Hello everyone,
I finally got to try the new C4 2011 12m and to test it back to back with my C4 12m from last year.
Also had a chance to exchange impressions with Ozone Pro Rider Marc Ramseier that had the 2011 to test!
If you are already flying a C4 you know that at the trailing edge there are 3 different positions to choose from to custom the kite to your preference:
"Slow - Medium - Fast" this also change the bar pressure from harder to lighter..

So basically is like this: <Slow Turning/Heavy bar pressure> - < Medium Turning/Medium bar pressure > - < Fast Turning/Light bar pressure >

The feeling when picking up the kite is really similar but when you fly them back to back you can feel the difference:

Bar Pressure: The 2010 Light Bar pressure is the same as the 2011 Heavy bar pressure! So is quite lighter.
Turning Speed: The 2010 Fast turning is about the same as the 2011 Medium turning speed.
Low End Power: The 2011 feel like have more juice, wind was pretty good so hard to tell.
High End Power: Realy good as in the old one.
Depower: The new contact bar (very similar to the 2010 bar that came with the Catalyst) with the longer depower give you more range at the bar without the need to pull the strap.
Stability and Overall flying: Very very good when the kite was at the zenith I felt was easier to control and to get inot the power window.

Extra Adjustment (Wake Style option): I really like it!!! makes the kite more reactive and direct more like a pure C kite.

Few differences in constructions with the main one beeing the new inflate/deflate bar Cabrinha style with a nice neoprene cap to protect from the valve when folding the kite.
So if you liked the 2010 C4 you will love the new one, if you haven't tried one yet you don't know what are you missing.
Bye Jankie

Hey mate, thanks for the review! How well do you feel the kite re-launches (as from my understanding it is a back line re-launch?)?. Apart from that kite sounds like a dream

Cheers

I can tell you that the 2010 relaunch very well..
Just let go the bar to max depower and pull one of the back line!
It goes up in seconds.
Bye Jankie

Hi,
I kitesurf in Ireland and have experience on best yargas c kites but cabrinha switchblades. (bows) I'm hoping to make the move to the ozone c4's but am unsure on two things.

The first is the depower element. The switchie depower is very good but what is it like compared to the c4? I don't Want to get spanked and like the feeling of being able to sheet out any gusty wind.

Also at the current time I ride 12m switchie and 8m switchie to cover winds from 13 knots to just under 30 I find the ozone chart quite hard to make out. Would a c4 in 8m and 12m cover roughly the same?

Thanks
Mick.

Select to expand quote

Mickforster said...


I find the ozone chart quite hard to make out.

Your not the only one, its a silly chart that one - almost useless.

Hello Guys,
depower is very good for a C kite almost the same as any flat kite.
For sure better then Delta.
For the Low End can't be as good as a flat kite!
The C4 13m has the equivalent low end of Switchblade 12m, I know as I use/sell both kites.
So you would need a combo 13 - 9.. But you will not have the same overlapping then the CAB as the 9m for my 70 kilos need nice 16-17 knots to power me up.
Maybe a 13 - 10 + a smaller kite for those 23 - 30 knots days!
Bye J

I am in the process of replacing my kites. I currently use 5,7 & 9m ozone light II's (2008) solely for wave riding. Weighing 75 kg and using various surfboards, I found these sizes ideal. I also have a 12m Light II which I use only when the wind in really light.
I found quite a large difference between the 5, 7 and 9m Lights and these kites covered me from about 12 knts up to 40knts+
I have already bought a 2010 7m C4, and think it is the best kite I ever owned. It seems that any lack in bottom end is easily made up by the very fast turning and constant power delivery.
I tried a 10m Catalyst to replace the 9m Light, but found it felt too big and too close to my 12m light II, so now I am thinking about getting a 9m C4.
I really want to use the smallest kite possible for surfing, so would prefer the 9m C4 to the 10m, but I am concerned that the 7 and 9m C4's maybe too close.
Any thoughts? (I am talking about 2010 kites)
Cheers

Gary

Guys,

I'm still confused. A guy I know rides 7 & 11 C4 to cover a wide wind range. He weighs 73kg. I thought the C4 had a lower bottom end so was looking at the 8 -12 quiver and maybe get a 10 next year?

@ J ^^

Did you mean your Cab 9m needs 16 - 17 knots or the C4?

Here in Ireland our winters are usually 15 - 30 knots and summers < 15 knots. In the warmer months there is hardly any wind. The smaller kite would therefore be my main.

Would a 8m c4 work from 20+ knots
and would the 12m c4 start at 15? I weigh 72kg in the buff. I realise that this is a hard question to answer cos it all depends on winds strength, gusts, water type (waves / chop for me).


Got my switchblade sold now. Getting excited

My opinion...
C4 = 1 meter smaller Switchblade....

13 C4 = 12 SB
12 C4 = 11 SB
11 C4 = 10 SB

and so on...

Bye Jankie