My trusty 8m 2011 Ozone Catalyst is now well loved and almost due for a replacement.

I'm looking for perhaps 2 new kites to join my current quiver of 11m 2012 Ozone C4, and 17m Ozone Zephyr. I was thinking a 7m and a 9m? Or even a 6m and a 9m.

I really enjoyed using my Catalyst, but I felt that in the higher winds I was using it in, it felt very whippy for its size and not very stable at all. I'm not sure if that was because of the wing shape, number of struts, etc etc.

What design aspect should I be looking for in a nice stable kite in those sizes? I'm moving more towards riding just twin tips for freeride, with more and more freestyle as I get better. I am starting to really like unhooking and popped tricks.

I'm looking at the newer C4 models, but other suggestions would be great. One thing I would like to steer clear of though is 5-lines. Although I am moving more and more towards freestyle, I kite in places with sometimes very large waves and want to keep it simple with 4 lines.

I had an 8m catalyst for 8 months and replaced it when I tested the 8m Liquid Force Envy, for what you want it is PERFECT- but you do lose the all out looping ability of any of the C kites (IMO).
Single line flagging 4 line as well so won't need a new bar (below the bar depower isn't for everybody)
Hope that helps, but I don't think you could really go wrong with a C4 if you were buying a 9 & 7. It's just going to be the more aggressive option and not many people are doing much but boosting and looping on 7m's

Agree with Eaglelad .When its strong freestyle is harder. get a small edge and boost ! stick with ozone [the best] lol

c4 is punchier than catalyst. I think you would hate i more than the cat in 8m winds.

I have a 8m 2012 cat and think its great. You need to pump them hard when its gusty or they can fold a bit. for tamer than cat in high winds look at reo. But thats not really a freeride kite.