I got to see a new model 8m Reo handle a 40+ knot gust today from close range. I had just got tea-bagged on a 7m C kite and I was heading downwind towards Dave's Reo and too close for comfort. It briefly and very loudly folded almost in two, blew him off his strapless surfboard but he didn't go for a long flight and the kite went back to normal pretty quickly. He probably sheeted out so much that it briefly inverted. Not a criticism of the kite, just interesting. Certainly beats an uncontrolled lofting.
If you load em up past their design point they will fold in half. Usually it's done by a slack line followed by powering up in the power zone. Did to my 8m cat last week. My 6reo was making some foldy noises yesterday in a 40 knot squall. But it didn't fold.
I think it may be a 3 strut thing.
You have to pump them up far ken hard when the wind is cranken. That seems to limit folding.
maybe ozone should speak to LF and see how they've managed to do it?
****, if ozone only release products that have been thoroughly tested, then there must be A LOT of c.r.a.p on the market from other companies... haha
The long leash is still sold as an accessory. Ozone think that the new short leash will suit the majority of customers, and they seem to be one of the few brands making a stand about the placement of leashes on the back of harnesses. (leashes on the back of harnesses for most people is stupid and dangerous)
@ Bigezee Soft bar ends are coming. No idea when, and I'm as shattered as you because I had a proto bar that I was testing and we never had any issue with it, but someone in a school in Egypt had (safety) issues with them, so that design was canned. Ozone had more than one design in prototyping so hopefully plan B is not too far away.
I'm not fussed about the bar ends , it's just annoying to hear of another set back to the development of a better bar.
I bought a new ion leash for passes as the existing leash is already too short when attaching it to the front of the spreader bar. Steve- I ended up ditching the handle pass system and opt for this safer option as I regularly get a line twisted around the bar end. All good peoples
Col depends where you attach your leash, how you hold your bar and if you unhook. I mainly hold my bar on a wave in my left hand in the centre & use a sliding hook so I like connecting at front or side but need enough length for the slide from attachment point to chicken loop. If you unhook your going to need extra length (test by stretching out your arm) then measure from top of chicken loop to safety attachment.
surely that leash does not come standard with the ozone range?? I'm guess you'll get a standard (long) leash with the C4's (SURELY!)
That Reo looks so freshhhhhh. I want one!
.. nice looking new Ozone bar with push away release, can you still unswivel the front lines on this new setup?
I laid out the new 10m between the 2013 8m & 12m. After 1/2 hour of studying I realised the leading edge doesn't lay down on a new kite the way it does on a used one. You have to draw the leading edge back 2" on a used ones to get the same front canopy seam in the same position. I think this has caused considerable confusion. Doing this the 10m looks exactly the same aspect, & it looks 11m, not any less. When Ozone said the 7 feels similarly powered as the original 8, I think they just couldn't bring themselves to say the words. A pity.
I've used it on flat water only, in overpowered conditions, depowered by 1/2. Again, I was just thinking, this is an 11m! Goes great. You already know that. Seems very light on the bar. I think the short leash needs to be attached at the end of the spreader, not at the hook, and I think 2" extra length may be good.
Only problem is my quiver's in turmoil now, but someone in the local area had to be the guinea pig.
@ stE
yup the new leash swivel makes it even better, you can untwist the front lines very very easily, and the bonus is the leash line just unspins on the swivel, not more leash twisting, which is perfect for schools or folks who Don't unhook that often.
AMPED on the new QR, looks and more importantly feels really nice and easy to use.
Had some time on 10m reo. There is absolutely no flutter in canopy anymore compared to old models. Feels solid and direct. Very predictable turning. Don't know how he does it without the pulleys. I have on fastest lightest setting. (I hate bar pressure, it's one of the reasons I ride reos) It feels a knot or two more powerful. I didn't fly back to back with old model, so not sure on turning speed. Definitely felt smoother, but I don't think it was any faster. Overall you can tell your on a new model. Unlike 2012-2013. No problem for me with sizing at 73kg. I would just buy same sizes for 3 kite quiver 6-8-10 and take the little extra grunt for punting. 2 kite quiver would be 7-10. Overall everything is finished off really well. One pump tubes are tucked in close to struts. Oversize inflation valve again that makes pumping up quick with little effort. Sewn in mini batons in tail, work well, yet are unobtrusive and still pack up easily.
I was seriously looking at buying a 6,8 and 12m Reos but I could not justify the price,instead I bought a 7,9 and 12m Best TS v2 which Im totally stoked on
I've tried the 2014 12m now twice and was waiting until today to try in the lighter winds. I'm about 83kg and ride kite surfboards, been kiting over 10 years.
I absolutely rated 10/10 the 2013 10m and 8m and tried the 2013 12m but didn't find it grunty enough for me, so was hanging out for this release.
The first time I rode it over powered in about 22 knots - I liked it and felt comfortable on it. Today was light and gusty, probably between 11 - 16 knots and I'm really impressed. Agree with what both Turtle lover and Pearl say.
It just felt right. I'd rate it almost perfect. The only negatives being that I reckon as a big light wind kite, it seems like every gram counts when drifting. It seems like Ozone could save a bit of extra weight by being more minimal on screen printing; the number of panels on the kite seemed like more (seams and stitching); and does the light wind kite really need the 6 x mini trailing edge battens?
On the few waves I got when it was light on the inside and I had a tiny bit of speed, I wanted the kite drifting away like they do so well when powered and those grams might make a difference.
Overall fantastic and keep up the good work Ozone, and don't go the way of the other brands with graphics, excess material, over engineering etc.
Buy one or three if you can afford it - especially if you reckon your old kite is keeping your standard down in the waves!
Disclaimer: No affiliation to any brand or shop!
^^ Well I'm from the west and really like my 2013 10m. Actually, in its optimum conditions, I prefer it over my more used 8m - because its more floaty for punting..
If I'm doing a downwinder, do prefer the lighter weight option of 8 or even 6 - but really for their superior drift. Just love hammering down the line continually.
We're not all the same over here believe it or not
Hi I have a question is the new reo,s now in line with other manufactures on sizing as I always thought that the 2012 and 2013 reo,s where smaller than most other manufactures in sizes IE a 8 being closer to a north or naish 7m 10 being a 9+m.So have they just aliened there sizing to mach other manufactures.