Rider: Weight,Level (intermediate)
Style: Freeriding, Surf,
Weight: 90kg Dry (NO Beer)
Weather: 8-35+ knots
Kites: Ozone 2011 Zephyr 17m, 2009 North Rebel 14m, 2010 North Rebel 10m,
Boards: Underground FLX 135, Cardboards Glide 139, North Whip 5ft 7in,
Disclosure: (Not a sponsored or shop rider)

Hi guys and girls I have recently purchased second hand a 2011 Zephyr 17m after a demo and loved it. My old North Rebel 14 metre has seen better days.
I am thinking of upgrading my 14m and 10m rebels to fill the gap between the 17m Zephyr. The Zephyr can easily go to 22knots and I am still laughing I usually change down to the 10 metre rebel.

Question 1: Do I upgrade the 14 metre and 10 metre to:
17 Metre Zephyr, 12 Metre Rebel, 9 Metre Rebel , 7 Metre rebel:
Considering I ride the The North whip a fair bit and the difference between the 10 Metre rebel and the 9 Metre rebel is minimal on a surfboard.
Or
Is there anything out there I should demo that will suit the Zephyr 17 Metre and I can build a quiver around and are as good as the rebel (I do like them).

Cheers Guys

17 should easily overlap the 10, don't waste your time on the 14.
With the right low end board you should cover 8 to well into the 40kts with 17,10,7.

If you want to ride above 30 on your surfboard might want a 5 or more forgiving 6 though

Thanks NickT yeah 10 and 7 on the surfboard is really nice

The 2011 Ozone Zephyr has got your interest? Then get a demo of the 2012 C4's or the Edge IMO.

I see Ozone have C4 and Edge 15m kites, how would they compare to the Zepyher as a lightwind wind kite?

Just wanted to say.......I love my Zephyr too
Has saved many a day when the wind hasnt kicked in!!!
Including a trip to Fiji, where I would have been sitting on the beach waiting and waiting with just my 12m for days on end

Agree with NickT......riding a sufrboard, go the 10 & 7

Select to expand quote

jacinto said...

I see Ozone have C4 and Edge 15m kites, how would they compare to the Zepyher as a lightwind wind kite?

For lighter riders say in the 75-85kg range, the 15M Edge is all you need, if you are 90kg and above the 17 Zephyr is hard to beat.
The 15M C4 has less bottom end than the Edge, but turns quicker and tighter, so in the right hands and matched with a big board this kite can get someone in the 75kg weight range going in 11/12 knots, similar to the Edge 15M.
Edge is better upwind and for floaty jumps.

Thanks hopey I am going to pick up a second hand 2011 7 metre maybe a rebel I do like them for freeride and surf... I would like to try the ozones out in 10 meter and 7 meter I like the idea of the reo but I cant justify just surfing with them... I am planning a trip to fiji as well with the family where did you go and what gear didi you take.

HappyG

Digressing a bit from the initial post, but hey its your thread

My trip to Fiji was a family holiday, went with a group of friends, organised by the wives, I didnt really have much input. But we stayed at Malolo Island Resort on Malolo Island, which was a geat little resort for a family holiday, plenty to keep the kids amused, but I wouldnt recommend it as a kiting destination however.

I took both my 12m Cab & 17m Zephyr and one twintip (Shinn Monk 135x44).
We were there in late Sep / early Oct, at the end of the trade winds, and given the location of the resort it was probably protected a little on the NW tip of the island from the prevailing winds. However thanks to the mighty Zephyr I kited 4 days on Malolo. I didnt use the 12m at all on Malolo, possibly could have, but I was the only kiter there, and was a little worried about the strong currents that were ripping past just beyond the reef and where it dropped off into the deep blue yonder!. With the currents and the wind running in the same direction it was a struggle at times to hold ground even on the Zephyr. The beach was very narrow with overhanging trees / palms and not an easy spot to launch and land, particularly with the Zeph's 27m lines. But in saying all that, was glad I took my gear, and had a few great sessions kiting over reef which I hadnt done before.

We also stayed 3 nights at Denaru, and I got out on the 12m on 2 of those days in front of the resorts there in probably 20knts or so. Not a great place to kite either, brown sand, murky brown water, chop (reminded me of home...Brighton / Sandgate in Brissy ). Again I never seen any other kiters while there either, and kited solo both on Malolo and Denaru.

Take your gear no matter where your going, Murphy would state that if you dont take it, youll regret it

Self launching on Malolo, limited room, light winds, other beach users


Brown water and chop Denaru

*Denarau

Thanks for the info Hopey yea totally digressing but it does show the strength of the zephyr when you are travelling because if it is real light there is nothing better... Going to take the Zephyr 17 a 10 and 7 a 2 twintips and 2 surfboards. Does not matter where I go I can always get a boat to take me around and the surf is sooo good. Your right though if you don't take it it will blow... Happened to me in WA bloody idiot I was... Great surfing though... Cheers