87 kgs 139x41 board- no brand /shop affiliations

Just bought a new 2007- with bar and line OR "one" kite in 12 m- $950. I thought it was a bit of a bargain , and had to get one . I have a 2007 hybrid 12m and a 16 m SB2 2007, so I didn't really need another kite- especially in winter, but I got it anyway. It does fit a hole in the medium winds , betweeen the fast, but top end hybrid, and the slow and tow boat like 16 bow. The OR ONE is a flat bow- apparently the flattest on the market. As such it is extremely grunty for its size. I had it out in northerly 18 knots, and it really felt super powered up all the time. It's grunt hits hard, and immediate- feeling like the hybrid does in 24+ knot winds.

It is built very strongly,- I ditched it in the surf, and it got worked for 10 minutes without damage. the bridles are long , like the sb2, which works against it when crashed in a surf zone- they can tangle , and the kite can fold inside of them.

Relaunch is ok, takes a solid pull on the side handles to get it to turn and refly.
depower takes getting used to - it is a bit all or nothing- let out a little, and it depowers alot- the hybrid is more gradual- just teething issues though

it has a good flagging out point- on the centre line, in front of the trim pulley, and the trim cleat is on the chicken loop- like the slingshot bar- which is great for on the fly adjustments.

turning is quick for a bow, with a little of the lag in power when in the first part of the turn, but not too bad at all- just a "getting used to" issue.

the leash can be attached to the trim line on the chicken loop- again like the SS bar.

I bought it because it delivers as a very grunty and solid 12 m kite, with a huge wind range. it flies in very little wind- again maintaining the low end by its flat profile.

no hindenburgs so far- even in light gusty.

STRONG points- very grunty, solid build, one pump with isolating valves, good bar, great safety, looks fantastic in black grey and white- really nice looking - well appointed kite/ bag/ bar.

WEAK points-
1.depowers too quickly - giving an on/off feel (maybe just needs some trim adjusting though?)

bow style means it turns like a bow...albeit a fast turn , but still hard to go back to from a hybrid.

SUMMARY- would I buy one for full price ? probably but only if I wanted a single kite. I think it will be my travel kite.

Good review, I often wonder have the ocean rodeo's go. Not real popular around here. Be interesting to see what you think of it 6 months down the track. $950 is an absoulute bargin, can't really go wrong for that price.

Cheers,

Barrie