Power Kite Forum

OZONE KITES US Distributor

powerkiter82 - 22-3-2010 at 07:41 PM

What is the problem with the Ozone distributor here in the US? Windzup is a pain in the a#$ to deal with. Don't get me wrong, I love Ozone kites, probably more so than any other kite out there, but to have to deal with the B.S. to get any answers from them is not worth it . I emailed Windzup, with a few questions in January when I was in the process of buying my Access XT 8m, and was more or less told to leave them alone, they did not have time for me and to contact my local shop, instead. I work in the service industry for the US's largest chemical distributor (2nd largest world wide) and have learned the ins and outs of good quality customer service/care and from what I experienced from Windzup, I will say that they will not keep customers with an attitude like that. That is my rant, feel free to input anything you have. I am just curious to see how many other people have had bad experiences with Windzup.

heliboy50 - 22-3-2010 at 08:10 PM

Bad experiences through dealers (not the dealers fault- they were honest about the problem.) I bought a different brand as a result. Love Ozone, not the hassle.

DAKITEZ - 22-3-2010 at 08:22 PM

I dropped Ozone because of its distribution in the US. I must give props to the shops that still deal with them. I can not support a product where the company does not support me!

I'm not talking down Ozone as a product. I think its a very good product. I'm just saying I think it would be much more main stream if they had a good distribution in the states.

Flexifoil as seen the light and they are going to have a distribution center right here in California. No more making the shops wait and pay crazy shipping prices from the UK. I love it! The warehouse is only about a 2 hour drive from me. I might just make a little drive and pick up what I need :lol:

BigMikesKites - 22-3-2010 at 08:33 PM

Amen Brothers.

Truly great kites. But waiting 2+ months for orders gets old fast.

indigo_wolf - 22-3-2010 at 08:43 PM

Has the hold up for Ozone products been with Windzup or with Ozone being able to get product over stateside in a timely manner?

Quote:
Originally posted by DAKITEZ
Flexifoil as seen the light and they are going to have a distribution center right here in California. No more making the shops wait and pay crazy shipping prices from the UK. I love it! The warehouse is only about a 2 hour drive from me. I might just make a little drive and pick up what I need

  1. Pierce my ears and call me Breezy.
  2. About <* fill in expletive *> time...
  3. Yes, Virginia there is a Santa Claus. :rolleyes:
  4. This is kind of interesting in light of some of the speculation on KiteCrowd about Flexi selling gearing on eBay.
  5. Wonder if the price penduluum is going to swing back like last year's price cuts.
  6. Wonder if they are going to have any mid-year releases for additional land kites. Seemed kind of lackluster this year with the Quark and Blade V.


Was starting to seriously wonder about Flexi when dealers started dropping them right and left, except for special orders.

ATB,
Sam

BigMikesKites - 22-3-2010 at 10:24 PM

Regardless,

As a Dealer with over $1000 on order, I would like an update on an order if I ask for one. After all, I have customers asking me and I like to keep them informed. Always being ignored is the distributors fault. If the product isn't in, say something about when it is expected.

When responses come, 'they will be here next weeS-P-A-M-L-I-N-K-. That next week is about 7 weeks away.

I get product from The Netherlands in less than a week. THANKS -MJ- and Peter Lynn!!!

Kamikuza - 22-3-2010 at 10:24 PM

Oh, now I'm wondering if the SEVEN MONTH WAIT for an Axcess XC harness is the plonker at the local shop or Ozone Japan ...

InvertedForce - 22-3-2010 at 10:34 PM

SEVEN MONTHS!!? :shocked2::shocked2::shocked2:

I don't know what I'd do if I had to wait seven months for a harness. Cancel the order and buy from somewhere else? :puzzled:

Kamikuza - 22-3-2010 at 10:57 PM

Yeah I said "I really want the harness. Order it please." just to be sure ... but next time I talk to Mr. Miyachi I'm gonna just cancel if he hasn't heard anything ... and go trolling the internet. Whee :( It'll suck if none of the shop guys on here have them eh :(

erratic winds - 22-3-2010 at 11:07 PM

Man, I'm sad for you, for I truly love my harness. But then I remember that you've got a heckofa bigger quivver than I, and I feel better about the whole thing.

I hope you get one soon!

heliboy50 - 22-3-2010 at 11:10 PM

Angus at coastal told me they sell as fast as he gets them and there is no real guarantee about when they are available. Worth getting though, Kam.:thumbup:

Kamikuza - 22-3-2010 at 11:11 PM

The word of the man with Borat's old kite is good enough for me :lol: I'll be putting the hard word down then :yes:

Maven454 - 23-3-2010 at 03:32 AM

I think there are actually two problems. One is that Ozone isn't managing to get the stock to Windzup, the other is that Windzup does a really bad job of giving ETA's to the retailers. I was strung along for about a month and a half for my Mantas. It was always "they're supposed to show up tomorrow", "we'll have them next Tuesday", "they're sitting in customs right now" (followed by, "oh, they weren't in that box..."). Though... I suppose it's just an assumption that Ozone isn't managing to keep Windzup in product, it could be Windzup isn't doing a good job of ordering things in when they should... but I don't think that's it.

I agree with the rest of you, I love my Ozone stuff, but I'd own more if it were ever in stock.

rudeboysaude - 23-3-2010 at 06:05 AM

Brian and Heather of Windzup are great people. I would say that Ozone popularity in the US is mainly due to their efforts. In the beginning those guys were on the road for about 8 months out of the year stopping in shops, attending every kite event in the US, and giving non-stop demos of gear. They worked so hard at making Ozone kites so great that I think they've established a demand in the US that the Ozone factory may not be able to keep up with.

I love PL, but let's not forget that they introduced the Charger at NABX last year and constantly kept pushing back the date on when they would be available too. I didn't see my first Charger until Dec. That's 8 months. So I don't think it's just an Ozone problem.

I think the entire distribution scene for kiting in the US is fairly non-efficient. If kites didn't have to exchanges hands through so many channels I think prices could be more affordable. It goes from factory, to company, in some cases a distributor, then a dealer, then to the kiter. That's alot of people trying to make a dollar off a product in a sport that really isn't that popular overall as compared to other industries. Makes it pretty tough for someone who doesn't want to invest over $1000 in one kite hard to get into it.

I digress.. Brian and Heather at Windzup are great people. Known them for years and I just think the problem is beyond them and stuck at the factory/demand level.

Maven454 - 23-3-2010 at 06:42 AM

I've had some email communications with Heather and she was nice and helpful. Had I been told at the beginning that It would take a month and a half to get the kites, I would have been okay with that. It's the constantly moving ETA that annoyed me.

Ozone directly owns the factory that their kites are made in, so Ozone doesn't have an extra cut of profit to go between the factory and the company. But there is definitely an issue in their supply chain when even kites like the Flow are becoming hard for the dealers to keep stocked.

acampbell - 23-3-2010 at 07:17 AM

I have just caved in and decided to drop Ozone. I just can't run the risk of disappointing customers and the risk of losing good will that I have worked hard to build. Dino, I know you warned me.

I have a few SB Harnesses Turbo Bars left and then that's it. I was holding on because of the popular SB Harness, but Peter Lynn is about to release a line of new harnesses that are buggy friendly, so we will be covered there.

I am not one to fling poo at individuals, so I will try to be careful and simply say that Ozone supply issues are the result of problems THROUGHOUT the organization, from distribution to CEO, and this hurts dealers and the sport. Insomuch as these guys own their own factory, they really are screwing up a wet dream.

Matt Taggart of New Zealand is one of the founders and the current CEO. I have tried to reach out to him via e-mail with every effort to be courteous and professional, but his only response was to forward the e-mails back to Heather.

Let me end on a positive, and thank all my other suppliers for their courteous, professional and prompt support that affords their dealers the opportunity to look good.

ripsessionkites - 23-3-2010 at 08:22 AM

as a distributor ... i think its meanly because they may not stock everything. most distributors are placing orders long before production begins so they have it when available and its all batched produced too. I cant see the Euro Market buying up everything before it comes to Canada / USA. i could be wrong since the G. and H. riders have a fleet of Yak GT.
Ozone owns their factory and by the looks of their video they can produce lots.

PL manufacturing fall back of the CH was "too much too soon" with RII, Vapors, CH and TR Vapors, they just couldnt do it all. Not to mention still produce all the current models too.

maybe the way of the future for dealers is to buy direct?

i've spoken to Matt T. before, and he's been paraglider first, kite second.

indigo_wolf - 23-3-2010 at 08:57 AM

I am still a bit bewildered.

I understand when there is a new product and there is pent up demand and pre-ordered.

As for delayed roll-outs.... well heck.... that's pretty much the nature of the beast. Every year on another forum, there is a lot of speculation on when new products will release and there is a lot of hand wringing while waiting under the street lights at the corner. Generally untill a fair number of the established retailers are taking pre-orders, it's generally not worth wastiing any hair pulling on.

The Prism Tensor was originally announced last year and then pulled from the 2009 releases, put on indefinite hold and then suddenly (relatively) appeared in the 2010 lineup.

It's a little off putting when we are moving towards the end of March and not only new products, but products that have been in the Ozone catalog for a couple of years are still lagging so far behind.

Given the turnover of both Flexi and Ozone products on Kite Crowd, it definitely seems like North America is several tiers down on the supply chain.

I seem to recall receiving the Flow, Access XC(D) Harness and Turbo Bar in fairly quick order. Actually, I received the Turbo Bar while I was away from home at an alternate address, so the delivery window was fairly tight and still went without a hiccup. It could just be that they were already on the respective dealers' shelves.

I considered an Access 8M over the winter, but hearing about interminable waits on the 2010 Access, Frenzy and Manta put the kibosh on that. Then the supply of harnesses went wispy and vaporish.

If it's a matter of shipping items in dribs and drabs incurring too heavy a ding, I would have no problem with Ozone/WindzUp establishing order windows. If a dealer has the item in stock, get it based on how fast UPS/USPS can get it to you. If not, set a time, gather all the US orders put them in with a fairly set delivery date. I think most people are fine with waiting when the delivery date is fairly concrete or has the odd push due to acts of pagan deities (not enough marshmallow sacrifices to the Easter Bunny and all that).

As far as the whole Kites/Paraglider thing.... aren't they two different divisions of Ozone that operate fairly autonomously? Would hate to this a lot of Peter/Paul borrowing of assets and resources monkey wrenching things.

ATB,
Sam

kteguru - 23-3-2010 at 09:12 AM

I haven't checked the forum in a little while but when I saw this post today I thought I'd chime in. As Angus knows I've talked with Matt and stirred the poo heavily. The end result on this whole issue in my opinion is to vote with your dollar everyone. We live in a monetary system. No one's changed that fact yet. Companies and their affiliates who do not give consumers what they want will find themselves quickly lagging in the marketplace and eventually gone. There are plenty of great products out there by very capable companies of which I'm sure would be glad to provide you with products and service you would be happy to pay for. Support them and let the rest fall to the waste side. Recognizing friendly individuals is a component of human relationships. Recognizing sound business and effective money management is a component of the monetary system. Mixing up the two will always be hazardous to your bottom line. Vote with your dollar people,,,,vote with your dollar. Its the only vote your going to get.

indigo_wolf - 23-3-2010 at 09:35 AM

Sadly makes sense... although sometimes it's hard to walk away from a kite you have lusted after for a bit. The scent of fresh ripstop can be a bit of a narcotic (with a bit of giggle gas tossed in).

On a less serious note:
Awwww crap.... and I just bought a case of marshmallows (see my last post).

ATB,
Sam

B-Roc - 23-3-2010 at 09:40 AM

I see a huge opportunity here for Jonesband :eureka:

Ozone knock-offs... coming to an internet auction site near you soon :rolleyes:;)

acampbell - 23-3-2010 at 09:43 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by ripsessionkites
as a distributor ... i think its meanly because they may not stock everything.


That's just part of it and I would be OK with that if I could just be told when to expect a product with some marginal degree of accuracy. That way I can manage my customer's expectations.

With my other suppliers, for most routine orders, I not know not only the date but THE TIME OF DAY it will arrive. In rare events when it is back-ordered to the factory, I still get an estimate that is accurate to within a week or so if not a day or so.

Rips accurately points out that new product roll-outs appear to be the exception for all manufactures and that appears to be an accepted law of the jungle.

But when a promise on a routine order turns from "two weeks" to two MONTHS, with little or no contact in between, that constitutes a failure of the whole supply chain. In today's small world there is no excuse for that.

kteguru - 23-3-2010 at 10:00 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by indigo_wolf
Sadly makes sense... although sometimes it's hard to walk away from a kite you have lusted after for a bit. The scent of fresh ripstop can be a bit of a narcotic (with a bit of giggle gas tossed in).

On a less serious note:
Awwww crap.... and I just bought a case of marshmallows (see my last post).

ATB,
Sam


Now how many times have I told you about the marshmallows Sam:smilegrin:

Jonesband Ozone knockoffs :o...... Now your really stirring the poo B-roc:smilegrin:

Maven454 - 23-3-2010 at 10:09 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by acampbell
Quote:
Originally posted by ripsessionkites
as a distributor ... i think its meanly because they may not stock everything.


That's just part of it and I would be OK with that if I could just be told when to expect a product with some marginal degree of accuracy. That way I can manage my customer's expectations.

With my other suppliers, for most routine orders, I not know not only the date but THE TIME OF DAY it will arrive. In rare events when it is back-ordered to the factory, I still get an estimate that is accurate to within a week or so if not a day or so.

Rips accurately points out that new product roll-outs appear to be the exception for all manufactures and that appears to be an accepted law of the jungle.

But when a promise on a routine order turns from "two weeks" to two MONTHS, with little or no contact in between, that constitutes a failure of the whole supply chain. In today's small world there is no excuse for that.


I've got to agree with Angus.

rudeboysaude - 23-3-2010 at 10:24 AM

I think if Ozone supply is low and every dealer is feeling the effects of long waits for delivery of Ozone products, you've got to be a fool to drop them. Ozone products are in demand and if you don't carry them, someone else will. If a customer has to wait for an item from you or your competition, what's the difference? I can see dropping it so you don't have to deal with the headache, but poor distribution or not, Ozone kites are in demand. If you want one, prepare to wait for it. If you want a kite right away, get one that isn't in such demand. You can vote with your wallet if you don't have the patience to wait for a product. But don't expect it to have as big of an impact as you think it might. You know that factory is cranking out kites as fast as they can and they're all going somewhere which means plenty of demand and plenty of money coming in.

This is speculation, but I know Ozone did a big push on the inflato kites last year marketing wise. Maybe sales in that area have increased enough that it's hindering output of foils. Lots of tube fliers out there.

DAKITEZ - 23-3-2010 at 10:42 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by rudeboysaude
I think if Ozone supply is low and every dealer is feeling the effects of long waits for delivery of Ozone products, you've got to be a fool to drop them.


I can understand how it looks like this is something recent. i dealt with this exact situation over 2 years ago. So I can see in 2 years nothing has changed. This is why I gave props to the shops that do carry them, because they are seriously jumping through hoops to carry this product. I feel whoever puts forth the effort to do this deserves the sale. My bet is if it keeps continuing on the same coarse these guys are going to get tired of jumping.

I don't want to speak for others. I can only speak for myself. I just want to say I don't think Windzup are bad people. They seam like cool people. But the bottom line is they were not getting the job done for me.

The way i see it is if Ozone is having a supply issue or extreme delays to get product here then the distributor needs to carry that much more stock to account for the delays. This is not the case. windzup carries very little to no stock. this is the reason for the long delays and un-known delivery dates. They do not have it in stock themselves so they don't know when they will have it either.

When i was selling Ozone Windzup had a policy that you can not offer any kite for sale on your website that you do not physically have in stock. I think they should apply that same policy to themselves for their dealers.

This is not a rant, because I don't care. i just want to share my experience to try and bring some light on the subject.

heliboy50 - 23-3-2010 at 10:55 AM

My kiting season is too short to stand around waiting. I was after a couple of lower end kites (flows- not trying to make flow owners mad, they're just not Yaks,) tried to order them more than a month before NABX, and was told they wouldn't be available. So I took a chance and went with another brand and was quite pleased with what I got. Still love Ozone gear, and if the supply issues get resolved in the future, then MAYBE I'll come back. But at this point, I have what I need. I'm just one customer though, so who cares?

acampbell - 23-3-2010 at 11:00 AM

It's not worth the effort. You know it's bad when you get a new order (always a good thing) and then your read the items and see "...Ozone...", and your heart sinks and you go "Oh no, here we go again...".

You know it's funny. At first I thought "Ah, they're French..." (jk, I love the French, but you know the joke) and then I find out the owner is a Kiwi. Oh well.

One of Windup's excuses over the holidays was that they were moving their "warehouse" (yes the one with nothing in it) over the "next few days" That dragged out for weeks. I had to laugh, because HQ USA had just moved a 10,000+ sq. ft. warehouse over a holiday weekend and were up and taking calls and filing orders on Monday morning.

indigo_wolf - 23-3-2010 at 11:13 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by DAKITEZ
When i was selling Ozone Windzup had a policy that you can not offer any kite for sale on your website that you do not physically have in stock. I think they should apply that same policy to themselves for their dealers.


I think I remember hearing something to that effect last year. In some ways that policy seems to get chucked to the wayside to some degree. Before they were fully in the supply chain, there were quite a few sites up that had the 2010 Ozone harnesses listed with the new descriptions, but 2009 photos. I expect the actual shelves were pretty empty.

If you Google an Ozone Foil (Access, Frenzy, Manta) the hits will fall into several catagories:

  1. Ozone's Site
  2. Forums discussing Ozone Products/Reviews
  3. Non-US retailers
  4. US Retailers that have the product in stock
  5. US Retailers that don't have the product in stock, but list it on their website (sometimes with an "In Stock" notation)

Unfortunately #4 lags waaaaaay behind.

If you are a manufacturer trying to sell product, shouldn't 1 & 4 top the list?

Not meant to be rude.... Ozone might be selling kites as fast as they are making them, but are they selling them in the US or Canada?

Like I said... the turnover for Ozone and Flexi seems to be much higher on KiteCrowd. I don't think that is soley because everyone in North America has a death grip on theirs. I think Ozone pool is just that much deeper in the UK/EU.

ATB,
Sam

kteguru - 23-3-2010 at 11:18 AM

@ Dakitz
"When i was selling Ozone Windzup had a policy that you can not offer any kite for sale on your website that you do not physically have in stock. I think they should apply that same policy to themselves for their dealers."

Cut it out,,, you want them to walk the talk???:D

@ Rudeboy
I can understand some of your points as Ozone kites are great products. There is no doubt about it. I don't think anyone here is arguing that. Its all the other components of the business model that are having problems. I don't want to come across as sounding rude or anything but after more than 15 years in the financial industry I can assure you that voting with your dollar is how absolutely everything works. If Ozone and its affiliates are experiencing banner years back to back with continual consistent growth to their bottom line they have no reason to change anything in that environment. When profits become stagnant,,,, when growth slows,,, they will be forced to change one way or another. This is a fundamental aspect to a monetary system as we all need to acquire capital to live. If people end up buying other products it doesn't take long before critical mass is reached and Ozone will be forced to address many issues. Even if the critical mass comes as a component of Ozone seeing other companies experience a growth rate far higher than their own. If they're intelligent business people they will move into action at that point in order to take back a greater portion of the marketplace. Til that point is reached I don't think you'll see anything out of them.

Just my 2c of course.

Good winds
Dean

Maven454 - 23-3-2010 at 11:59 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by acampbell
You know it's funny. At first I thought "Ah, they're French..." (jk, I love the French, but you know the joke) and then I find out the owner is a Kiwi. Oh well.


French? I thought their headquarters was in the UK?

acampbell - 23-3-2010 at 12:10 PM

Now that you mention it, their phone number has a UK country code (44).
I thought they were a French brand at least in origin. Hence the factory location in Vietnam would make sense.
Won't be the first time I was wrong, though.

BigMikesKites - 23-3-2010 at 12:19 PM

I have only dealt with Heather and she was pleasant whenever we did talk or exchange emails.

But I didn't feel like there was enough communication on orders. I have had more than one customer bail on me and get mad at me. One even bought a different kite from someone else (that I could have provided). Alot of my customers are face to face. They know nothing about kites. If I don't have an ozone to show them, they will know nothing different. if I have some ozones to show them and they want one that I don't have, then that is where the fun begins.

By comparison:

I put an order in last night for Peter Lynn.
All but one item was shipped by 10 am this morning (US time)

OZONE KITES US Distributor

powerkiter82 - 23-3-2010 at 01:21 PM

I think what we all are experiencing with Ozone Kites is the same thing I ran into when I wanted to buy a new Ducati motorcycle 2 years ago. The model I wanted, had a 6 to 8 month waiting period on it. I later found out that Ducati only ships a quarter of all models produced to the US if the prior years demand justifies it. I have this feeling European shops have most of the kites, and we are lucky if we get them in the US. Correct me if I'm wrong. Anyways I love the quality of the kites and other products, in my opinion they make some of the highest quality stuff out there. It is just frustrating to order their stuff. I waited almost 2 months for my 5m Flow, and only got the Access XT 8m in the color I wanted, after I called 10-12 online shops and stumbled across one that had the kite in stock, otherwise I would have ordered a different kite instead. I was lucky on the harness as well, the same store had it in stock and was able to ship right away. I realize that all the stores cannot stock all of the Ozone models in all the colors, but it always seems like nobody has anything or cannot get anything. And to top it off, Ozone does not have the vast model lineup compared to a lot of other manufacturers. It should not be that hard. I will still continue to support Ozone, but I don't know if I will buy another one of their kites. The 2 I have may be all I will ever buy again, unless something changes. I just hope I can get replacement lines or bridles if I ever need them.

kteguru - 23-3-2010 at 01:51 PM

Quote:
I think what we all are experiencing with Ozone Kites is the same thing I ran into when I wanted to buy a new Ducati motorcycle 2 years ago. The model I wanted, had a 6 to 8 month waiting period on it. I later found out that Ducati only ships a quarter of all models produced to the US if the prior years demand justifies it.


That's an understandable idea but wouldn't be quite accurate in this case. From speaking with Mr. Taggart he would be more than happy to ship any quantity of any Ozone product to the U.S. immediately as he has plenty of everything ready to go out the door. That's not the reason why we consumers have a hard time getting the product. Explaining more than that in a forum environment probably wouldn't be a good idea. Unless Ozone decides to set up distribution in this country in a different way than they currently are I doubt very seriously you will see anything done regarding our complaints.

DAKITEZ - 23-3-2010 at 02:17 PM

Here is the part I do not get out of this whole thing. Windzup needs to sell kites to make money. When they do not provide for their dealers they make no sale ... in turn they make no money.

If the rumors are true that Ozone has plenty of kites to ship to us, but we are not getting any to buy ..... ???? Do you see why I can't understand whats going on?? Windzup doesn't want to make money ??? Its just so confusing to me.

Maven454 - 23-3-2010 at 02:22 PM

Too busy running their new bar?

BigMikesKites - 23-3-2010 at 03:00 PM

Quote:

Too busy running their new bar?


I noticed that too. I am sure it takes alot of time to do that. I can also see how getting that going diverted much need funds away from kites to replenish stock. After all, I diverted gas mileage reimbursement money to get my kite business gong. Could have paid the car off a year ago, but got this going instead.

They have something great. The ability to distribute a good product. A monopoly if you will in the US. I would gladly get whatever loan I needed to get set up properly to do it right. Peter Lynn does it right. HQ does it right. Revolution does it right. You need to have a passion for this stuff and it seems there isn't that much passion anymore on their end.

tridude - 23-3-2010 at 05:12 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by acampbell
Now that you mention it, their phone number has a UK country code (44).
I thought they were a French brand at least in origin. Hence the factory location in Vietnam would make sense.
Won't be the first time I was wrong, though.


Angus,

If they were made in France it would be easy to identify...............they would have backup lights............

BeamerBob - 23-3-2010 at 06:23 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by tridude
Quote:
Originally posted by acampbell
Now that you mention it, their phone number has a UK country code (44).
I thought they were a French brand at least in origin. Hence the factory location in Vietnam would make sense.
Won't be the first time I was wrong, though.


Angus,

If they were made in France it would be easy to identify...............they would have backup lights............


Now tridude, Ozone makes fantastic kites!

Looking_Up - 24-3-2010 at 01:20 PM

I haven't posted in a while but this is verry interesting because all i will by is ozone. The kites are arguably the best quality out there if you decide you just have to have one There are ways to get it and get it fast ( you just have to pay)

I love to support local businesses so i look there first Like Tahoe Mountainsports, they usually have what i want in stock Also www.kiteboarding.com usually has ozone instock

But i Have found in the summer when Tahoe is out or if Kiteboarding is out of stock then with a little shipping cost (relative to kite purchased) you can find what u need in Europe deliverable on what basis you chose to ship it. I wish they would set up a major distributor in the US but untill that happens i will continue to do what it takes to get what i want.

indigo_wolf - 24-3-2010 at 01:36 PM

GACKIS MAXIMUS ?!?!?

:o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o

Ozone put the Access 4M back on the roster for 2010?

Talk about stealth marketing.

ATB,
Sam

Maven454 - 24-3-2010 at 01:55 PM

You didn't know that wolf??? I thought you knew everything :lol:.

indigo_wolf - 24-3-2010 at 02:23 PM

I thought they pulled it in 2009 because it was too niche... didn't realize they brought it back this year.

Generally companies throw a tad more confetti when they bring something back onto the roster (as it is usually due to customer demand and a good PR op)... 'fraid it dipped below the radar.

Quote:
Originally posted by Maven454
You didn't know that wolf??? I thought you knew everything. :lol:
Checking postage now for returning whatever badges/ribbons/shoulder cords that this lapse will result in. :no: :sniff: Ceremonial demotions are always the worst part.

Hunting for ghosts now, so the 4M would just be a distraction.

ATB,
Sam

Maven454 - 24-3-2010 at 02:29 PM

You could leave the marshmallows out on the table. Maybe the ghosts would show up to eat them?

OZONE KITES US Distributor

powerkiter82 - 24-3-2010 at 07:03 PM

Kiteboarding.com and Tahoemountainsports.com are great dealers. But, I even had trouble with them being able to get what I wanted. Originally I wanted a 10m Access XT in blue. Tahoemountainsports, said I could have green now or wait 3-5 weeks potentially longer for any other color, back in January. Kiteboarding.com said 2-4 weeks. However I decided I would rather have the 8m instead(bigger wind range). I ended up getting an 8m in blue since kiteboarding.com had 1 in stock. Color is not usually that big of a deal for me, but I figured that if I am going to spend that kind of money I should get the one that I really wanted. I snatched that up so quick, I just did not want to take a chance and lose it to someone else and then have to wait even longer. Several months prior I wanted a 5m Flow and that took almost 2 months to wait for. Kiteboarding.com got the usual story from Windzup( it will be later this week, I will check on it and get back with you, it is stuck in customs, and so on and so on).

kiteNH - 25-3-2010 at 05:18 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by indigo_wolf
I thought they pulled it in 2009 because it was too niche... didn't realize they brought it back this year.

Generally companies throw a tad more confetti when they bring something back onto the roster (as it is usually due to customer demand and a good PR op)... 'fraid it dipped below the radar.

Quote:
Originally posted by Maven454
You didn't know that wolf??? I thought you knew everything. :lol:
Checking postage now for returning whatever badges/ribbons/shoulder cords that this lapse will result in. :no: :sniff: Ceremonial demotions are always the worst part.

Hunting for ghosts now, so the 4M would just be a distraction.

ATB,
Sam


They didn't pull the 4m in 2009. I own one.

indigo_wolf - 25-3-2010 at 05:55 AM

OK.... now I am really confused. I could have sworn it had taken a hiatus from the lineup at sometime. Senility is a terrible thing.

ATB,
Sam

Maven454 - 25-3-2010 at 06:03 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by indigo_wolf
OK.... now I am really confused. I could have sworn it had taken a hiatus from the lineup at sometime. Senility is a terrible thing.

ATB,
Sam


The original Access had a 3m that they never continued, but looking at previous models on the Ozone site, there's always been a 4m.

lives2fly - 25-3-2010 at 10:09 AM

I can't help the retailers but for the consumers try this UK kite store. They ship worldwide

http://www.powerkiteshop.com

Unfortunately you will suffer the huge UK prices but at least you wont pay VAT (sales tax) Also the price difference is not so great on Ozone and Flexifoil

They always have ozone kites in stock. :wee:

Maven454 - 25-3-2010 at 10:10 AM

Don't tempt me that way.

indigo_wolf - 25-3-2010 at 10:50 AM

Well, at least one person has decided to bypass the distribution channel entirely and pick up a new 2010 Access XT 6M on eBay. And yes, it is a manly shade of pink.

I expect transit time from Alaska should be fairly spritely.

ATB,
Sam

windzup - 30-3-2010 at 09:35 AM

Any Questions or Concerns, please call the source for the truth.

I promise we will answer the phone or reply by email promptly.

435-462-5303 or sales@windzup.com Ask for Heather, Patrick or Brian. www.FlyOzoneUSA.com

As Power Kiters, Please help our industry grow... Support legitimate retailers that stock product and have kites on the shelf... and avoid internet shops that offer deals but don't commit to stocking inventory. It is up to you, the kite flyer, to determine how the industry will be.
This sport is about fun. I have personally enjoyed the last decade of my life surrounded by kiters and kites, and I look forward to the coming decade. I have taken all comments and feedback to heart and am commited personally to repairing relationships, improving communication and continuing to grow Windzup and Ozone hand in hand as the strongest force in the kite industry. Ozone makes great kites, and Windzup has spread that Ozone love coast to coast in this great and windy country for over a decade, and we are looking forward to the next round!

I would like to Thank Everyone who has supported us and chosen to Fly Ozone. I have met thousands of you personally and I share your passion for kiting.

Windzup,
Brian Schenck

Dagon - 30-3-2010 at 12:39 PM

I have dealt with Windzup on several occasions. Every experience was a good one.

awindofchange - 30-3-2010 at 12:58 PM

Brian and Heather are two great ambassadors of the power kiting industry and I have personally dealt with them for many years, starting with the very first demo releases in the U.S. of the Little Devil. I am sure whatever problems that have come up, it is not because of lack of passion and the love for this sport that Brian, Heather and the entire Ozone team have have for it.

A Wind Of Change is proud to carry the Ozone line of products and proud to be an authorized dealer for Windzup and the Ozone brand. I am also proud to consider both Brian and Heather very good friends. :) I am sure that whatever the issues are that Brian and Heather will have them taken care of as quickly as possible.

BTW, the winds are BLASTING at NABX right now!!! I feel that a new land speed record is very obtainable....and I am stuck here in the office....sometimes kiting life is not fair. LOL

Maven454 - 30-3-2010 at 01:07 PM

All very lovey dovey, but I still want an Access XT and can't get one.

indigo_wolf - 30-3-2010 at 01:14 PM

Quote:
originally posted by awindofchange
and I am stuck here in the office....sometimes kiting life is not fair. LOL


Due to heavy rains for several days and rampant flooding (I am pretty sure we are setting records for the area), they are closing the office early. Unfortunately, in 5 years, I have yet to be able to take advantage of a early work release.... so please... feel free to use mine.

Make sure to charge the phone and the Toughbook... engage the call forwarding. Iif there are orders still going out today, load up the hopper on the trebuchet :rolleyes:.

The winds blowing and it's calling your name. You're not going to get a better invite. :wee:

ATB,
Sam

OZONE KITES US distributor

powerkiter82 - 30-3-2010 at 10:45 PM

Windzup, I really appreciate what you stated in your posting about repairing relationships, and willing to answer all phone calls and emails as quickly as possible. I will leave what happened in the past, in the past and move forward by saying that I will continue to have Ozone as my #1 kite of choice, and I am glad that the brand is here in the US, due to the hardwork of the Windzup distributor and hope that it continues to gain popularity as quickly as I have grown to love the Ozone brand. As I have said before the kites are amazing. Every time I get out and fly, whether its my 5m Flow or my 8m Access XT I have an awesome time and want to share with my friends about the experience. I will try and do my part as a loyal Ozone customer and spread the word, of how great a product that Ozone produces.

PBKiteboarding - 2-4-2010 at 01:39 PM

It's been a Great winter on Ozone Kites and Lots of lessons and sales.. Great Kites!
We sell out Demo kites every year after the Season end and also do Kite Repair
to help out customers.

Just taught a customer yesterday on his 3m Flow and another guy on his 5m today... The flows go like hotcakes. Great to have a loop on it like the bigger kites.

I just matched up my Frenzy with the Aboard Snowboard for the winter. Lost of Kiters liking the Access too... Great to Teach on..





Zephyrs in any day and Edges coming... Can't wait to get on the Edges... I was on the Sports last Year...

Adam Koch Won the Race series in Mexico on the Edges...

Spring is in the Air.... :singing:

Rob13 - 2-4-2010 at 09:38 PM

A little bit of customer service goes a long way.......

PBKiteboarding - 3-4-2010 at 07:12 AM

Ozone is doing well here, my main Brand. We had a great winter riding and teaching on the foils. It was also great to get newcomers on the Flows just lately for Kiteboaridng Beach Lessons.

I'll be on the Edges and Zephyrs this year,was on the Sports last year. Some guys got their C4 already, so hoping for a good year.

My Zephyr will be here any day... Edges coming some presold.
But true they make them as fast as they sell them.

There are some great updates on the Ozone Site too.
Can't wait to get riding on the 2010.

Ozone had that JIT Just in time Marketing... But with kites I find it's better not to have over supply. You never know what Kiters will want... (Model) Hitting the mark is never perfect either, Preorders are not so bad for many. I carry stock on what I think will work best.

Quote:


Not meant to be rude.... Ozone might be selling kites as fast as they are making them, but are they selling them in the US or Canada?

Kamikuza - 3-4-2010 at 07:39 AM

Zephyrs looked good in Thailand :)
... you have the Access harness PBK?

PBKiteboarding - 3-4-2010 at 07:48 AM

Sure always the Access Harness in for summer and winter especially since many get the harness for the flow and for snow.

And for info always had Accesses in most sizes and the wait times were usually 2 weeks when I ran out.

Quote:
Originally posted by Kamikuza
Zephyrs looked good in Thailand :)
... you have the Access harness PBK?

Maven454 - 21-4-2010 at 09:21 AM

Just a note for all Ozone lovers. A Wind of Change now has the 2010 Ozone Frenzy FYX listed on the website. Knowing Kent, this means that he actually has them IN STOCK!! The new Frenzy is an awesome kite, pick one up if you've got the money.

indigo_wolf - 21-4-2010 at 09:32 AM

And if you don't have the money, Maven will consider an interest free loan. :singing:

<* ducks and runs away *> :wee:

ATB,
Sam

Note to self: sleep deprivation makes you a tad loopy.... oh wait.... never mind... I'm always a tad loopy.

Kamikuza - 21-4-2010 at 05:40 PM

Hmm I should give my local guy a call ... actually, get the wife to call (her Japanese is excellent) and find out WTF is going on ...

ripsessionkites - 22-4-2010 at 12:15 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Kamikuza
Hmm I should give my local guy a call ... actually, get the wife to call (her Japanese is excellent) and find out WTF is going on ...


call me if u still need that harness.

DAKITEZ - 22-4-2010 at 12:16 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by ripsessionkites
Quote:
Originally posted by Kamikuza
Hmm I should give my local guy a call ... actually, get the wife to call (her Japanese is excellent) and find out WTF is going on ...


call me if u still need that harness.


Yeah .. he even speaks Japanese

ripsessionkites - 23-4-2010 at 01:58 AM

We have ozone products, flows, harnesses and gts instock next week.

Kamikuza - 23-4-2010 at 07:08 AM

You lost me there Dino :puzzled:

Maven454 - 23-4-2010 at 07:16 AM

Sounds like he's going to carry Ozone. Though he doesn't have any of it on his site yet.

DAKITEZ - 23-4-2010 at 09:29 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Kamikuza
You lost me there Dino :puzzled:


you said your wife speaks good Japanese and was just saying so does Ricky so they could communicate well ;)

It was a joke but obviously not a good one :no:

ripsessionkites - 23-4-2010 at 10:01 AM

-1 for dino ... ricardo +2 still

is not on the site yet because im going through an overall right now. finishing up some stuff with Peter Lynn so i can FOCUS again.

Chicagokitejumping - 23-4-2010 at 01:14 PM

The only Ozone kite in USA easy to find is the Flow !!! i cant belive that we have to wait 2 months for Access and Frenzys , that is good for the Montanas that are selling like crazy

Ebay UK have some Access and Frenzy all the time for sale

indigo_wolf - 23-4-2010 at 01:41 PM

I was under the impression that Kent was fairly well stocked on Yakuzas.

For good or ill, eBay liquidators are glutted with recent Yaks (go figger).

I ordered a black Ozone flag (which has ostensibly been in their catalog for years) about 6-7 weeks back. The order turned to vapor and not of the Peter Lynn variety. It probably took me 2-3 weeks to get a Flexifoil wind feather, so a wait was expected, but...

It would have been nice to have for a variety of reasons.... mostly to save my eyesight, but I won't be climbing a water tower with a high powered rifle over it.

FWIW: EBay UK has a high cycle rate for a lot of brands of power kites.... not just Ozone. Some weeks there was a couple of pages of Flexifoil land and water kites. Some are personal sales, some are clearance houses, and there was speculation on KC that some of it was Flexifoil clearing out some older stock.

ATB,
Sam

B-Roc - 23-4-2010 at 02:11 PM

I got the below response from a store I exchanged emails with last week while looking for a 4m depower as they have the Access on their site and also an alternative I'd be interested in. I told them I was concerend about the lag time from Ozone but this is how they responded. If interested, U2U me and I'll send the store link as they aren't a member of this forum to the best of my knowledge.


From:- Kitestore
Sent: Tuesday, April 20, 2010 3:49 PM
To: O'Connor, Brian
Subject: Re: ----------

Hi Brian,
Thank you for your email...


...Regarding Ozone kites, we get them in stock every 3 weeks, If we order one for you today.
------------------------------------
That would be good if true and hopefully it is but I'm still undecided on what I want to do with my quiver so I haven't pursued it.

indigo_wolf - 23-4-2010 at 03:00 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by B-Roc
I'm still undecided on what I want to do with my quiver so I haven't pursued it.


Oi.... let's put your mind at ease then. You want to turn over most of your quiver to me. :rolleyes:

Then there would be no more hand-wringing or teeth-gnashing over wait times and quiver reconfigurations.

"Look deeply into the monitor.....
Your eyelids are getting very heavy...
You're getting very sleepy now...
You are now perfectly relaxed...
Go out to the garage, and get a VERY large cardboard box....
Mine is the only voice you can hear..."

No greater duty hath a man than easing his fellow man's burdens. :saint: :saint: :saint:

Yes.... some days I live in a very suspended state of reality. :wee: :wee: :wee:

ATB,
Sam

Kamikuza - 23-4-2010 at 05:00 PM

I always that Ricardo was Spanish ...

indigo_wolf - 23-4-2010 at 05:12 PM

No.... that's his brother, Rico (Suave) :tumble:

Goshkins, I'm hating my job today... again.

ATB,
Sam

Kamikuza - 23-4-2010 at 05:14 PM

!!!

B-Roc - 23-4-2010 at 06:15 PM

Man, its the strangest thing :dunno: its like I have this crazy urge to just go and stick all my kites in a box and mail them to an indigo wolf. Isn't that weird? :crazy: I mean who ever saw a wolf fly? :wee: I don't think that's even possible since they have no opposable thumbs, but yet still I have this strong urge. Weird ;)

indigo_wolf - 23-4-2010 at 06:45 PM

You think flying wolves are strange?!?!?

Oh my.... what a very sheltered life. :no: :sniff:

ATB,
Sam

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