Which do you think is better for snowkiting? The Ozone Method or The Ozone Access XT? I was looking at the Ozone method 6.5m and the Ozone Access XT 6m just fyi.

Thanks for you help,
AJ

I would say the access; however, it also would depend on your weight, experience and especially what winds you plan on riding in. The method will most likely work in a lower end but with the 6m access you will need at least 20mph to efficiently get riding if you are over 160lbs. At 180lbs last year (195 now) I mostly could do down winders working the kite lots 17-20mph. Might have been part my skill though. Now if you are experienced and looking for a higher winds kite this thing will do wonders. Very user friendly and handles gusts like a charm.

Well, it's depower vs NOT.... In my book the choice is always depower, so I'd go with the access.

I also vote for depower but not only is your choice a choice between depower and fixed bridle its a choice between a low wind weapon and a moderate to high wind kite. You really aren't comparing apples to apples with your kite choice.

How much do you weigh and what's your experience level?

AJ -

Sounds like you've flown traction kites before? If not, a 6.5m fixed bridle foil (Method) is too big to learn on - you'll get your butt kicked. If you start with a fixed bridle foil, a 3m is a good size to learn on, maybe 4m if you are a heavyweight. And a 6m depower foil (Access XT) is too small for anything but higher winds. If you're 150-200 lbs, you may only find the kite useful for 10-15% of the winter days in MN. Few foil fliers in MN, but I'd say a 2 kite quiver for depower foils here might be more like an 8 and a 12 m. Or 10 an 14 if you are bigger/more experienced. It'll depend on kite model, of course.

Where you at in MN? I'm a St. Paul-ite.

krumly

For snow, depower is usually preferred. Remember though, a 6m Access XT will not have near the power as a 6m Method.

Access 8m unless you're a lightweight.

For snowkiting, I'd say an Access. I had an XC 8m and could hold it down just fine, and I'm 125 pounds. Great kite, very reliable. I wish I could have mine back.

Cheers,
Seanny

Krumly- Im about 60 miles north of the cities. A little North of North Branch, Minnesota.

Im about 135-140 pounds. Winds where I live are usually about 5-15 mph. Not to strong of winds. I'm definitely a beginner, but I have an Ozone Imp Trainer 3.5m too. I've flown the crap outta that thing so I know how to fly kites and how the work.;-)

Then go depower. Find someone to help set you up for a couple hours. Maybe check with Steve Blaine in Cedar Lake, WI - he is an Ozone sponsored rider. He teaches snowkite lessons on foils. http://www.mwsk2.com/

Don't know your weight, but still guess an Access 6m would get little use after learning. Not that you wouldn't love to have a storm kite on the few days you really needed it, but maybe not the most cost effective route if you can only pop for one kite now. 6 m Accesss would be suited for the winds you can ski behind a 3-4 m fixed foil with, with better gust handling.

krumly

So are you saying Access or Method?

Access, but think about going bigger and get someone to help show you the depower ropes. Method is not a depower kite.

krumly

Oh ok Thanks for the advice Krumly! I'll probably go with the Access then.

Does anybody know where I can find a good deal on an Access XT?