Boardridesurf - 24-10-2008 at 01:40 PM
I have been kiteboarding for a while but I am new to foils (usually fly SLE kites).
I am trying to get into KGB (kite-groundboarding) but I am having difficulty. I purchased an Ozone Frenzy 7.5 but it seems like there is either too
much wind or the wind is not steady enough for this kite everytime I go out. It seems like this kite really struggles with dirty wind and although I
am sure this kite will be great for the snow, it hasn't been my favorite.
So, here is the question: I am thinking about getting away from a depowerable kite and go with either a 5m Ozone Samuri 2 or 5m HQ Scout. Between
these two kites, which do you think would be better for what I am trying to accomplish?
Thanks for the help.
Scanman - 24-10-2008 at 01:49 PM
I have an '07 10m Frenzy and a Samurai 6m for landboarding. Because of the depower, I can actually fly the Frenzy in higher winds than the Samurai,
so I never fly the Samurai anymore. You just have to get use to the mushier feeling of the depower, but it's great when it's gusty. I would just
stick with the 7.5m Frenzy, especially if it's gusty where you fly. You will be surprised how much power the 5m Samurai has, it'll yank you off the
board in gusts, especially with the fixed bar.
Bladerunner - 24-10-2008 at 02:22 PM
If gusty winds are your problem you may want to look at an Arc. They tend to be the best in those conditions . They can be used on water so one kite
can pull double duty for you ?
I agree, if you are having trouble with a Frenzy in gusts a fixed bridle may be worse !
I am guessing you need to practice more with the Frenzy and that you actually need a bigger one. That 7.5 should take you in to the high 20mph range
without being overpowered, once you become it's master ! 10m seems to be the best all round size with the Frenzies.
kiteNH - 24-10-2008 at 05:16 PM
If the 7.5m Frenzy is too much kite then the 5m will almost certainly be too much in those same winds. I think that fixed bridle kites are easier to
fly but if you have experience with tube kites then a depower foil should be the ticket for you. How old is the Frenzy? maybe it just needs some
tuning
What winds are you trying to fly the Frenzy in that are giving you trouble?
Boardridesurf - 24-10-2008 at 06:07 PM
Today was a perfect example. I went groundboarding in the grass and the wind was gusting from 14-22. Lots of trees in the area and houses, so the
wind was dirty. I know that I need to build up my courage with the 7.5m Frenzy but being in the harness in these types of winds when the area that I
have to ride in is small just felt too dangerous. Therefore I switched to my wife's Best 3m trainer kite which is really only a 2.3m (from what I
have read). I was able to get going but obviously needed more power. However not being locked into the harness and knowing that nothing bad could go
wrong, it was easy to have all the confidence in the world. I want a kite that has more power that the trainer but one that wont beat me up. The
Best trainer is so easy in every way, would the Sami or Scout be what I am looking for?
kiteNH - 24-10-2008 at 08:27 PM
Honestly I'm still not sure if it's the kite that needs fixing or the flying spot. It sounds like a closed in area with gusty winds on a grass field
might just be tough to landboard at. I've got a similar spot nearby I think. It's an athletic field and actually rather wide open but the field is
soft and the grass is never mowed short and the winds are gusty and it's always frustrating no matter what kite I take out. Bullet 4.5m (comparable
to your future Sami/Scout) or my Access 8m (similar to your Frenzy 7.5). There are some days that one feels better than the other though.
If you want to give one the try then go for it. If you want the Sami you ought to go for the one on eBay if you haven't already seen it. Cheaper
than a new Scout by an easy $100 and you'll get a nice new kite. The buy it now is a great price. I'd take that over a Scout for $400+ but then
again I've flown the Scout and always want to try something new. I think the Scout would make a nice landboarding kite too so both would be probably
be a decent choice if you want to try a 5m FB kite for landboarding.
Also, in 14-22 mph I'd rather be flying a 4m than a 5m for sure but I don't weigh a whole lot.