Power Kite Forum

Some advice on a kite purchase?

macboy - 26-12-2007 at 03:22 PM

I've been treated to some cash (gift cert - bless the wife) to blow at a specific retailer. Trouble is they have limited selection so I've narrowed it down to the following including price so those that know can forewarn me if it's a bad price. All kites complete, new stock.

Ozone Access XC 8m w/ Ozone XC Harness - $940
Slingshot Ranger 9m - $650
2004 Frenzy 9.5 (Brand new, with 2005 bar & lines) - $800

Thanks for your help. It'll be a while before I blow the load - likely early summer - but I might as well start thinking about it so I can pay attention to my riding styles / preferences / winds etc. before I buy. Any advice / help is appreciated. I get nervous buying new because depreciation is immediate.

George56 - 28-12-2007 at 01:43 PM

The access and the harness sound good, but the harness is snow specific and uses a D ring rather than a hook so you won't be able to use it with your other kites.
I have a 9.5 04 Frenzy with an 05 bar and lines and it is a very nice kite. We use it a lot. In fact I prefer it to the 12 on the really low wind days because it flies a lot faster and seems to be easier to keep in the air. I have heard that the 04,5 and 6 Frenzy kites are all about the same in performance. I have an 04 7.3 and an 07 7.5 and I don't really notice much difference other than the 07 being a little slower turning, maybe a little more stable and having more depower. My wife thinks that it doesn't have as much power. If it is brand new with brand a new bar and lines it is likely a good deal. Used on ebay they are going for about 250 pounds in the UK (1 pound = about $2) so add $100 for postage (I just bought one from there) and another 100 for taxes and duty and you end up paying $700 for a used one. You will have to buy a harness but it will be a normal harness and usable with your other kites and on water as well.
I don't know about the slingshot ranger so can't say anything about it. If it is an inflatable and you are used to foils you may find it inconvenient to use.
I have thought about what I would do when faced with this situation so it is nice to see somebody actually being blessed with it.

Have fun,
George

DenisLaMenace - 28-12-2007 at 05:13 PM

go with the access

this is the kite that has the best resell value.

beginners all want this kite, and very hard to find used