Rider: 85kg Intermediate
Style: Waves
Weather: 20-28 knots
Build Quality: 9/10
Satisfaction: 8/10


I finally managed to get some time and some wind yesterday too give the Catalyst a blast. Initially i got hold of a ten but never got a chance to ride it but yesterday i got an 8m brand spanking new to demo.
Kited at an offshore reef in the northern suburbs of Perth, wind was reasonably strong 20-28kn however waves were less than ideal and the ability to bear-away and ride DTL was to say the least limited.

Anyway on with the review. The pics are of the Ten i initially borrowed. I think this kite was a proto so the final product may have changed very very slightly

The Catalyst is marketed by Ozone as their versatile, easy to ride freeride wave kite. It fits in nicely with their other models of C, and light wind. Its a three strut canopy medium/low aspect not too dis-similar to last years light. Heres some pics.......





Ozone have always been sticklers for detail and this kite again shows that
Stress areas reinforced





Its a one pump with the usual slingshot type clips to clip off the struts



and a dump valve in the centre of the LE



Reinforced swept back tips



I think the 10 which i took photos of was a proto so consequently there were 4 points to place back lines. On the finished 8 i used yesterday there were two points. These two points were labelled as +bar pressure or -bar pressure



Bar is very nice. Quite square in the feel and fitted my fat fingers nicely. Very well set out with below the bar safety



Back lines can be adjusted by way of knots under the floats. Ozone used to have a on the fly adjustment which IMO was far superior.



Straight forward clam cleat



Below the bar safety and the quick release which is a pull towards you rather than a push away.






So there we have it a very well made very safe, medium low aspect, bridled, three strut kite with a simple yet effective bar with below the bar safety system.

So to fly...
As i said perhaps not ideal waves to give the kite a thorough work out but enough to get a 'general feel.' Waves, when they walled up and came were about waist to shoulder high. They were breaking right so not much oppertunity to bear away in the South Wester.
The 8m felt suited to the conditions though perhaps a little under done when i first left the beach. Though as the wind increased the grunt was evident. Also we moved the back lines up a knot, in essence lengthening them and and perhaps knocking off a few knots at the lower end.

The kite flies nicely. It oozes the Ozone flavour that anyone who has an ozone kite can relate to. Its very very stable in the air and quick through the window.
I did notice some canopy flutter when gybing with the bar out however when the bar is pulled back in the kite is as stable as anyone could want. The flutter didn't seem to affect the flying characteristics at all and if anything was just irritating.
The kite still responded/turned as well when sheeted out.
Great feedback from the kite no pulleys at all means the feel is direct an grunty.
Down loops nice - gives a continual steady growl of power throughout the loop.
Bar pressure for me was perfect not too light and not too much. In comparison to the religion a bit lighter, comparison to the edge bit heavier, however if you like a heavier bar pressure you can change the setting on the kite - didnt change setting and couldn't tell you the difference.
Turns reasonable fast, not as fast as the religion however its not purely a wave kite. Very fast through the window. Feels very stable in the turn especially when you are gybing hard n fast on a lip demanding power from the kite.
what the religion lacked in 'grunt' this makes up for it. Feels quite grunty
When coming back in it involved a fair bit of downwinding. Kite drifted well. No backstall what so ever.
Didn't do any boosts however it certainly feels like it could handle a boost well, however given that it is a medium/low aspect i wouldn't imagine it would set any hang time records.
Didn't test the relaunch however i couldn't for-see any kind of problem

Conclusion.
I really enjoyed the Catalyst. I think if your looking for an all rounder that does most things well then this is probably a good kite for you.
I was happy with the build the stability and the general feel of the kite however i felt that this size/type of kite for a purely wave riding kiter could be improved with it being faster in the turn. Would be interesting to try it on shorter lines. Also to redesign this kite to be more wave orientated would then mean its not an all rounder - as it is marketed.
If i were to add this kite to my quiver it would be the smaller sizes ie a 6 or a 4 as it is so stable however i feel reluctant to give the 8 back

I would as always recommend a demo - Darren at AKS (www.seabreeze.com.au/Members/Profile/Details.aspx?member=Kitehard) is the bloke to talk to. Though i have got the 8 for a "while"


Disclosure: I ride Ozone kites (2008 ozone edge) - not sponsored but i ride them. I have also bought gear from Darren again not sponsored by him

A friend of mine wrote this about the ten he snaffled off me

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Hey Poor boy,

10 just feels big – nice kite, it did not back stall as I tend to drive the kite harder and keep it moving, always at the ready to ‘flick’ the kite on the wave. For Paul it fell twice. However, saying that the wind had lots of holes. It felt relatively reactive, smooth and responsive, bar pressure was fine a very nice kite beautifully built with fine detail from Paragliding equipment. It’s neither slow or fast it’s just right if you want an all round solid performer and it works in wave.

G'day Reli

The 10M Darren got was a production kite in every way except for the 4 connection points for the rear lines. The Catalysts come with only 2 connection points, basically the tip one and the third one in from the tip your pics.

The kite does boost well and with above average hang time, its very floaty.
Relaunch is very easy, even in light winds.
Shorter lines for a purely waves rider on this kite would be a great benefit.
Dealers across Australia have stock or will recieve stock very soon.

anyone unhooked on the catalyst yet? handling? how much need for advance trimming?

for those who actually have, is there any likelihood of releasing the chicken loop if you grab it to hook back in? (i ask as it's a pull toward release, and on my switchblade3 there's no drama cos it's a push, so i can grab it wherever and as hard as i like to hook in again.)

The chiken loop is the same setup as with the slingshot kites they have just changed the look of the release mechanism but it is very much the same thing. Anyone that has used the slingshot chicken loop will know how easy it is to accidentily release it with the release being bigger i would asume it is even easyer to release, great for safety when you need it but to easy to set of when you knock it. You would get used to it though after a while and a couple of accidental releases.

Hey Dojo,

I haven't used the Catalyst for unhooking apart from on a surfboard going downwind. I assume you are talking about freestyle riding. Next time I get a chance I'll go out and unhook and throw down to give you an idea on the "Cat's" performance unhooked.

I have actually used the system for unhooking and in all the time I have ridden Ozones (coming up on three years) I have accidentally released the chickenloop once whilst trying to hook in after a trick. I have NEVER accidentally released it whist hooked in. I haven't tried the Slingshot version and so won't make a comparison. Perhaps it is easier to release? I don't know.

The mechanism isn't as easy to release accidentally as it may look. Yes if you grab the release collar itself only, it will release, but mostly I, and everyone I know who uses this system, grabs the main body of the CL and it doesn't release.

Keep it real!

Cheers Darren, I look forward to hearing more. Yes, I'm only riding a twintip and I'm by no means a hardcore freestyler or wakestyler but I like to unhook for little tricks now and then. Looking for a good allrounder to replace the one remaining/surviving sb3 that continues to serve me well, but that can't last forever.

On the ozone website the wind chart seems to give the 10m and 12m catalysts the same bottom end. I suspect this is more a reflection of the clunky format they used rather than a truth about the kites but curious as to the real difference for those who've compared. Sure you can work a 10 hard to get going but I'm interested in the difference between these sizes "park and ride" bottom ends.

Would a 12 and 8 quiver have enough overlap?

Hey mate,

I'd think the 12m and 8m would have enough overlap, but once I actually ride the 8m, I'll give you some facts.

Cheers,

KH

I don't get the release on the Ozones. Most other kites i have tried have a push away safety as is probably natural in a drama - push away whereas Ozone have a pull towards you.

I ride the Light xc's in 8 and 12 meter, they're pretty similar to the catalyst and the 8 and 12 overlap perfectly and make a really nice 2 kite quiver, as for unhooking, i do alot of basic unhooked tricks on them and get plenty of pop, slack and no backstall.

I'll have my 8 catalyst coming soon, really hoping it'll be almost the same as my light xc's

I had the pleasure of riding the 10m Cat in winds gusting to 38 knots. I really enjoyed the session. In these winds the kite boosted really well and I was surprised wth the generous hangtime. The kite was smooth and probibly handled the gusts better than anything I have flown before. I agree with PR if I was going to add one to my quiver it would be a 8 or 10 (for me thats small). We had some nice waves out the back on this day and again really happy with the way this kite performs. Bloody good all rounder I say

Has anyone trying the 6m Cat or XC?

Been riding the 12 XC for nearly 12 months. In the waves and for and allround kite it's the ducks guts.

I know what happens when the kite is at it's high wind limit, to much depower and see flaps a fair bit. pull a bit on and no prob's.

The reason I mention the flapping was at the Oz wave titles I saw a guy on a 8xc and it was really behaving badly in very gusty winds, in the end the guy had a long swim. I'm thinking he actually let go of the bar or hit the red button when getting rolled.
Didn't look stable at all. Must admit this was happening in very gusty winds > 35 knots, alot of other brands were having similar problems as well.

I really want to buy a 6m Cat but the experience at Robe has put doubt in the back of my mine. Is the Cat or XC a real stable high wind kite?
Current high wind kite is a Rev 7. not enough depower for my liking, need something smaller here during winter.

HAAK

Hi HAAK,

The reason the 10m and 12m Cat's were released early was they were ready, tested ad signed off after extensive test riding. The testers didn't have the time nor conditions to test the 8m, 6m and 4m Cat's until the weekend of Kitestock, where Torrin Bright and the designers went down to southern tip of Kiwi land where they tested them in winds gusting to 50 knots.

It was all smiles and the kites were all given the nod and signed off as being spot on. They were then given the green light at the factory to start production in the smaller sizes.

Although this has been a pain in the arse (not having the smaller sizes), I'm happy they have taken the time to thoroughly test the kites in the conditions they are meant to fly in, rather than hoping for the best and releasing them to suit retail requirements or seasonal considerations.

The new Cats are more stable, less inclined to flutter, are more resistant to back stall and have more depower than the Light XC's. I personally think the new Cat's look and perform better than the Light XC's and this is inline with the feedback we are getting from other riders who have tested them.

As soon as I get some 6m's in, I'll post a review after a ride.

We currently have 14m, 12m, 10m and 8m in demo (if we can get the 8m back from Poor Relative)

Cheers,

KH

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high as a kite said...

Has anyone trying the 6m Cat or XC?

Would also be interested to hear any thoughts on the 6m??

Anyone got a hold of one yet? If so I don't suppose you'd have had much of chance to use it yet anyway....

Cheers

Matt

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rusty7 said...

I had the pleasure of riding the 10m Cat in winds gusting to 38 knots.

I want what your smoking, your off ya chops cow boy. Ppl that actually know what they are talking about read this crap. Lets keep it real...

Rusty is a big guy. I know I can handle the 10M to around 28-30 and I'm about 78kgs wet. Maybe its that soft warm QLD wind? At 38 knots does sound like it would have been at the very top end of the kite though?

I've now spent around 6hrs on the 14M, around 4hrs on the 12M and around 8-10 hrs on the 10M.
They are a huge improvement over last years Light XC. The 14M has great bottom end as I found out on Thursday evening in winds dropping as low as 11/12 knots I was still able to hold ground and as soon as it got over that strength I was ripping upwind. I rode from opposite the shop to Towra and then upwind all the way to Kyemagh (needed to have a chat with a tool that was kiting up there) and then spent an hr or so taking my time to get back to the shop beach. I was riding the Underground Stella, 1.46x46. The next night I rode the same kites and an Undeground 1.32 FLX, while another heavier rider rode the 10M at Kurnell, we were both on similar boards, and he was super impressed with the Catalyst 10M.
I had no trouble handling gusts up to 20-22 knots on the 14M, and I only used the trimmer just at the end of my session (sunset). I trimmed it in about 2-3cm only.

My favourite kite at the moment is the 10M Catalyst, followed by the 10M C4.
The 12M is at least 30-40% better than last years 12 Xc, in terms of turning speed, and flying speed. The bar pressure is perfect for me on all the Catalysts I've tried, I just know here the kite is and hardly ever have to look at it.

The kites hardly flutter (when depowered), and there is no flutter when flying normally in the wind range for each kite. I've repeatedly crashed all 3 kites while trying to learn to carve really fast toeside turns! Super easy to relaunch. I've self launched and self landed all of them several times, and they are one of the easiest that I've tested this season.

I've ridden the 10M in some small waves and I think that this kite and the 8 and 6 will be outstanding wave riding kites, and will handle shorter lines too for those who want a super whippy and reactive kite for hard charging waves.

Get a demo on one soon, check the dealers locations on www.ozonekites.com.au

simmo, at 96 kilos dry weight why would you think I couldn't hold a 10m down in those conditions. I'm guessing your are one those little fella's who think 20 knots is dangerous do yourself a favour and check the wind we have been having before you open your gob, please pay attention the "gusting to 38" ... for the record I put up my C4 11m first and just couldn't hold it at all.

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I've now spent around 6hrs on the 14M, around 4hrs on the 12M and around 8-10 hrs on the 10M.
They are a huge improvement over last years Light XC. The 14M has great bottom end as I found out on Thursday evening in winds dropping as low as 11/12 knots I was still able to hold ground and as soon as it got over that strength I was ripping upwind.
I had no trouble handling gusts up to 20-22 knots on the 14M, and I only used the trimmer just at the end of my session (sunset). I trimmed it in about 2-3cm only.

Hi
I have the zephyr. do you think that the 14m' can be compare to it, mostly at the fun factor in light wind.
Thanks

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esku said...

Hi
I have the zephyr. do you think that the 14m' can be compare to it, mostly at the fun factor in light wind.
Thanks

For absolute best bottom end of any inflatable kite the Zephyr has it, and it also has an incredible top end too = big wind range.
At 75kg's on a 1.44x46 U/G Stella though I think I do just as well with the 14M Catalyst, which has a lighter feel, turns tighter and relaunches super easy.
Zephyr boosts bigger, better hang time, goes upwind better, has a bit slower turn rate and larger turn radius. Catalyst suits smaller/lighter riders, Zephyr suits larger/heavier riders. When trying to milk bottom end fun factor with either kite it is essential to match the kite with a large surface area board.

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Zephyr suits larger/heavier riders. When trying to milk bottom end fun factor with either kite it is essential to match the kite with a large surface area board.

I am 95-100kg' wet
For lighter day's I have the 2009 nobile XTR 143X48 when the wind start to blow I move to the 2010 North X-ride 136X40 and later I change the kite to 10m'.
Maybe I will have a try the 12m' Cat' to be in between.....
Thanks

Hi, I'm a new member of this forum .... looking for and sharing information. Last week I received sizes 6, 8 and 10 of the Catalyst. Last year I had sizes 6 and 8 of the XC. I only pumped the 6 Catalyst and I was already convinced --> Catalyst 6 will be ready for the high winds (as good or maybe better as 2007 Light 7 meter). Unfortunately, today I was not able to test the kite in superb Dutch conditions due to an infection. Hope to inform you soon or read the opinion of someone else. (In my opinion the XC6 was only made for light weight riders in `light or medium wind conditions due to the thin leading edge).

Hi Guys,

I opened up a 4m and 6m Catalyst for the first time yesterday. A customer of mine flew the 6m in 17-20 knots of gusty wind and although a lighter rider than average he was riding easily and having good fun on a twinny.

I flew the 4m on the beach and was surprised and really impressed with the kite. The stability and handling of the 4m is excellent, very predictable and easy. Unlike expectation, it wasn't an angry wasp on acid, it was mellow and responded to moderate bar input easily and calmy. Full fish poling of the bar resulted in tight fast turns as you would expect. It took just 16 strokes on a normal pump to inflate it to "hard". LOL

Power was amazing and even in the lightish winds, it was dragging me around the beach. The only difficulty I had with the kite was relaunch, and so did a friend who took it for a ride on an Airush Sector 60. He dropped it in the water and it wouldn't relaunch.

I guess that makes this kite the ideal strong wind kite and not so great for light riders (45 kilos) and children looking for a daily ride in moderate winds. I think it will relaunch fine in strong winds. I can't wait for a 30 knot day on a surfboard, it should be nuts!

A surprisingly great kite for a 4m!

We now have all sizes available for demo 14m, 12m, 10m, 8m, 6m and 4m

KH