the 10 and 12 are miles apart in bottom end power. The 12 gets me going without having to work the kite before I can even go upwind on the 10 but it is slow. Heading out through the waves you can get over the whitewater without throwing the kite around as it has so much low speed power. Once theres enough wind for the 10 though it drifts faster than the 12 (less weight I guess). The 12 is also a bit harder to kill the power and get it to the edge of the window when pulling up to get over the whitewater but on the wave it still seems easier than other kites this size.
I guess theres not many 12's around for you to demo but it definitely has it's place and still has the direct no pulley feel.
Had a wicked session on my 6m Reo yesterday.
Got to the beach and no one was in the water yet it was blowing 35 bastarrds. I'm like whats up guys? its windy yet your standing and talking?
"Wind is crap its going 10-35 sometimes 40 knots"
"hahaha go out and well watch and laugh".
Well i rigged and rode. .... sure enough the wind was punchy as hell smashing through i'm guessing 20-38 knots.
I loved every damn minute of it. Sooooo much fun in those conditions... epic indeed. Swell was small but still some shoulder high stuff with me and one otehr guy on a 7m switch. Who cares if its gusting 15-20 swing on the reo. just let the bar out park it in the gusts.. or send it for a jump and work it in the lulls.
I think all the kites mentioned are bloody terrific! You make them work.
As far as looking at what world champs ride....nah, they could ride paper bags with strings attached.
The drifter is getting some decent reviews though I must say.
Hey Eppo, not always do I agree with your comments however in this thread I agree your statement that all the kites (mentioned) do work.
It seems there are 2 schools of thought.
1 with pulleys and one without.
I am not sponsored but i do like the Ozone style of direct steering because I do fly for a living. I like no complication and direct movement. Yes, you get great steering with a Noise or Cab but at the end of the day there is a slight lag.
On light wind wave riding issues, the Ozone Catalyst 12 2013 is definitely a better wave machine than my old 2012 Reo. I dig it. It does need a couple of sessions to dial but try it.
I am running out of 2 cents worth.
Oh so its you who give me the red thumbs then!!
Well we agree on the direct connection. Although had a blast on my VX 6m today on my mako king.
But the pulleys do create that spongy lag even with a direct feel as the VX.
Weird wind this arvo hey?
^
As well as the pulley no pulley debate there is also the question of pulleys on the front bridle or pulleys on the kite that a transfer line runs through and connects front and back lines.
Here is some info that had been posted some time ago in relation to pulleys on kites.
"Before discounting pulleys, one should consider their function and loading as they are used in two very different ways:
1) Pulley(s) on the front bridle - provide a movable front towpoint and variable bridle geometry allowing the kite to 'tip' reducing AOA for de-power.
2) Transfer Line Pulley (on the kite) - support the wingtip area between the front and rear lines while allowing the kite to 'tip' reducing AOA for de-power.
In (1) the pulley is highly loaded and must withstand the force of the kite and rider's weight when jumping (or a portion of it depending on number of pulleys.) A failed pulley can result in loss of control and be dangerous. Pulleys on the front bridle can also move independently giving a less connected, more 'sloppy' feel.
In (2) the pulley and Transfer Line support the wingtip structure allowing it to be smaller and lighter with less MOI. Transfer Line pulleys are lightly loaded and failure will not cause a loss of control. The Transfer Line connects the front and rear lines giving a smoother, more consistent and direct, hard-lined feel.
We believe the Transfer Line bridle is the correct solution for allowing the best combination of performance, control, safety and user-friendliness.
"
I use the Switch Methods (transfer line pulleys) and am more than happy with them but I can see why the idea of no pulleys would appeal and for that reason if I was to be looking for a different kite Reo's and C kites would be on my list.
What other kites dont run pulleys?
Also after nearly two years of use I have replaced the pulleys on my kites with sliders that perform the same task but I think will have a much longer life span.
^ I also have a 7mtr Switch Combat C kite which I quite like (awesome for unhooking) but it is very different to fly than the Method and because I have a full quiver of Methods I usually stick to them.
I might start using it a bit more in the coming months because I do like the direct feel.
I'm still loving the simplicity and amazing performance of the Ozone Reos. Here's some footage from a recent trip that demonstrates the flying characteristics of the Reos on a wave (and a mega strapless face-plant).
Watch this video:
Great waves! Jealous!
Hey Plummet, does Ragland get like that? I might be headed over in May and will be looking to hit the magic carpet for a couple.
yes it does. but i have never kited on the raglan left handers. seen it going off in no wind. but not had a chance to roost the left handers when the winds up.
BUT... i'm in the naki with better waves/wind combo. When its charging the guys from raglan head down here!!!. ...
So if you want waves then you need to come to the naki (taranaki).
ps may is a fickle month for kiting... but the winter storms start rolling in around that time. If your lucky yourl expereince a 5+meter swell and 30+ knots storm.
With all this talk of the reo really surprised the rpm hasn't had much say here. Park the RPM and the Reo side by side and you'll struggle to see that much difference, the RPM really started off the modern flatC design, see Naish Park copy cat design etc.
Been riding RPM's exclusively for nearly 3 years, still riding gen 1 8m and gen 2 6m. Conditions from 18-35 knots, and swells from next to nothing to Big Fridays fire breathers. I ride strapless unhooked when conditions allow and find the RPM suits all my needs, it's fast, stable and when trimmed correctly cand be ridden unhooked in 30knots. Will be looking at a new quiver next season and can't wait to ride the 4.5m, which bring me neatly to the downside. The RPM's may have get going really well in light wind but for my riding style and weight (70kg) they top out a bit quickly, especially seeing mates riding 8's when I'm on a 6m. In lighter winds the ' wake ' mode is an unhooked dream no back stalling and handles down the line great, downside is lack of upwind ability and turning response when fully lit. I trust the kites in all situations recently doing the Dongara to Gero run on a solo mission, build quality too notch, comp, stick bar excellent! Still not too sure on the below bar depower as when fully trimmed can flap about a little and wrap around the bar.
Look forward to trying the 5th gen 2013 fairly soon!
I went away on holidays and used a mate's brand new 2011 10m RPM.
That thing was such a pig! Soo fricken slow compared to my Reo. Bar felt ancient, pulleys are terrible, inflate/deflate is poorly designed and horrific bar pressure.
It felt really nice unhooked (only thing I liked about the kite)...
Was pretty glad to get back to my reo!
Select to expand quotethedrip said..eppo said...
Nice vid, pictures tell a thousand words. How good is that wave!
That wave is why I took up kiting - I got sick of late season surf trips and watching the kites and sailors have fun when the wind came in. Can't beat 'em join 'em.
That video from the G was the most useful I've seen helping me to figure out what to do with the kite riding downwind. I've been whipping my Rebel back across the wave like I'm gybing on the bottom turn, then flying back across the wave for the top turn. Big kite wrestle, or slack lines. I can see a lot more subtelty is required! Little gentle ups and downs with the kite always flying towards the beach looks a lot more manageable.
Now bring back the wind and waves!
Dathe true on the technique thing. The rebel in the waves never gelled with me. Some guys rave about them I didn't get it. Stalls on the turn then picks up way to much speed and apparent wind. It also doesn't drift that well and it shouldn't it's a high aspect kite and li some speed in the wing
I have just had the privilege of using the 2014 Rally in Mauritius for 10 days in awesome conditions, all I can say at the moment is this kite is very very good when you get to try this kite you will see why, there has been changes to the bar that in my opinion make this one of the best bars on the market and why below the bar depower can be so great stay tuned...
