Rider: intermediate, 93Kg.
Style: Freeriding, Surf
Weather: 16-28 knots
Build Quality: 10/10
Satisfaction: 10/10
Disclosure: Friends with Ozone team riders.

My Comments:

Hi there,
I am a long time reader, first time poster. I decided to sit down and write a review on the 2011 Ozone Catalyst because it has just thrown me into an entirely new world of kiting happiness! Here is the story.

A good mate started kiting less than 12 months ago and had lessons with the great people at AKS. They then hooked him up with an 09 12m Ozone Light XC. I was very impressed how quickly he was progressing and how he had no fear of crashing the kite because it was so easy for him to re-launch. And the wind range he is getting is very impressive. I have been thinking for a couple of seasons that I need to finally upgrade from my old Airush gear, but seeing this first hand pushed me over the edge.

With big thanks again the AKS crew, I was able to demo the Catalyst and C4 back to back one windy afternoon. I bought a 12m Catalyst the next day.

First thing I like is the simplicity of it all. It was ready to fly perfectly, straight out of the bag. It takes about 60 easy strokes from the included Ozone metal shaft pump to get the 12m to the recommended 8 psi. The new high flow inlet valve is AWESOME! And the bar and line system seems simple, very refined and very high quality.

The flying characteristics are just amazing for me. It should be though because until now, the newest kite I had flown was a 2004 Airush lift. My kiting session experience has gone from something like a mix of the Ninja Warrior TV show and Total wipeout UK, to pure ecstasy.

It has been written in other reviews but I can confirm that it is a very fun kite to fly. It is very stable making one handed riding actually easier than holding on to the bar with two hands in my opinion, especially when riding it upwind, which it seems to excel in doing. It has a very light feeling to it and just drifts about the sky happily while your on full depower riding a wave or playing with chop or whatever, but the power is ready to turn on as soon as you want it!

Total beginners would love this kite too. It is just so friendly, and apparently it is easy to relaunch, but I haven’t tested that. I don’t want to get it wet yet, and I am still in the old C kite mind set of not wanting to crash the kite because there is only a 50% chance you might get it flying again.

The pivotal turning is reasonably fast. It took a little getting used to after flying C kites for so long, but I got it dialed pretty quickly. I haven’t tried the ‘low bar pressure’ line attachment position but I think I might like it better. And once I worked out the right timing for boosting air, I was happy with the boost power, especially when given a wave to ramp you up. Also it has nice long hang time for a super soft landing.

The C4 turned much quicker and boosted much higher. I can see why the freestyle fanatics are loving it. After trying both, I realized I was having more fun with the Catalyst. So I bought an 8m as well.

Everyone seems to be super stoked on their 2011 kites. It seems to be a very good year to be upgrading gear. The Ozone guys are providing some very high quality kit with little details included right down to a fully equipped repair kit included in the bag. If you want an easy, fun kite that you can use in the surf definitely demo the Catalyst.

Great review Fisherman,

would you indicate the Catalyst also for jumping un-hooked beginner or it's better the C4?
how did you find the C4 on re-launch?

thanks

ciao

KiloWatt

Hi Kilowatt,

Nice review Fisherman, glad the kite makes you smile. It's what it's all about!

For unhooking, the C4 is the go, although the Catalyst will do the job also, depends on your reason for unhooking. If you are unhooking to ride down the line on a wave, then the Catalyst is better positioned for that kind of work. If you are unhooking because you want to throw down a phat raley or F16 kiteloop, then the C4 is better. If you're looking to handle pass and learn unhooked freestyle, the C4 is the go.

With regard to relaunch, both the C4 and Catalyst are super easy and require the same technique of pushing the bar out to de-power and just pulling on a back steering line. Pull aggressively and you get a kite that flips 180 degrees and will hot launch from the bottom of the wind window. Pull it gently and both kites will meander their way across the wind window for a more gentle launch from neutral.

Easiest relaunch on both kites, just make sure the bar is out and you can't miss.

I hope this helps.

DM

Thanks for the encouragement guys.

KiloWatt, I see on your other thread your after something faster. If your planning on getting into the freestyle I would definitely suggest you demo a C4. I went for the Catalyst because after trying them both out, I realized I am less interested in that style right now, although I am anticipating that I will for sure be able to get a taste for unhooked jumping with the Cat.

Actually to complete my quiver I would like to get a 10m C4 in a year or two because trying to boost yourself into orbit is fun!

What an awesome review! I haven't got a 12m but I'm really happy with my 10m Catalyst because it gets me out in 15knts when the waves are still clean - yet it handles like a smaller kite. As Darren said, relaunch is very easy - and almost instant if you pull the foam sleeve on either line when sheeted out. This has prevented some major poundings in heavy waves for my kites. See you out there soon

See ya soon Nath, in the 'O' zone!

Hey Nath, i've been riding the 6m on the surfboard in anything over 20knots. It's a brilliant, simple little kite. The extra speed and whip makes up for the expected loss of power you'd think you'd get dropping from the 10m to the 6m.
I've just ordered a 4m to boot! Rad kites.

Wow, 4m sounds tiny but I've heard good things about this size, it will be interesting to hear what you think. The term 'Cat on acid' comes to mind I know I've also found myself choosing my 6m on slightly lighter days just because it's so much fun to use. +25knt seabreeze tomorrow could be a chance to get it out.

Had one of he best sessions of this season yesterday on the 12M in approx 20+ knots, with some tidal assistance. The 12M Catalyst is by far my most favourite 12M kite this season. It just does not feel like a 12M, its definitely not slow, its super stable when you have to run towards it, super easy relaunch and big windrange, with one of the best bars to boot.