Im looking at buying either a switchblade or catalyst 12m kite new 2015 similar price what would b better for learning and freestyle

Cheers

As far as I know, they are both equally good. Im stoked on my catalysts, my mates stoked on his switches (sorry, thats not much help)

But, have you flown either of them whilst doing lessons? If so, I'd go with the one you did lessons on...

What size cat do u have

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Rob83 said..
What size cat do u have

Im 100kg, and I have 10,12, and 14m.

Swichblade is good for learning (less twitchy, slower turning, more consistent and stable strong pull) but, once you learn, you would be more likely to chose Catalyst - more all-round do it all kite.

I learnt mostly on Swichblade 2013 but would be glad to change it over to Catalyst now.

So go the catalyst...enjoy now and in the future

I was looking at both a couple of years ago and couldn’t decide so I went for the one that I could get the best deal on, so it was a Switchy. I’m very happy with it but I’m sure I would have been equally happy with the Catalyst…

I woud say the cab SB is better in gusty winds/better upwind and has the cab bullet proof build quality.

The catalyst faster turning, better in waves if you have waves locally and a bit more forgiving through the mid to advanced progression.

IMO only

Both good. I have ridden both btw

If you could get them for similar price then go for the cat. I have 12-9-7 2015 cats and they are great kites. You mention freestyle and I think cat would be better for that for sure. Also, I would say ozone's quality is on par with cab, if not better.

I am learning on switchblades 8 and 12.

Very stable, i would say i don't feel gusts at all (very small oscillations). Safety never failed (i activated qr 2 times but now when i see a little better, i really didn't need to, i am just what u call a chicken), just let go of the bar and it sits on the edge, was couple of times overpowered too.

I saw couple of catalysts, they do very very similar like switchblades, but catalyst seem just a twitch faster. Kinda more nervous but stable.

"major" difference i saw between them was maybe switchblade riders were on 1 meter smaller kite (the wind was pretty low) so maybe they little better in lower range but that's about it.

Hope it helps

Geeze thanks for the info guys i think im more confused bit of a delemma i can get one 2013 for half the price of a new one but probably get a new ozone

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Rob83 said...
Geeze thanks for the info guys i think im more confused bit of a delemma i can get one 2013 for half the price of a new one but probably get a new ozone

The 2013 switch wasn't a great kite, however they are back to normal,I've ridden both and for me if they were both blown up on the beach I'd grab the switchblade, I like to ride powered , and found the switch blade a really solid performing kite, equally as good construction wise, maybe a beginner to early intermediate may prefer the catalyst as it's a tamer kite in solid winds, some great deals on the 2014 models of both these kites though IMHO the xtra for 2015 isn't really worth it, apart from bar upgrades,

+ 1 cauncy.

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cauncy said..

Rob83 said...
Geeze thanks for the info guys i think im more confused bit of a delemma i can get one 2013 for half the price of a new one but probably get a new ozone

The 2013 switch wasn't a great kite, however they are back to normal,I've ridden both and for me if they were both blown up on the beach I'd grab the switchblade, I like to ride powered , and found the switch blade a really solid performing kite, equally as good construction wise, maybe a beginner to early intermediate may prefer the catalyst as it's a tamer kite in solid winds, some great deals on the 2014 models of both these kites though IMHO the xtra for 2015 isn't really worth it, apart from bar upgrades,

Go the switchblade! they are one of the best kites around and i classify them as "collectable". Although the catalyst is good kite too. Probably better for beginners as it is really good for body dragging that kite

I'd take your general wind strengths into high consideration , the cat needs a lot of rider input IMO but that will improve your flying skills, the switchy creates more pull when parked, sits overhead more automatically, especially when doing jumps/ tricks, the cats a bit quicker and would have a much more comfortable top end for beginner/ early intermediate , the switchblade is more potent/ exciting, but still stable, you feel the is more power at hand, wave riding above 7/8mtr the cat, these weren't based on the 2015s but I'm sure both models Havnt had major changes from the 2014, both brands of kites are favourites of many international kite centres , IMO enough proof, wouldn't waste too much time pondering if a beginner,

And i got the switchblade cant wait to use it