Select to expand quoteGlokite said..
All good being able to hold down a 17 zephyr but its more fun being on a smaller kite that's powered and boosting then lol
Yeah of course it is... But what about when it's only windy like that for 5mins and then you gotta go in again because your kite is too small??? I would much prefer hold on for that little bit and then continue to kite on a 17 when others can't and that's exactly as I did.
Select to expand quotesir ROWDY said...Glokite said..
All good being able to hold down a 17 zephyr but its more fun being on a smaller kite that's powered and boosting then lol
Yeah of course it is... But what about when it's only windy like that for 5mins and then you gotta go in again because your kite is too small??? I would much prefer hold on for that little bit and then continue to kite on a 17 when others can't and that's exactly as I did.
True true
13-19 knots. At 82kg I would use either my 15m speed 3 if it the wind was more hovering around 13-15. if there was consistant gusts to 19 then I'd fire up my 13m edge.
Now the speed gives you way better grins 13-15. Your boosting powered and having fun. The edge holds it own 13-15 but for my amount of pies the grins start to occur at 16+
Now at 65kg you have had way less pies than myself. I would suggest that all you would need is the 13 edge. yourl be powered 13-15 on the 13 edge and when the 19 knot gust come through yourl be doing these massive gliding boosts!... Lots of fun.
If I compare the 13 edge to the 17 zep. the zep does get you out a knot or 2 earlier. But it gives up about 5 knots at the top end.
Also combining the light wind kite with a light wind board increases your grin factor. Have 2 boards on the beach and just change boards to suit. big door for sub 15 and then small board for the 15+
Select to expand quoteDl33ta said..pearl said..
^^^^^^^ Blade fat lady ^^^^^^^ (beat me by a secound) 
.. I'm getting great low end out of a 10m 2014 reo at my weight, so the blade is in buy and sell. We have a bit more puff down here than in the tropics though. At 65kg you have a few options
What's your weight and bottom end on the reo pearl? Was thinking of an 8, 10 combo myself?
Love the fat lady up to 12 knots, tried a different knot setting the other day and it goes even better.
First fat lady story. Last year I demoed a zephyr and fat lady. It wasn't back to back, but I felt the fat lady was a lighter, more agile kite. Although I love ozones, I purchased the fat lady as was also offered it for considerably less $ than the zephyr, to give blades a go. I'm 73 kg and only ride strapless surfboards. I can get going when there are no visible whitecaps, no current assist, but will only be mowing and struggle to hold ground 8- 10kn readings at lighthouse). I can ride waves 12kn and start to feel overpowered in 19kn. I'm in northern NSW so these are not tropical wind strength ranges. The problem for me with big kites and strapless surfboards is you end up where the kite wants you, and not where I would like to be on the wave. ie in light winds you will get maybe a single hit or re-entry. When it picks up, you can get pulled around. I feel it would suit a person who is strapped and more into jumping; or a heavier board rider than me.
Fast forward to this year. Sold a 6,8,10 reo combo (2013) and have 2014 reo 10, 7 combo. These 2 kites get me out in almost anything, but I won't be covered for high wind, storms as well as last season. I wouldn't go a 10 8 combo as they are a different powered kite this year. Last years just sat there and were great for just purely riding waves. This year they have more punt and surge on the bar. (they can still be drifted) I can get going on the 10 in 12kn on chunky board. A local instructor was out on light wind stuff the other day and I could match his tack on reo. Hence me getting rid of the fat lady. Too much overlap with the new reo. I just reach for it every time. With the benefit of hindsight and unlimited wallet, I would have chosen 9 7 5 reo. The sweet sizes feel lower down this year. A friend who was given a 6 8 10 12 combo and is heavier than me has been riding the 6 the most often. It has been a windy season here, but still he sold the 12 and is considering getting a 5. I'm shocked the range I get out of my 7m. So in answer to your question, I would get 10 7. Ask a retailers opinion as well.
Sorry to put reo stuff on your big kite thread. I'm not suggesting they replace a big kite for others as well. 
Select to expand quotepearl said..Dl33ta said..pearl said..
^^^^^^^ Blade fat lady ^^^^^^^ (beat me by a secound) .. I'm getting great low end out of a 10m 2014 reo at my weight, so the blade is in buy and sell. We have a bit more puff down here than in the tropics though. At 65kg you have a few options
What's your weight and bottom end on the reo pearl? Was thinking of an 8, 10 combo myself?
Love the fat lady up to 12 knots, tried a different knot setting the other day and it goes even better.
First fat lady story. Last year I demoed a zephyr and fat lady. It wasn't back to back, but I felt the fat lady was a lighter, more agile kite. Although I love ozones, I purchased the fat lady as was also offered it for considerably less $ than the zephyr, to give blades a go. I'm 73 kg and only ride strapless surfboards. I can get going when there are no visible whitecaps, no current assist, but will only be mowing and struggle to hold ground 8- 10kn readings at lighthouse). I can ride waves 12kn and start to feel overpowered in 19kn. I'm in northern NSW so these are not tropical wind strength ranges. The problem for me with big kites and strapless surfboards is you end up where the kite wants you, and not where I would like to be on the wave. ie in light winds you will get maybe a single hit or re-entry. When it picks up, you can get pulled around. I feel it would suit a person who is strapped and more into jumping; or a heavier board rider than me.
Fast forward to this year. Sold a 6,8,10 reo combo (2013) and have 2014 reo 10, 7 combo. These 2 kites get me out in almost anything, but I won't be covered for high wind, storms as well as last season. I wouldn't go a 10 8 combo as they are a different powered kite this year. Last years just sat there and were great for just purely riding waves. This year they have more punt and surge on the bar. (they can still be drifted) I can get going on the 10 in 12kn on chunky board. A local instructor was out on light wind stuff the other day and I could match his tack on reo. Hence me getting rid of the fat lady. Too much overlap with the new reo. I just reach for it every time. With the benefit of hindsight and unlimited wallet, I would have chosen 9 7 5 reo. The sweet sizes feel lower down this year. A friend who was given a 6 8 10 12 combo and is heavier than me has been riding the 6 the most often. It has been a windy season here, but still he sold the 12 and is considering getting a 5. I'm shocked the range I get out of my 7m. So in answer to your question, I would get 10 7. Ask a retailers opinion as well.
Sorry to put reo stuff on your big kite thread. I'm not suggesting they replace a big kite for others as well.
I have a 2013 Fat Lady, and really love it! It turns as quick as a good 12m and as I weigh 90kgs, I can get going on a twin tip in 10-12kts, so definitely gives me far more kiting days than I had using, say, a 14m. Using a 6' surfboard, I can easily
t
ru
ck upwind and then it feels a bit like sailing a slalom windsurfer. These pics were taken last summer and the wind was a steady 12kts, with no white caps.
That's funny Pearl as I have totally the oppose experience with big kite wave riding haha. I feel as though I have more range of motion and can do things that aren't typically possible for me when it's windier. Perhaps it's just the difference of locations we kite and the direction of the wind or something, or maybe the kite?
Select to expand quotesir ROWDY said...
That's funny Pearl as I have totally the oppose experience with big kite wave riding haha. I feel as though I have more range of motion and can do things that aren't typically possible for me when it's windier. Perhaps it's just the difference of locations we kite and the direction of the wind or something, or maybe the kite?
No you're just a lot better kiter than me. ! Definetly direction comes into it. But you are more all round with wake skate switch experience. I'm limited to just coming from surfing with no or gumby at best switch. I also don't unhook. I've just cut back to a simple quiver. That works for me. I always seem to put up a smaller kite than others around, so I would say it was me. I like the smallest kite I can tack up wind on for waves. Others hate riding underpowered. I guess it depends whether you want to punt big as well. U can have a go of my gear anytime, just careful with the thomo's.
Select to expand quotesir ROWDY said..
That's funny Pearl as I have totally the oppose experience with big kite wave riding haha. I feel as though I have more range of motion and can do things that aren't typically possible for me when it's windier. Perhaps it's just the difference of locations we kite and the direction of the wind or something, or maybe the kite?
Down the line doesn't work with big kites in light wind. you simply loose line tension. The wave can go faster than the wind theres no way to effectively drift a kite faster than the wind speed. You can loop like a madman but that sometimes isn't enough. High wind is the better for down the line riding. The kite can drift with the with the wind speed and the speed of the wave. plus you have ample wind to crank back upwind again.
But upwind wave riding is better in light wind. you now longer get pulled off the face or have to edge hard to stay on the face. You can ride the wave faces nicely without much impact from the kite. You can also use apparent speed from the wave crank a better upwind angle!.
PS this is for cross to cross on conditions.
Select to expand quoteGlokite said..
Can you use trx with ozone bar and lines??
Yes, but your inner spirit warrior will be happiest if you use an Ozone Zephyr 2013 on the end of that bar and lines.
Sir Rowdy and several other people all had a great time at Merrimbula on the Zephyr 2 weeks ago, there were other brands, mentioned in the thread here having a go, but none could match the Zephyr for bottom end and upwind ability.
Some kites have a "spinny" pivotal turn, and that will definitely drive you nuts, because they lose a lot of power when they turn like that. Yes they will turn faster (read tighter) than a Zephyr, but you will be sitting in the water when they do or go off the plane, as they are stall turning.
Others are just too heavy or inefficient, the best light wind inflatos have 5 thin struts and a well supported canopy, and I know for sure the Zephyr has better bottom end than anything else mentioned here as I've either tried them or kite side by side with other riders, when they end up downwind/or give up while I am still out riding.
Plus with a Zephyr, you can ride it unhooked, boost really well with long floaty jumps, kiteloop it and well endowed young women will adore you.
Select to expand quotePlummet said..
Down the line doesn't work with big kites in light wind. you simply loose line tension. The wave can go faster than the wind theres no way to effectively drift a kite faster than the wind speed. You can loop like a madman but that sometimes isn't enough. High wind is the better for down the line riding. The kite can drift with the with the wind speed and the speed of the wave. plus you have ample wind to crank back upwind again.
But upwind wave riding is better in light wind. you now longer get pulled off the face or have to edge hard to stay on the face. You can ride the wave faces nicely without much impact from the kite. You can also use apparent speed from the wave crank a better upwind angle!.
PS this is for cross to cross on conditions.
I gotta be annoying again and say I disagree haha. I find down the line to often work better with a big kite, because when it's really onshore with a big kite it's harder to edge it into the wind enough to get vertical. Down the line with a big kite for me is great, if the wind is a nice cross shore direction it will just follow me down the line the whole wave not really pulling much at all, but as Pearl pointed out maybe that is also due to the fact that I'm unhooked a lot.
p.s. Maybe you're right @Pearl but I think it comes down to location a bit and also maybe the un-hooked factor as you pointed out. Next time I see you I will take out the Tomo for sure.
Select to expand quoteKitepower Australia said...Glokite said..
Can you use trx with ozone bar and lines??
Yes, but your inner spirit warrior will be happiest if you use an Ozone Zephyr 2013 on the end of that bar and lines.
Sir Rowdy and several other people all had a great time at Merrimbula on the Zephyr 2 weeks ago, there were other brands, mentioned in the thread here having a go, but none could match the Zephyr for bottom end and upwind ability.
Some kites have a "spinny" pivotal turn, and that will definitely drive you nuts, because they lose a lot of power when they turn like that. Yes they will turn faster (read tighter) than a Zephyr, but you will be sitting in the water when they do or go off the plane, as they are stall turning.
Others are just too heavy or inefficient, the best light wind inflatos have 5 thin struts and a well supported canopy, and I know for sure the Zephyr has better bottom end than anything else mentioned here as I've either tried them or kite side by side with other riders, when they end up downwind/or give up while I am still out riding.
Plus with a Zephyr, you can ride it unhooked, boost really well with long floaty jumps, kiteloop it and well endowed young women will adore you.
Kitepower back up ozone. No matter what, because they make most profit from that brand, the griffin trx are half the price and do the same job as them. My advice is to demo them both, Chris will lend you one, and I doubt youl be buying an expensive ozone after this
Select to expand quotepearl said..Dl33ta said..pearl said..
^^^^^^^ Blade fat lady ^^^^^^^ (beat me by a secound) .. I'm getting great low end out of a 10m 2014 reo at my weight, so the blade is in buy and sell. We have a bit more puff down here than in the tropics though. At 65kg you have a few options
What's your weight and bottom end on the reo pearl? Was thinking of an 8, 10 combo myself?
Love the fat lady up to 12 knots, tried a different knot setting the other day and it goes even better.
First fat lady story. Last year I demoed a zephyr and fat lady. It wasn't back to back, but I felt the fat lady was a lighter, more agile kite. Although I love ozones, I purchased the fat lady as was also offered it for considerably less $ than the zephyr, to give blades a go. I'm 73 kg and only ride strapless surfboards. I can get going when there are no visible whitecaps, no current assist, but will only be mowing and struggle to hold ground 8- 10kn readings at lighthouse). I can ride waves 12kn and start to feel overpowered in 19kn. I'm in northern NSW so these are not tropical wind strength ranges. The problem for me with big kites and strapless surfboards is you end up where the kite wants you, and not where I would like to be on the wave. ie in light winds you will get maybe a single hit or re-entry. When it picks up, you can get pulled around. I feel it would suit a person who is strapped and more into jumping; or a heavier board rider than me.
Fast forward to this year. Sold a 6,8,10 reo combo (2013) and have 2014 reo 10, 7 combo. These 2 kites get me out in almost anything, but I won't be covered for high wind, storms as well as last season. I wouldn't go a 10 8 combo as they are a different powered kite this year. Last years just sat there and were great for just purely riding waves. This year they have more punt and surge on the bar. (they can still be drifted) I can get going on the 10 in 12kn on chunky board. A local instructor was out on light wind stuff the other day and I could match his tack on reo. Hence me getting rid of the fat lady. Too much overlap with the new reo. I just reach for it every time. With the benefit of hindsight and unlimited wallet, I would have chosen 9 7 5 reo. The sweet sizes feel lower down this year. A friend who was given a 6 8 10 12 combo and is heavier than me has been riding the 6 the most often. It has been a windy season here, but still he sold the 12 and is considering getting a 5. I'm shocked the range I get out of my 7m. So in answer to your question, I would get 10 7. Ask a retailers opinion as well.
Sorry to put reo stuff on your big kite thread. I'm not suggesting they replace a big kite for others as well.
Awesome info thanks!
As Austead said, just demo everything you can, then you will know for sure what is the best.
Some things to think about re large kites
High aspect kites are awesome for high speed and racing, the long and thin profile makes them fast in a line, great race kites. High aspect kites generate wind as speed increases, so the faster you go, the more wind you generate, the more power you get, the faster you go etc.... All races are won on high aspect kites like the ozone edge. High aspect kites jump higher also
BUT - The long thin profile also make it really hard to relaunch in light wind which can be a problem if you drop the kite out at sea on a light wind day ( long leading non curved LE will be much harder to turn onto a wing tip, drift on a wave is not good, turning speed is not the best.
A lower aspect kite ( Less thin, more fat, with curved leading edge ) can make the kite turn faster ( pivotal ), if it has a curved leading edge re launch is much easier because it can roll on a curved leading edge onto the wing tip and relaunch better in light winds, on waves drift heaps better. but if your in a race you will get left behind by the faster moving hight aspect kite. Low aspect kites have more float and softer landings on jumps, but less height
No pulleys can give a better direct feel to the kite, pulleys can wear over time and lines will need replacing
So
Ozone = High aspect no pulleys
Blade = low aspect and pulleys
TRX = low aspect No pulleys
if i was into racing i would get a high aspect, if I was into free ride and waves and a surfboard i would go for a low aspect.
Select to expand quoteKiteDesigner said..
Ozone = High aspect no pulleys
Holden = 2 doors, 4 Cylinders
The zephyr is really a compromise between your two extremes. High aspect no pulleys equals an edge really. The zephyr still affords dent static grunt you get with lower aspect kites, but you can then turn on the edge in it when needed. Therefore its not too bad in currents and in the ocean as well. Never had a problem relaunching the zephyr. But I agree with the extremes mentioned.
Hence demo and see what fits your riding style.
Ps I've ridden plenty of pulley kites that have direct feel lately so I'm not certain on the no pulley fad that is around at the moment. Don't let a pulley on a kite be a major factor in your decision, just ride it and see.
rode a few light wind kites, for fast turning the epic infinity or blade but this is as good as they get compared to the new zephyr, dont link the older model to the new its a completly different feeling kite, its not the fastest of all the big kites in the turn never tried the bottom end as im not a good lightwind rider , around 14knts im loving it and had it out mid 20s with no hassles, if your looking to improve your tricks then the new zephyr is a great kite for this, very forgiving with an instant power response when reqd, in the correct winds it feels like your hooked into a sky hook
So Kitepower, can I ask you this? Have you ridden the TRX and the Zeph back to back, and in the surf? I realize that you sell Ozone, and I have referred people to your shop when they are looking for specifically Ozone. But unless you have ridden both and felt the drift and turning speed of the Trx compared to the Zeph then you are just trying to sell your wares. I understand this is a business for you, but blanket statements like "inner spirit warrior will be happiest" is just plain bull****. Tell us why you feel that way after you have spend time on both, (and I have). I love the Zeph, but if I had to chose between the two kites to be out in the surf, hands down it would be the TRX. Ozone make brilliant kites, no question about that, but in the surf on light wind days, they are chalk and cheese. Try down looping that Zeph after a nice little boost off a wave and see where you end up.
Select to expand quoteKitepower Australia said..
Plus with a Zephyr, you can ride it unhooked, boost really well with long floaty jumps, kiteloop it and well endowed young women will adore you.
Yes yes, I know what ur saying. Was out on my new Zephyr the other day when this woman would noooot leave me alone.......
"Is that a Zephyr" she said..... "Have ur way with me now" she said.....nag, nag, nag
Select to expand quoteGilly3 said..Kitepower Australia said..
Plus with a Zephyr, you can ride it unhooked, boost really well with long floaty jumps, kiteloop it and well endowed young women will adore you.
Yes yes, I know what ur saying. Was out on my new Zephyr the other day when this woman would noooot leave me alone.......
"Is that a Zephyr" she said..... "Have ur way with me now" she said.....nag, nag, nag
I rest my case! 
@Dafish
Have you completely lost your sense of humour? Obviously I was taking the piss. I have not ridden the Zephyr and TRX back to back, but I have ridden side by side with a well known dealer of those kites and he ended up down wind and walking then gave up, I kept riding. I've witnessed similar recently at Merrimbula too, and at other place and times.
Zephyr's sell themselves, I just wanted to add my 2c worth, based on my experience.
If I was out in surf in light winds I would not be on either, I'd be on something better suited for the job like a Reo or Catalyst. The Zephyr turns just fine, but not pivotal and does not lose power in the turn, and could and has been ridden in surf, as others above have stated. If you think and prefer the TRX in the surf great, but please allow me to have the same right to state my opinion as you.
@kitedesigner
All kites develop more power as they fly across the wind. All kites develop more power due to apparent wind, not just higher aspect ratio kites. The Zephyr is a medium aspect ratio kite, the Edge is a higher aspect ratio kite.
Select to expand quoteGilly3 said..Kitepower Australia said..
Plus with a Zephyr, you can ride it unhooked, boost really well with long floaty jumps, kiteloop it and well endowed young women will adore you.
Yes yes, I know what ur saying. Was out on my new Zephyr the other day when this woman would noooot leave me alone.......
"Is that a Zephyr" she said..... "Have ur way with me now" she said.....nag, nag, nag
damn! empires have risen and fallen over such creatures...can't stop looking at it...I need a few minutes guys...
Really Dafish how can you expect some one who cannot feel the difference in performance of a kite due to extremes in air density to feel the difference that aspect ratio makes to the way a kite performs
@Dafish Have you completely lost your sense of humour? Obviously I was taking the piss. I have not ridden the Zephyr and TRX back to back, but I have ridden side by side with a well known dealer of those kites and he ended up down wind and walking then gave up, I kept riding. I've witnessed similar recently at Merrimbula too, and at other place and times. Zephyr's sell themselves, I just wanted to add my 2c worth, based on my experience. If I was out in surf in light winds I would not be on either, I'd be on something better suited for the job like a Reo or Catalyst. The Zephyr turns just fine, but not pivotal and does not lose power in the turn, and could and has been ridden in surf, as others above have stated. If you think and prefer the TRX in the surf great, but please allow me to have the same right to state my opinion as you.
Fair enough...I can smile now :) Humor is now back on board.
At least now you have commented on your comparisons, and how you reached your point. That was my point. Carry on!
Just out of curiosity, how low can you go with the cat or reo and what size?
Cheers
Select to expand quoteGilly3 said..Kitepower Australia said..
Plus with a Zephyr, you can ride it unhooked, boost really well with long floaty jumps, kiteloop it and well endowed young women will adore you.
Yes yes, I know what ur saying. Was out on my new Zephyr the other day when this woman would noooot leave me alone.......
"Is that a Zephyr" she said..... "Have ur way with me now" she said.....nag, nag, nag
the small bar caught my eye, try it on the correct bar its an even better reacting kite
Select to expand quoteGilly3 said..Kitepower Australia said..
Plus with a Zephyr, you can ride it unhooked, boost really well with long floaty jumps, kiteloop it and well endowed young women will adore you.
Yes yes, I know what ur saying. Was out on my new Zephyr the other day when this woman would noooot leave me alone.......
"Is that a Zephyr" she said..... "Have ur way with me now" she said.....nag, nag, nag
That dude is being so dangerous. he's going to land right on top of that photo shopped woman! at lease she is equipped with fun bags to absorb the impact.
Cheers cauncy, thanks for the heads up. I just went and measured it, but am a bit unsure where the measurement should be taken from. To outside of end caps is 60cm, inside end caps is 50cm. I have read on SB somewhere that it should be 54cm? but is that between the end caps? BTW if I do require a wider bar and this kite gets any better, I'm gonna have to go and have another w**k 
Select to expand quoteGilly3 said..
Cheers cauncy, thanks for the heads up. I just went and measured it, but am a bit unsure where the measurement should be taken from. To outside of end caps is 60cm, inside end caps is 50cm. I have read on SB somewhere that it should be 54cm? but is that between the end caps? BTW if I do require a wider bar and this kite gets any better, I'm gonna have to go and have another w**k
Measure the bar from where the leader lines exit the horns of the bar, and I'm talking about the kite bar. Should be 54cm, if not then you have a 50cm bar by the sounds of it and yeah the kite will be hard to turn.
Thanks KP, just went and re-measured it at the points you mentioned, and it is 54cm.
Phew........saved me some skin
