Forums > Kitesurfing Gear Reviews

Has anyone reviewed the 2013 Ozone Catalyst?

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Created by Flying High > 9 months ago, 11 Oct 2012
Flying High
NSW, 217 posts
11 Oct 2012 10:53AM
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Has anyone reviewed this kite?
I could be wrong but after seeing the Ozone video on there website, it looks like an RPM but without pulleys (open C, three struts etc.)

I have been using RPM's the last 2 to 3 years and like them, my only complaint is the cheap plastic pulley on the bridle.
I would be interested to hear any feedback - particularly interested if they have improved the bottom end (from reading reviews, I think previous Cats had great top end but were a little uninspiring towards the lower end)

EnglishCraig
NSW, 406 posts
11 Oct 2012 11:26AM
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Im looking for catalyst / C4 quiver for 2013 and the description on the Ozone website is distinctly more RPM / C4 - esque than in prior years (I own a 2011 Catalyst) - would be interested to try it....!

djdojo
VIC, 1607 posts
11 Oct 2012 1:17PM
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So far as I'm aware they've not yet been released, but it should be any day now. Steve (Kitepower) would be the guy to ask though.

To my eye, based on pics and vid, it will be smoother through the wind range and sheeting angles thanks to the more even "C" shape than previous years. Foil section looks to still be nice and slippery - great upwind and easy to edge to the side of the window in gusts.

As I've mentioned before, what some riders new to Ozone first experience as a lack of grunt is soon remedied as they learn to fly the kite with a lighter touch on the bar, and thereby tap into the aerodynamic efficiency and responsiveness that Rob just seems to build into all the kites.

Can't wait to jump on a demo, and based on first glance maybe I'll even have a Cat in my quiver this season.

11 Oct 2012 9:46PM
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They arrived yesterday, and we will have a 12M/10M for demo in Sydney. All other Ozone dealers should be getting their stocks anytime now, provided they have chosen to order and stock the kite.

Check out this video

-g

sk1nner
VIC, 181 posts
11 Oct 2012 10:50PM
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Keeping an eye on the availability of this...must demo one before adding another ozone to the quiver. Keen to do a direct comparison to my c4s

eppo
WA, 9543 posts
11 Oct 2012 9:17PM
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I really like what they have done with this kite this year in theory. Can't wait for the reviews.

benk
QLD, 398 posts
12 Oct 2012 8:34AM
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Hi all,

I have had a chance to ride the 2013 Ozone Catalyst 12m now twice, for about 45 mins the 1st time in winds ranging from 14 -18 knots and 1 hour the 2nd time in winds ranging from 16 -21 knots. I cannot give a thorough review yet but so far my impressions are very good compared to previous iterations of the catalyst, which has been a favourite kite of mine in the past.

I would say that this years model is a great evolution of Ozones "do it all" model. It appears to have picked up some beneficial design characteristics from the Reo and C4 that have been incorporated into its new more compact C shape. This years Catalyst is as smooth as ever, maybe more so, and its overall user friendliness, that has always made it an awesome kite for those of us who love to jump while riding waves and still throw in a few tricks here and there has definitely been improved. It is a little more dynamic than previous years, the 12m's turning is a little crisper and I would say a little faster than before. Jumps were very good for the conditions with good pop, height and smooth glide. I think on first impressions it is going to be better in the waves this year too, not that it was not good in the past, but it drifts a little better than previous years and the turning is direct and fast (not reo fast but pretty good). I think upwind is still excellent for this type of kite and the bottom end appeared good in the lighter winds I had it out in the 1st time. I am 94kg riding a 136 Twin tip by the way. I can't wait to try out the new 8m in 30 knots!! I will give you an update when I have!

Here are a few pics I took of the 8m on the lawn.









Flying High
NSW, 217 posts
12 Oct 2012 10:02AM
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Thanks Benk
I would be keen for an update when you have had more of a chance to ride it.
I am wondering how the overlap in sizes between the 8 and 12 pans out as my ideal combo is a 17(Zephyr) and a 12 and 9 but the website says they come in 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14.



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"Has anyone reviewed the 2013 Ozone Catalyst?" started by Flying High