At 97kg which kite would be a better option for the following wind range and boards: 8-12 knots with a big skimboard and 11-25 knots with a twin tip. The Catalyst 14m or the Zephyr 17m?
I would like to know if at my weight the Catalyst would stay upwind with a big board in 8-10 knots.
I´m only getting one kite and already have the two boards so I´m trying to make the best out of it.
I´m interested into waves, big jumps & hang time.
Hope you can give me some feedback.
Thanks.
I have the zephyr 2010 . At 8-12 knots i dont believe you have an option with the catalyst 14. Maybe with a huge directional :) (i dont have a clue about skimboards but i go upwind with an underground kipuna 6,2 from 7 knots and i am 80 kgr)
Same thing for that 11-25 knots. i have tryed the high end of the kite at 20 knots , yes its safe enough (still risk) to be on that air but you dont enjoy at all. the grunt is so much that you really need to put effort on both legs to hold ground :)
I would go for a zephyr for your low wind courses then a catalyst 12 . If you want to cover the range 8-25 biggest chances for the top range has the 14th
Thank you adrood, There is a lot of feedback towards the bottom and high end of the Zephyr and almost all are good reviews, but there in almost none about the Catalyst 14m.
I think the Zephyr is better for light wind conditions because it is meant for it, but still very curious about the Catalyst 14m since according to the ozone wind range chart, they both are on the same high and bottom ends. I thought this could only be possible because of the weight reduction in the Catalyst by only having 3 struts instead of 5.
I think I would prefer a smaller kite if don´t needing to sacrifice bottom end. But also have heard that the zephyr does not behave like a huge kite usually does.
I don´t know if someone has tested both kites in their low ends, or the Catalyst 14m, and could tell us their opinion.
About the skimboard, you should test one, they can be pretty fun on light wind days and can get you started riding strapless if you haven´t yet.
yes i saw that but fact is that its the shape of the zephyr that will add more apparent wind and no backstall at all , and you my friend are a heavy rider. thing is that the zephyr really flies different from most kites out there. if you turn it 2 fast you lose power but if you do smooth 8's and have a "speedy" board at your feet its a monster.
Not a freestyle kite , you need to adjust your style to do tricks
Now for sure I´m going for the Zephyr, because I have to drive 3 hours to my nearest spot (Acapulco, México) on weekends and the avarege winds there are from 8 to 15 knots. I would hate to drive up there and have to miss a sesh because my kite is not big enough.
Will let you know how did it went.
Thank you for your help.