Which of these kites is better suited for what or what are the real world differences between them? I've read all the info on them and watched all
the videos. It's just not completely clear. They just seem like three similar kites to me.dgkid78 - 20-2-2011 at 05:13 PM
really quickly.......Access= Beginner/Cruising ...Frenzy= Intermediate/Advanced Freestyle Kite,,,,Manta=Advanced Freestyle kite... hope that helpsJohn Holgate - 20-2-2011 at 06:08 PM
Access is the most tame of the bunch. Good reliable kite. Not overly lifty (but all kites will lift you in the right circumstances). Parks and
rides pretty quick. The 4m XT is what I put up when it's getting over 22 knots or so and is not too frightening in 30 knots. But it's fast and a
little twitchy so I need to keep an eye on it.
Haven't spent much time on the Frenzy - bit more aggressive, more performance. Once you get used to yours, the XT's will probably feel a bit lame.
Manta is a bit difference - higher aspect - sits much further forward in the window. Excellent upwind ability which gives more forward, less sideways
pull. You have to keep it from overflying and it likes to be moving before it starts to generate it's power. I had the 8m out in 10-14 knots and I
was way under powered. Had to work the kite alot. A bit more lifty once you get some speed in the canopy - hence good for freestyling.
In a drag race between the two, the Frenzy would have power sooner and disappear off into the distance but once the Manta was worked up to speed, it
would go zooming past!!
Spartan does lots of freestyle kite skating - he likes to jump lots and usually flys in smaller parks. He sold his Manta's and swapped to the
Frenzy's - more power sooner in the small areas.
For a beach cruiser like me, the Access is fine. I'd like to spend some more time with the Manta's though cos I like the fact they sit further
forward in the window and have less sideways pull. Do require a bit more pilot input though. The Frenzy I flew sat back in the window a bit more and
produced a bit more raw power - maybe not my thing just yet.
Couldn't quite afford a 12m Manta, so I opted for the 'fixed bridle version' (sort of) which was the 6.5m Method. And that's working out real
nicely....
One thing I have noticed - particularly with the Ozone depowers - they're relatively heavy kites and need more wind than I would have thought to
produce 'buggyable' power - compared to smaller fixed bridles.macboy - 20-2-2011 at 10:21 PM
Had the 12m Frenzy out today in 11-14 knots (I think) and a friend was flying the 10m Access. Quite fast compared to the Access (granted the size
difference helped too). Seemed to creep just a bit more to the window's edge than the Access. Sent it a few times and it lifted me pretty easily - the
Access wouldn't have, even in comparable wind.
My Access is a super friendly kite, love it and have taught lots of new fliers with it. Easy launch, land and relaunch. Stable, doesn't overfly too
much. If I just want a "unpack and fly" kite it's the Access (and now the Frenzy - only the 2nd flight today).
Found the same launch, land & relaunch characteristics in the Frenzy. Overflew a bit more but that just means you have to play a bit more active
of a role flying. Did need to be trimmed a bit in today's wind to keep it forward in the window but just a bit.
Now, I've heard the Manta is all these things but way faster turning. I'd imagine the lift might be more as well?
Otherwise - IMO ALL Ozone products are quality gear. Well made, great safety systems, great ground handling and great performers.f22warzone - 20-2-2011 at 10:28 PM
I really love my manta, Now it does over fly the wind window if you let it, but if you're flying you won't have a problem. It develops a lot of power
to ( to me) as in 6-8 mph winds I was able to get off the ground, can do pretty sharp turns but their kind of slow granted for a 15m kite its pretty
quick.
It is very solid built and to me is excellent quality with very good safety systems, kind of expensive but to me well worth it.John Holgate - 21-2-2011 at 12:52 AM
Quote:
Now, I've heard the Manta is all these things but way faster turning. I'd imagine the lift might be more as well?
Actually , I think the Manta may now be the slowest turning kite of the 2011 range. Both the Frenzy and the Access have had their respective turning
speeds dialed right up over the last couple of years. I know the Access XT is MUCH quicker to turn than the XC and I've watched Spartan fly his 2010
13m Frenzy and pretty much spin it on a wingtip - pretty darn impressive for a 13m kite. And I'm told the 2011 Frenzy is faster still........ The 8m
M3 that I flew was ok, but not super responsive to turn. Hmmmm....an M4 next year maybe?? Any whispers ??
