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New Kite - Reo/Catalyst/other

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Created by James01 > 9 months ago, 10 Jun 2022
James01
QLD, 283 posts
10 Jun 2022 3:47PM
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Hi Guys,
I am in dire need of new kites. I am currently riding 2016 RPM's and am looking for something completely different. I feel Ozone are the best made kites and I loved my C4's many years ago.

I have previously been riding unhooked and freestyle but recently have moved to a surfboard mainly strapped but also playing around unstrapped (trying to learn airs). Ideally, I am looking for a bit on an all rounder I can jump on at times but mainly play around in the waves. I have been riding for a long time however nowadays I am just riding here and there so don't need a performance machine. I was looking at either the Reo however also looked the catalyst as just a fun kite which is more forgiving than I have ridden in the past.

Would welcome any suggestions

Cheers

Sandfoot
VIC, 566 posts
10 Jun 2022 6:49PM
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There's Plenty of options available. Most companies make capable allrounders. I cut my teeth on Catalyst/ Enduro but lately moved to North reach. check "the Kite mag ultimate test guide " for more info.

some recent kites releases had really high bar pressure. Buyer beware.

Ozone Kites Aus
NSW, 884 posts
Site Sponsor
11 Jun 2022 9:33AM
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Obviously, I'm biased but you did ask about Ozone kites so here's my 2c worth.
If you are mainly riding surfboards (does not matter if strapped or unstrapped) but also want to learn some unstrapped stuff the Reo V6 (or V5's as there are a few used ones around).
An alternative would be the Enduro V3 which has a wave/freeride/freestyle setting on the front lines bridle, but its not as good at drifting as the Reo, although it's probably a bit better than the Reo for strapless airs.
The Catalyst V1 and V2 were designed to be entry level kites with a 3 strut design like both of the above kites, but they would disappoint for your level and purpose IMO.
The Catalyst V3 is a tweaked version of the Alpha V2, so its a single strut kite and is a good allrounder and does drift really well for waveriding, but lacks the sharp turning of the Reo. I've done many downwinders with the Alpha V2's in 8/10/14 sizes and really enjoyed it for the cross-on conditions we get in Lennox.
So if I were you I'd be leaning towards the Reo V6 or used V5's.

smook
VIC, 196 posts
12 Jun 2022 2:57PM
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Have used Reo's over 10 years and all models up to V6 I am on OR Aluula's roams now But also have V6 Reo 8 m Reo's they are my second favourite Such a great kite for waves I used strapped and un strapped and normally boost with straps on They are very stable and very fast as stated by Ozone Aust post There are many wave Kites on the market but for me in the conditions I kite in Aluula and Reo are far the best kites

James01
QLD, 283 posts
13 Jun 2022 4:17PM
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Select to expand quote
Ozone Kites Aus said..
Obviously, I'm biased but you did ask about Ozone kites so here's my 2c worth.
If you are mainly riding surfboards (does not matter if strapped or unstrapped) but also want to learn some unstrapped stuff the Reo V6 (or V5's as there are a few used ones around).
An alternative would be the Enduro V3 which has a wave/freeride/freestyle setting on the front lines bridle, but its not as good at drifting as the Reo, although it's probably a bit better than the Reo for strapless airs.
The Catalyst V1 and V2 were designed to be entry level kites with a 3 strut design like both of the above kites, but they would disappoint for your level and purpose IMO.
The Catalyst V3 is a tweaked version of the Alpha V2, so its a single strut kite and is a good allrounder and does drift really well for waveriding, but lacks the sharp turning of the Reo. I've done many downwinders with the Alpha V2's in 8/10/14 sizes and really enjoyed it for the cross-on conditions we get in Lennox.
So if I were you I'd be leaning towards the Reo V6 or used V5's.


Thanks Ozone! I assume the reo would be better upwind. The duel setting look interesting on the v5's. I ride mainly at main beach so similar wind conditions as lennox. I am thinking a 10 meter for a 1 kite quiver. cheers

James01
QLD, 283 posts
13 Jun 2022 4:18PM
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Select to expand quote
smook said..
Have used Reo's over 10 years and all models up to V6 I am on OR Aluula's roams now But also have V6 Reo 8 m Reo's they are my second favourite Such a great kite for waves I used strapped and un strapped and normally boost with straps on They are very stable and very fast as stated by Ozone Aust post There are many wave Kites on the market but for me in the conditions I kite in Aluula and Reo are far the best kites


Hi Smook, thanks mate. I was curious about the boosting and good to hear you can get a few nice jumps in. What is the wind range on the 8? Cheers

smook
VIC, 196 posts
13 Jun 2022 4:39PM
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Select to expand quote
James01 said..

smook said..
Have used Reo's over 10 years and all models up to V6 I am on OR Aluula's roams now But also have V6 Reo 8 m Reo's they are my second favourite Such a great kite for waves I used strapped and un strapped and normally boost with straps on They are very stable and very fast as stated by Ozone Aust post There are many wave Kites on the market but for me in the conditions I kite in Aluula and Reo are far the best kites



Hi Smook, thanks mate. I was curious about the boosting and good to hear you can get a few nice jumps in. What is the wind range on the 8? Cheers


Hard to say wind density from Vic/ Queensland/ WA very and Volume of your board and your weight/ skills For me in Vic I kite in gusty winds in waves so I need a kite that take gusts Thats one of main reasons I like Reo's And Aluula's and also de power on both of them are great We're other brands yes they have better lower end power but can be hard to control Also love the power and drift you can generate down line wave on both kites

James01
QLD, 283 posts
15 Jun 2022 1:04PM
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Select to expand quote
smook said..

James01 said..


smook said..
Have used Reo's over 10 years and all models up to V6 I am on OR Aluula's roams now But also have V6 Reo 8 m Reo's they are my second favourite Such a great kite for waves I used strapped and un strapped and normally boost with straps on They are very stable and very fast as stated by Ozone Aust post There are many wave Kites on the market but for me in the conditions I kite in Aluula and Reo are far the best kites




Hi Smook, thanks mate. I was curious about the boosting and good to hear you can get a few nice jumps in. What is the wind range on the 8? Cheers



Hard to say wind density from Vic/ Queensland/ WA very and Volume of your board and your weight/ skills For me in Vic I kite in gusty winds in waves so I need a kite that take gusts Thats one of main reasons I like Reo's And Aluula's and also de power on both of them are great We're other brands yes they have better lower end power but can be hard to control Also love the power and drift you can generate down line wave on both kites


Thanks Smook, have a good week.

Ozone Kites Aus
NSW, 884 posts
Site Sponsor
22 Jun 2022 2:15PM
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Select to expand quote
James01 said..

Ozone Kites Aus said..
Obviously, I'm biased but you did ask about Ozone kites so here's my 2c worth.
If you are mainly riding surfboards (does not matter if strapped or unstrapped) but also want to learn some unstrapped stuff the Reo V6 (or V5's as there are a few used ones around).
An alternative would be the Enduro V3 which has a wave/freeride/freestyle setting on the front lines bridle, but its not as good at drifting as the Reo, although it's probably a bit better than the Reo for strapless airs.
The Catalyst V1 and V2 were designed to be entry level kites with a 3 strut design like both of the above kites, but they would disappoint for your level and purpose IMO.
The Catalyst V3 is a tweaked version of the Alpha V2, so its a single strut kite and is a good allrounder and does drift really well for waveriding, but lacks the sharp turning of the Reo. I've done many downwinders with the Alpha V2's in 8/10/14 sizes and really enjoyed it for the cross-on conditions we get in Lennox.
So if I were you I'd be leaning towards the Reo V6 or used V5's.



Thanks Ozone! I assume the reo would be better upwind. The duel setting look interesting on the v5's. I ride mainly at main beach so similar wind conditions as lennox. I am thinking a 10 meter for a 1 kite quiver. cheers


I'm 75kg and my most used kite is a 10m Reo V5, this year I'm hoping a 9m will be able to do the same, quiver is now 12/9/7 and I have a 10m Enduro V3 anyway. I also use Alpha V2's and Zephyr V7.

bjw
NSW, 3567 posts
24 Jun 2022 12:21PM
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Unless you're needing seriously big air, stick to the Reo. You'll miss the drift in the other selections when you spend more good days in the surf. You can still jump the Reo no problem regardless. I don't ride them but understand them to air well compared to many other surf kites.



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"New Kite - Reo/Catalyst/other" started by James01