So.... I have never flown this kite, let me admit that right out of the box, but someone came to me a day or so ago asking about this new kite. He is new to kiting and I showed him how to fly on a trainer etc. (he is purchasing a trainer before he puts the big boy up in the air). Anyways he asked if I could go over his kite and tell him what I think. Other then a small pinhole tear I thought it wouldn't be a bad kite, the only thing that stood out for me was the bar length. It seemed really short, I think maybe a 40 max. I told him that my personal preference is to fly in the 50 range, and that I really do not like short bars. I suggested that he get a-hold of the local ozone dealer and ask him what he thinks.

For my own knowledge I was wondering what you guys think? Doesn't this seem like a really really short bar to be on a 7m LEI?

also, anyone that has flown this kite, any suggestions I can give him? It wasn't safe to fly it that day so I couldn't give him my personal feelings on it. (after we packed up the trainer it started gusting 35 and dropping to 5mph with a 180 wind change!) I told him it looks like it would be a fairly straight forward relatively easy kite to fly after you start to get your feet under you.

Thanks for any replies!

I know that the small PL arcs used to get 40cm bars.

Quote:

Originally posted by Maven454 I know that the small PL arcs used to get 40cm bars.

did you fly it with that short of a bar? I don't think any of my trainers even have a bar that short.


I really have no experience with LEI's and all the balloons... I am a foiler! lol. Anyways, I was wondering if you, or anyone else, has flown with that short and what they felt. I think it would be about the same issues I come up with when I am flying my 'pillowcases' (as a 'balloon-er' likes to call me)

I know that Todd has flown with a bar that short. I can't remember what was with the kite when I borrow his small Venom. I generally fly open cells (as evidenced by my signature).

A 7m LEI will turn very fast and needs a smaller bar.

Couple of thoughts and Questions.

The smallest bar Ozone has produced or packaged with an Instinct is 50cm. The largest was 60cm. They went to 54cm all around in 2009, and as for 2010 all kites are on a 50cm bar (sizes 4m-15m anyway, the mighty 17m Zephyr comes standard with 54cm bar, but can be flown on a 50cm as well). A 40cm will work fine, but in average conditions a new kiter will do better with a longer more comfortable bar, IMO. The 7m would have almost always come with a 50cm from Ozone, depending on the model year. That is the smallest size I like personally.

That's the big question for me, what model year is this kite? And is it the 4 line or 5 line version? I must admit that the first bars used in 06, and even some of the 07 systems, were not as clean and as easy to use as the bars in 08-2010.
The 08 bar was made universal to replace all previous 5-line bars in the Ozone line, and is a great upgrade (if your friend decides he wants a bigger or possibly better bar system.)

Windzup stocks replacement bars for all the models, so options are available.

Windzup,
Brian Schenck
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