Rider: Weight 75kg, Level - 1 below pro
Style: Freeriding
Weather: 13-18 knots
Build Quality: 10/10
Satisfaction: 9/10
Disclosure: Ozone Australia brand manager and store owner

My Comments: This is a new design, not a tweaked version of the last 2 versions of the Zephyr.
Out of the bag, typical Ozone quality and finish. Weight of the kite has been kept to a minimum. There are no read bridle or front bridle adjustments on this kite, so I just connected 4 lines to it from a proto bar I'm testing, which is 50cm long. Zephyr is normally shipped with a 54cm bar.
I was riding an Airush Sector 60 (one design) board. When I launched and began riding the wind was so light that 10/12M kites could not stay upwind, riders on those kites could get on the plane but would end up downwind after a 250m run and have to walk back up the beach 50-100m, so not much wind.
I had no trouble at all in getting on the plane as would be expected with such a large board and kite. The immediate thing I noticed though was how high I could point and plane upwind, this is very different to the previous versions of the Zephyr which required a bit of technique to get upwind.
Eventually I crashed a gybe and then got stuck in some sort of weird turbulence about 750m from shore. As I was trying to get back on my board I was getting hit by strong gusts up around 18-20 knots which were shifting to my right, all I could do was keep flying the kite, and it flew in a complete 360 at about 11oclock, as it completed the rotation I was lifted completely out of the water and so I let go of the bar and the kite crashed onto the water LE down.
Hmmm board is now 30M upwind of me, wind is now back to 12-15 knots but the kite was super easy to relaunch. I just pulled on my left leader line and held it, the kite drifted a bit, then the tip lifted and it rolled up on the other tip and relaunched, dragging me another 5m from my board.
Spotted my board behind me and started what I thought would be a long slog back to retrieve the board, but I was there in 3 tacks!
Later an experienced kite racer was on the water and although I could not match his speed, I could get close to his upwind angle.
Very keen to try this kite on a TT now and see how it boosts, especially after seeing the intro video with Andy Yates in New Cal.
While I was out another Zephyr appeared, a red white blue version, rider was on a Cab Chopstick and also had plenty of power and great upwind angles, spoke to him later on the beach and he was just frothing about how good the kite felt.
Conclusion
In light winds I'm sure this kite will be a ton of fun and will increase a kiters water time a lot, and if the wind picks up a bit during a session, no problem, the Zephyr still has that big wind range it always had.
Super stable, had no trouble when i often fell off trying to gybe, kite only ended up in the drink once and was a cinch to relaunch from dead downwind. Flew fine on the 50cm bar but I think the 54cm will work better in super light winds. My guess is this kite will work for me on the Sector from 8 knots through to 18 knots which is an impressive wind range for a 17M kite.
I gave it 9/10 on the satisfaction because its a big kite and I still prefer the performance of 9-12M kites.

Ta Steve, so apart from it's upwind ability compared to the previous models any other noticeable differences...presume though this will come more clear when on a TT.

I've got the 2012 model and never struggled up wind, what are the issues people have with this?

I think the lower end of the zephyr they struggled...but it seems they have built in better bottom end in this zephyr. That's what I think steve means...I may be wrong.

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EnglishCraig said...
I've got the 2012 model and never struggled up wind, what are the issues people have with this?

Me too, I've never had an issue going upwind on the Zephyr 1 or 2, and especially the 2 (last years 2012 version). I saw some people struggle with upwind on Zephyr 1, these were all people that choked the kite and pulled the bar in constantly to try and get more power. They did not discover that letting the bar and and pointing downwind initially to get on the plane and generate some speed and apparent wind then made it easy to go upwind.
The Zephyr3 2013 is very different, it has bottom end grunt and lots of lift so that it gets you going upwind very easily.

@Eppo, like I said I rode it for 2+ hrs on a Sector60, had a lot of fun, but never did a jump and tested the jump potential or the turning effort and radius, once I do ride it again on a TT I'll post again.

Only in its high upper limits and lower limits have I found it lacking in its upwind abilities, but compared with the edges it for sure isn't as good, maybe that's why they've built in the edge into the new zephyr,

, but compared with the edges it for sure isn't as good, maybe that's why they've built in the edge into the new zephyr,



I wouldn't say maybe, I would say for sure....

Hi guys, that was me on the Red, White & Blue Zephyr. I have to say this is my first Zephyr & I really didn't know what to expect. I'll do the best I can to describe my experience. Ive never flown the Edge, so I cant make a comparison. I've just got the two 2013 Catalysts. Conditions seemed absolutely perfect, around 15 Knts. This is where I struggle a bit with my 12m. Went straight from KP across the road to the Bay. It was like Christmas day getting the Zephyr out of the bag. Took no time to inflate. This is the first thing that surprised me . I've seen guys take 10 minutes to inflate some 17m kites using an electric pump. The lines are 27 Lm & bar is 55cm. I was really bracing my self when it launched from beach but it was smooth. Have a 139 x 42 chopstick. Water start was also extremely smooth. Feel of bar through turns was soft but very quick & responsive. Going up wind with this board was completely effortless. I've got a Shinn 150 King George & Monk FE coming this week so can't wait to try these. Didn't have any trouble with the gusts low or high. There were a few gusts around 20 Knts but didn't at any time feel like i had to depower. The Zephyr was just planted there. It was like a prima ballerina on the end if my lines not a 3 Ton truck. I was out for about 45mins but my confidence & comfort level was so high I wanted to go right through Botany Bay heads into the open ocean. It was an exhilarating ride. Can't wait to get out there below 15 knts with the bigger board . Unfortunately can't comment on jumps & tricks , I'm not at that level yet but the Zephyr will help me progress on so many levels. Cheers

Great to hear Jason, I know you took a punt on this kite with very few if not any reviews. Stoked it worked out for ya! Waiting on some TT reviews now. Blowing to hard to me to bother demoing it this week, but I will.

I got the 2010 zephyr I go up wind quite well, my light weight prob helps with that, in fact I progressed some much on my zephyr then the cabrinha SB 09 14m. I learn upwinds, tacking, tieside, back roles, front roles, poping, kite loop transitions, even tried jumping kite loops ( but that doesn't work unless you jump high enuf from what I learnt haha)
Go zephyrs!! I gotta save up for the 2013 model

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eppo said...
Great to hear Jason, I know you took a punt on this kite with very few if not any reviews. Stoked it worked out for ya! Waiting on some TT reviews now. Blowing to hard to me to bother demoing it this week, but I will.

Hi Eppo, I've been kiting since last August & feel a light wind kite will double my hours of experience on the water. The majority of kites I've seen on light wind days have been mainly the Zephyr, Lots of Edges/race boards & couple of Cores. The Zephyr ticks all the boxes for me & I'm not in any rush to change from twin tips to race boards. I guess for me it's a just a progression to a another level made easier by the fact I'm very happy with the Ozone brand & all the great advice I get from the dedicated staff down at Kite Power.

Rider: Weight 75kg,
Style: Cruising
Weather: 10-15 knots
Build Quality: 10/10
Satisfaction: 10/10
Disclosure: I work for Kitepower QLD.

I thought i'd found the best ever light wind kite when the original Zephyr came out back in 2010. Then I do recall us saying that the new Core XRLW was the best ever light wind kite in 2011. And 2012 saw the Core XR2 LW – which was the best ever light wind kite. Last week we had three 2013 Ozone Zephyrs rock up on the shop floor. You guessed it, BEST LIGHT WIND KITE EVER!!!!

This time, I'm not kidding. You can talk to the two lucky owners of those Zephyrs – Daryl and Dave. You can talk to the 11 individual (and independent) riders who had a demo of the new Zephyr last weekend at our demo day. All of them came back with huge smiles, nothing but praise and it wasn't even 15 knots!

But here's a proper review of the kite for those of you who are really keen to hear what it was REALLY like.

So a light wind kite is supposed to do a few things. It's meant to be powerful. It's meant to fly in light winds. To do that, you need to have a clean and efficient shape with no drag, flutter or silly things pulleys hanging in the air to hold it back. Check, check and check. A telltale sign of a great kite is the fact that it doesn't have much wingtip flutter in the turns (and CERTAINLY not in level flight).

The Zephyr is rock solid, and that positive turn is what really becomes apparent the moment you flick this kite into the window. It pulls steadily, recovers from the dive with a gentle pull on the bar, and then settles into straight line flight with no effort at all.

Like Steve said above - the old Zephyr “required a bit of technique to get upwind.” The new one doesn't. While it's no Edge in terms of upwind sorcery (we still don't know how that kite does it!) You'll be more than impressed with how simple it is to get back to where you started. That's what light wind riding is all about right? I won't get into how exactly to ride upwind on it, basically just stand there. It's as simple as that.

Relaunch? I didn't crash it, but out of 11 independent demo'ers – most of them did. And I never heard a single mention of it. Something tells me it wasn't a big deal. Either that or the jellyfish were a bigger problem than getting the kite out of the water. With such a clean design and top quality fabric that Ozone use, water just beads off it anyway so I'm sure it relaunches as well as a Catalyst.

Top end? This is a funny one actually… Those of you who know Daryl know he'll be the guy in 25 knots on his old Zephyr. So when a southerly buster loomed on the horizon we weren't at all surprised to see him with the new one pumped up on the beach. Around the time he came in (mostly in the air) the wind had hit 30 knots. Admittedly that was beyond ridiculous, but Daryl said he was comfortably until it got over 25 knots. Same as the old Zephyr. Perfect!

Low end? It's not any lower than the old ones, I mean – short of filling your kites with helium (no, not really… It doesn't work) you can't get any lower than 5 knots with a big board. The difference between the old Zephyr and the new one is the fact that you can ride upwind easily and be comfortable in those low winds. Threshold winds as Cabrinha would say…

As for jumping and freestyle… Hey, I wear Nitrous shorts now. I don't do rolly-polys anymore. But I did jump it and went about 3m high. What do you expect in 10 knots? I saw Daryl about 15m up though once the wind hit – he's still up there.

So I really enjoyed it. I thought it was a fantastic big kite and I'd love to have one in my personal quiver for the light days. I'd feel comfy handing it to a learner (I did!) and knowing they'd be able to handle it. I'd also hook up to it with a raceboard and feel pretty competitive in the light air.

Now I know there's no negatives here - and I tried... I really did... Because most of you guys like my reviews because I DO point out the bad bits. But i just can't find any.

Nice review Rhys. Any of the other guys keen on writing what they thought...like mad Daryl...how much does this guy weigh!

here is another nice little review about the Zephyr from a former world champ who never rode a bridled light wind kite before.

www.intheloopkiteboarding.com/ozone-zephyr-2013-review

Got out today on the zephyr in the pond (Westoz), Won't double up on everything else that was said.

Started around 10 to 12 knots on my mako king only on a 50cm bar which I hadn't adjusted the knot under the floats. Still able to stay upwind easily enough, but lacked punch. Changed to shortest knot and different experience altogether.

First thought was this zephyr sits somewhere between the New 2013 Catalyst and the edge. Developed more apparent wind than the cat, but less than the edge. Very smooth, very consistent, very stable, very ozone!

To make this clearer, there wasn't enough to warrant any kind of jump, and yet (those who know the pond) one tack out to the weed bank and back I was hitting the shoulder of the point and having to bear downwind to get back inside the pond. This is testimony to the apparent wind build up and the edge DNA built into this kite.

Wind picked up to 12 to 13/14 and now I was nicely powered. Started to throw down a few of my gay ass style hooked in stuff. Forward roll transitions with a forward loop. Back roll with back loop transitions, some one foot board offs..I know I know I'm an old school tragic!

Nice floaty jumps and plenty of time in the air to adjust accordingly, but was a little slow on the loop.

Changed to a bigger bar ( the one it comes with) and the loops were noticeably easier to execute as you would expect.

While I didn't do any unhook ( too old, to gay and not good enough for that) tricks it is easy to see why the promotion video shows this. This is a very stable canopy and not unlike the new C4 you can feel where the kite is through out the loop.

Got on an axis vanguard TT (nice board hey, wish I had got on the smaller carbon board but got the call for the war office and has to go) which has excellent pop, and the back roll back loops were as easy as they are on a much smaller kite. The kite would drag you through the rotation just right.

A fella who has a quiver of edges and catalysts also demoed this kite and when I left him to it was relatively convinced that when he got his new 19m edge ( he weighs a fair bit more than me, must be near 90kg?) was convinced he would be changing his 17m edge over to the zephyr. When I left is was blowing probably 15 to 18 ? Plenty of whitecaps and he was still very comfortable.

It seems they have designed a much better bottom end in this kite and yet maintained that top end zephyr riders have always enjoyed.

So it seem this kite has enough apparent wind edge like built into it to respond to an efficient board ( didn't test this but easily predicted on what I experienced) and yet will still afford a degree of freeride and freestyle.

Guys they have done a good job with this kite hey. Worth a demo for sure.

Would I buy one at 75kg, yes, if my marriage wasn't important to me and I didn't have a 14m cat on order ( present from the wife for my 40th).

Don't know how many retailers have a demo on offer but I just cracked a brand new zephyr which is available across from the pond at Westoz. Love to hear your thoughts after you've ridden it.

Ps some clarification on the wind, it was not driven much by a thermal Seabreeze. Maybe driven more by the weather coming. For example tried to go out down Mandurah on a 10m edge on a skim board 4knots lighter and couldn't stay upwind even though there was some whitecapping. In short wind was gutless today.


Pss further thoughts, I have a gut feeling that ozone may one day make smaller size zephyrs, as an almost free ride edge. So REO, cat, free ride edge (zephyr) and an edge. I think the zephyr in smaller sizes would just slow the kite across the window enough to make an awesome free ride kite.

Had a go on an old Underground 1.52 x 44 with the 2013 Zephyr today, on the correct size bar and lines - 54cm x 27M lines.
Wind was 9-14 EAST to ESE, with tide working against me, so losing a knot or so (at Kurnell).
Bad wind in close as its slightly cross off in that wind, but was able to get going. Stayed out for about 30 mins, ended up downwind at the Cat Club, walked back up to knobheads place and went one groin up, had one run and came back in.
Verdict, bottom end on this board is around 10-11 knots, its was the holes and lulls that killed my ability to stay upwind.
Had my sector 60 there but was not confident enough in the wind or my ability to get back to it if I stuffed a gybe (likely).
Super stable kite, even in these flukey conditions it never felt like it would fall out of the sky.
Then it was beer o'clock.

Had another long session today, basically same wind strength without the holey slight offshore direction. Today was all ENE or NE, smooth wind ranging from 9/11 to 13/15, had no trouble staying upwind and doing some jumps and transitions. In the lighter winds I switched from an Axis Vanguard 1.32 to an Axis Patrol 1.44 x 46, kited for hours, mowed a lot of lawn. Amazed at the turning speed, upwind ability, and super stability.
Then it was beer o'clock again.

Rider 95 kg, freeriding boosting downwind and upwind excursions. Saturday winds 11/17 knots 4 hour demo, Sunday 12/20 knots 3 hour demo
Thanks Jason Westoz demo Safety bay pond. Used Axis Patrol light wind tt. 55 cm bar 25 m lines.
Red and white zephyr 17 looks superb in the air, great design and shape, stands out in the crowd. A superb smooth and stable kite in 11/20knots no depower in flat water. Straight line board speed fast, equal with guys on smaller kites. Slightly less developed power than my edge 17(which is being traded for 19 edge) , I found it easier to go upwind on the zephyr. Bar pressure light similar to edges and catalysts, both off which I kite with. For me 14/16 knots into boosting, around 10/15 feet high and 30 downwind drift leaves room for plenty freestyle tricks.17 knots + timing correct 20 foot high 50 foot drift. Easy to boost and down loop above your head or slightly lower in front off you and gently down onto the water. It is smooth in boosting similar to edges and cats. Kite turns faster than 17 edges and slower than cat 14 and is responsive and easy to turn. Relaunch very easy and tested it. With a zephyr bar and 27m lines I feel 8/11 knots on a sector 66 will be achievable. Conclusion, kiting is my addiction and Ozone kites is my chosen brand. This is worth a demo. Thanks Westoz , can I have a new red and white zephyr 17 for easter, great forecast for weekend

Hello all

Question about zephyr 2013 bar pressure:
rcr46401 mentones that bar pressure is close to edge and catalyst. I haven't ride those kites. How is the bar pressure compared to C4's? I have 2011 9m2 and 2013 12m2. For me 2011 feels better with lower bar pressure. Can someone how has ridden C4's and zephyr give me more info?

Thanks
Juha

Same bar pressure as the edge. Nah that's bull****e, its heavier, but just right really. Very good feedback making it very easy to let the kite fly forward in the window then pull that bar in and the static grunt kicks in. And yet it is all done with ultra smoothness. That bar pressure is also perfect when back roll back looping, transitions with roll kite loops and even looping on a decent jump as you know exactly where the kite is at all times....kinda like the C4 in that regard. I can see why some guys unhook. The only thing is from watching an out and out unhooked boots kinda powered guy in Bali past two weeks the zephyr does not give you that slack in the lines a C4 or even a cat will give you. The higher aspect (edge) DNA kicks in and the slack is taken up with forward flying through the window. But for a freerider this is just what you want. If ya want to learn your unhooked moves go a cat then maybe a zephyr. Basically don't try and learn them on a zephyr...well you can but those handle passes can be tricky unless you are really dialled in...we all can't ride like Andy Yates.

It probably has the same bar pressure as the new C4, but remember its a bloody 17m kite, that's a lot of canopy man ripping through and down into the power zone.

I have ridden 3 to 5 hours a day on a TT in wind in tropical wind that requires a deft touch (just no balls, I am so looking forward to getting over powered back home when I get back, I like to ride with too much power then control not the other way), and I have not found the bar pressure a problem at all.

Reckon it has maybe less bar pressure than the cat, when turning the kite, but marginal. But oh my the power delivery shts on the cat from a very very large height.

It has that ozone smoothness I have grown the love not the mindless immediate grunt fk I find on the cat.

But hey each to their own.

As puertz said "there is nothing I can fault on this kite, nothing". He's spent a fair bit of time looking for alternatives being such a big guy at 120kg and the zephyr is on the list of potentials. Personally I've ridden a lot of kites and I say good luck finding a better one for what he wants.

Maybe the limited edition dyno based on the 2011, north are thinking of doing, but apart from that, can't see him finding anything else.

We will see I suppose.

Thanks Eppo for the answer. I'm bit worried if the bar pressure is at same level as 2012 C4. What size C4 have you tested? I keep asking because i'm really interested about Zephyr but don't want kite with heavy bar pressure.

PS i tested 2012 Best TS 17m2 and i feel it has less bar pressure than my C4 12m2.

Been on the 2011, 2012 and 2013 C4 all with increasing bar pressure as they become far more C orientated.

You gotta get on one really yourself to see rag regards the zephyr. Funny after 9 days it just become the normal to be on a 17m kite, didn't even think I was on a big kite in the end. Weird how we adjust hey.

Tell ya got back on the edge today after being on the zephyr for 10 days, just not feeling the love hey, damn it. Keep losing the bloody thing on multiple rotations, especially coming out with a transition loop, just got my ass smashed today. Totally lost it in the window! I'm on the middle setting gonna try it on the the highest bar pressure, see if I can get more feel when in the air. Bar pressure has it advantages man.

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RedStar said...
Thanks Eppo for the answer. I'm bit worried if the bar pressure is at same level as 2012 C4. What size C4 have you tested? I keep asking because i'm really interested about Zephyr but don't want kite with heavy bar pressure.

PS i tested 2012 Best TS 17m2 and i feel it has less bar pressure than my C4 12m2.

Demo a 17m core.

The Core is great for light wind down winders,but a shocker for going up wind...more skull dragging power than any other kite I have flown...but that's no good if you can't direct that power up wind.If you demo it make sure you do a warm up and stretch because after 30 minutes into trying to wrestle that kite up wind my previous shoulder injury from riding old switchblades re- emerged and my back was very stiff for the next 2 days.
I think edges will beat everything up wind...once they are dialled in by the rider and tuned properly.. There unstopable for speed and boost in light wind.The zephyr is marginally behind for speed and boost by a fraction,but certainly better than the edge for freestyle and free ride tricks. I demo the zephyr and the edge when I bought and that little extra speed when the wind was really light was the difference between boosting and or doing some piss ant jump!

One of the guys down in Vic was always out on his 16m Liquid Force (NRG?), and said it had really light bar pressure. Perhaps have a look at one of those?

Yeh the cores are good hey, little to low aspect for me though. The zephyr has such a nice blend to allow some trickery and then get you upwind.

No doubt the edge will out point most things at speed. But if you are willing to slow things right down and nugget that window to wrap around as far as you can, it is no slouch going upwind. The static grunt also makes it much easier through slight lulls or if you edge to hard to keep moving upwind. The edge still required correct trimming and board control. Edge too hard and she shoots to the edge of the window and you can lose speed...more technical for sure. Both awesome kites.

Nrg yeh the 2014 I have herd has no pulleys, direct connection, smaller bridals and changed tips for faster turning. Can't wait to try one.

I had not ridden my Core 17LW for a while then got it out for a light wind session 2 weeks ago. I had forgotten how good it was. with all the hype about the new Zephyr i was going to demo one, but i had a ball on the core. didnt find it a fight at all and went up wind no problem(i know not as good as an edge but still good). prob just a little different technique needed.
saying that... my friend has just bought a 2013 Zeph and will be flying it back to back next light wind session. so im really looking forward to that. im no die hard Core fan (in 2011 they were the best LEI around), so ill have an open mind.

oh and im now in the Edge club :) with a 9m for winter. What size bar do you guys use for the 9m? I have the 50cm ozone contact bar

ill let you know how i go with the Zeph and the 9m

Kitch

50cm bar all good.

Get ready, get set....booooooooooooossssssttttt. 9m a bloody corker size.

Get it out in 30 knots man, pow!

Hi Eppo Just bought my Zephyr. Unfortunately the wind has been too light in Perth. What settings are you running?
Cheers Craig

Shortest knot mate. Can't stall an ozone kite, except the REO at times. Kite only has one attachment point.

Only when its really really Tonkin and I'm on the edge do I use the middle knot. Jumps better on that setting.

Too light! Looked out the window today at all?