paces.

Most of the time it was under-powered but behaved well and would get me moving at a reasonable pace with a bit of sine-waving! A few times the wind would come to the party and the true speed and power of the Method would become apparent - then it would switch off and the kite would float gently down!

Ozone kites don't seem to bow-tie! Well neither of mine do, the tips may fold in a bit but are easily shaken out again! I have even inadvertently let go of the handles (I think I went to hook in and missed!) and ended up chasing the kite as it tumbles across the ground. On catching the handles and a couple of tugs the kite is inflated without being wrapped in the bridles – maybe I was just lucky!

The wind direction meant that I could use the whole length of the lake. With the wind dropping I put up the 5m Ozone Flow and used that to buggy back up to the car park - no long walk for me!

Since then I have taken it out in varying wind conditions and really got some great use out of it, I have hardly used the 5m Flow and the PL Core hasn’t been out of the bag! The Method has a huge wind-range, but this does mean that it does lack some of the lower end grunt; but once you push it and get it moving through the air the speed and power start to build – quickly.

Up-wind performance is good; I usually just stick the kite into the zone and let it do all the work.

Along side the performance it has the stability that makes it such a joy to buggy with, it feels like my flow, but on steroids, you can set it on a track and it just keeps going, finger tip control to reposition or to sine-wave and I just know what this kite is doing without having to keep looking at it.

It offers minimal lift, so I have no hesitation in pushing it up to the top of the window to slow down or flipping it through 180 degrees to slide the buggy. Don’t get me wrong this kite is not all sweetness and light – there have been occasions when it has got scary and threatened to kick my arse! But my confidence in the kite has enabled me to hold onto the side-rail of the buggy with one hand and control the kite with the other and keep on trucking, rather than sprawling in an undignified manner on the ground.

Ultimately I hope this kite is going to allow me to push my speed and increase my personal best, I know since owning it my average speed has increased and I am already starting to get some kilometres under my belt.

If you are looking for a kite with great performance, but none of the real aggression or temper of a full blown race-kite, that is stable and user friendly, coupled with fantastic build quality and great looks - then you can’t go far wrong with the Ozone Method. I hope that I will be able to add a couple more to my collection!