Power Kite Forum

Do you think ultralite ripstop is worth the price? Kite Pics Added.

Cheddarhead - 14-6-2014 at 06:01 PM

I'm Specifically referring to the Ozone Frenzy and Summit models. Ozone states that the ultralites are primarily for weight reduction and pack up size. Do you think there is any more low end with this particular ripstop because you can launch in lower winds?

I'm eyeing up a Demo Ultralite Frenzy, but wonder if I'm benefiting by this if I'm not climbing mountains or packing in/out.

Rob.

Feyd - 14-6-2014 at 07:02 PM

If you are trying to get something to fly, lighter is generally better. IMO. Do you get the same performance increase in a smaller kite as say a 19m Flysurfer? No, probably not. But if comparing light weight vs. standard fabric in light wind conditions the light weight makes it a bit easier.

Jim Cline, one of the locals here, bought a Frenzy UL and a FS Outlaw in DLX material. Say's he likes them much more than the non-UL versions he's owned and demo'd.

If I could have every kite in UL material I would. If FS were to make a Peak out of DLX or Lotus it would be an unreal light wind kite.

Cheddarhead - 14-6-2014 at 07:26 PM

Thanks Chris, that's a pretty darn good answer! I'm pretty gentle on my kites so durability shouldn't be much of an issue. Like you, almost all of my flying time is on snow & ice. If I remember correctly, ozone does not have blowout valves on the ultralite versions?

bigkid - 15-6-2014 at 06:30 PM

Most of my quiver of kites are made of ul material. I have had to patch a few rips that for what ever reason showed up out of the blue. I dont make it a point to beat my own kites but things happen. The ul material is ok if you are very very very very careful, but they still end up being repaired even on snow. A small twig is all it takes. Drag a wing tip at ivanpah and the kite is destroyed. Ask to fly my ul kites and the answer is #&*@% NO.
The difference in weight is huge with the bigger sizes but with the smaller ones, stick with the regular material. Just my experience.

Cheddarhead - 15-6-2014 at 07:41 PM

Specifically I'm looking at a 2014, 13 meter Frenzy. I think it would be a HUGE weight savings in that particular size.

I always wondered why Peter Lynn never considered making some of their larger arcs in deluxe material? Arcs can get pretty heavy in the larger sizes.

Feyd - 16-6-2014 at 05:15 AM

I've had nothing but good luck with UL material. I put the 19 Psycho 4 DLX in an oak tree once and thought for sure there was going to be damage but nothing. Not a pin hole. We have a lot of Flysurfer disciples around here, all on Speed DLX's, and I only know of one who's had any issues and it was because he ran his kite into a dead pine tree at about 30mph. DId a number on it but was salvaged.

A week later I ran Molly's 16m Venom 2 (brand new) into the same tree. Had about the same damage. Forgot I had line extensions. :o

We call it the kite eating tree now.

I'm not sure what Blu was mad of. SHe wasn't the same ripstop that all my other Arcs have been but it wasn't like Silver Arrow material. For her size she was very light, lighter than my Phantom 2 24m.

Bladerunner - 16-6-2014 at 07:18 AM

Quote: Originally posted by bigkid  
Most of my quiver of kites are made of ul material. I have had to patch a few rips that for what ever reason showed up out of the blue. I dont make it a point to beat my own kites but things happen. The ul material is ok if you are very very very very careful, but they still end up being repaired even on snow. A small twig is all it takes. Drag a wing tip at ivanpah and the kite is destroyed. Ask to fly my ul kites and the answer is #&*@% NO.
The difference in weight is huge with the bigger sizes but with the smaller ones, stick with the regular material. Just my experience.


Are these PKD kites ? If not, what brand ?

bigkid - 16-6-2014 at 11:06 PM

PKD and ozone and PL
I personally like the ul material but you have to be careful
If I was to pay full price for the ul material kite, I would more than likely not buy them. The extra cost is too much work to keep it pristine and not damage the kite.
I like to fly the kite and push the envelope at times, but not with the ul material.
25 to 60% more cost depending on size is a lots of cash you could spend on other stuff.
I won't sell a ul material kite to a newbie, only after I explain the difference and show them, they make the smart choice and buy the regular material.
If they understand the ramifications of the ul material and there is no return once it goes in the air and still want the kite, it's OK with me, I like anyones money.

Cheddarhead - 18-6-2014 at 10:57 AM

I agree Jeff, brand new ultralite MSRP is too expensive and a deal breaker for myself....BUT... Nicely discounted demo model in great condition I can deal wit




RonH - 18-6-2014 at 06:16 PM

I guess it depends on what the regular materiel is...

Ozone quality on a big kite in a UL... Really good chance it is worth it.:thumbup:

Cheddarhead - 27-6-2014 at 06:57 PM

Just received my Demo Frenzy in the mail the other day. 13 meters of Ultralite goodness! Can't get over what awesome quality ozone has. Material is def lighter than my other Frenzy. One picture you can literally see my hand through the inside skin of the kite! Almost looks like ozone changed the wing profile slightly for 2014. To me it appears a tad higher aspect than 2013 models. I love the push away safety upgrade they made for this year, very nice. Special thanks to Chris Krug for getting this to me. Your an upstanding guy!

A few pics here on Flickr since I still don't know how to attach pics:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/125753523@N02/with/14336719160...

erratic winds - 27-6-2014 at 09:35 PM

Good lookin kite! can't wait to hear of your first adventure with it.