From anyone who has flown one. I'm looking at a 12m 2006 model. Will this be comparable power to my 2005 12m Ozone frenzy?

Does the Octane have any defects or issues with the 2006 model? Should I pay an extra $200 or more for an 08 or more current version? (basically wondering how the '06 model is and will compare being that it is an older kite)

Finally, the video I watched appeared to have a good safety system, similar to that of a Slingshot Ranger where all you have to do is release the chickenloop. Is this true?

Yes, close to comparable power, but frenzy will have better low-end, the 06 octane was 5 spars and therefore not a light kite. One online report of the 06 series of octane flying a little small(less power than expected). No, no large errors in the production run that my googlefinger was able to turn up.

Should you pay more for a newer one? That's up to you. The 2006 octane is a barely-modified C kite design, the 2010 octane is a bow-kite design. The newer you go the better they relaunch on land, all eras have high performance.

The safety system works better than the ranger on the 2006 bar set up, but that is because they left out the leash-ring on the end of the depower line on the "cheapo" rangers, so the attachment points are different in that regard. Again, newer is always better, after using a turbodiesel and td3 bar, I was a bit unhappy to go back to the ranger set. If the kite is set up for the 5-line on the profire bar, that is their 'onetrim' system, some loved it, some hated it.

I do have a 2010 octane 5m that is new and I'm absolutely in love with it. Really looking to be my go-to kite for ATB. It's a sick machine that makes me drool when I pull it out of the bag.

Great info Erratic. My riding style is I like to go jump big and throw hard spins. 720's are my best trick now, not sure if I've ever gotten a grab and a 720 and landed it. Hoping to learn a 1080 soon. Will the 5line tangle if I'm spinning like this? In theory I should just do the same amount of spins in each direction, but I find it hard to keep that straight with a FOIL that doesn't tangle

I couldn't answer that for sure, sorry. Perhaps someone else will be able to.

You shouldn't have any tangle issues with spinning/unspinning the bar with 5 lines. I've seen guys fly 5th lines setups at the local lake and have no problems unspinning the bar after loops/rotations.

Here's a review of the 2006 Octane: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KD_24raGmzk

Like erratic winds said, the 2010 is a different kite... It's a bow kite which is going to feel/perform differently. It was meant to replace the Rev series, but from what I read, people actually preferred the Rev. Here's a review on the 2010 Octane: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qmwdQwH2vY&feature=relat...
And here's some tech info and tuning tips for it in case you get it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qmwdQwH2vY&feature=relat...

If you're spinning hooked, you won't feel much of a difference. If you're unhooking and doing handle passes, you might want the 2006 for the unhooked feel of a C-kite.

Thats the exact review I watched actually. It looks great for an '06 kite. I went to a local shop, and guys wanted me to buy a 2011 or at least a 2010 telling me how far technology has come. I can't afford that recent of a kite, and my '05 frenzy was amazing! I figure I'll be upgrading 1 year, but downgrading from Ozone to Slingshot. Once I get another response from this guy I'll probably buy it.

It even comes with a 9m Slingshot Diesel from 2004. Maybe I'll ride that guy on high winds, but I'm comfortable up to about 23 knots on a 12m, and don't think riding any higher than that on land is a good idea, so I doubt I'll have use for the 9m. Maybe I'll keep it as the kite I train my friends on, so they don't ruin my good one. Otherwise, what would an 04 9m diesel fetch in todays market? (Only the kite/bag/pump) - No lines/bar. My guess is about $100?

Yeah, a 2004 9m Diesel kite-only might get you around $100, but don't bank too hard on getting much more. I sold a few old C-kites (kite and bag only) with opening bids of $99 bux and most sold at that price or a little more.

You should ask your local shop if they'll let you demo some kites so you can at least get a feel for how they fly.

Quote:

Originally posted by p8ntballsk8r Thats the exact review I watched actually. It looks great for an '06 kite. I went to a local shop, and guys wanted me to buy a 2011 or at least a 2010 telling me how far technology has come. I can't afford that recent of a kite, and my '05 frenzy was amazing! I figure I'll be upgrading 1 year, but downgrading from Ozone to Slingshot. Once I get another response from this guy I'll probably buy it.

I've got to say, if I had never moved away from a waist harness and C kite, I would not be kiting. It was enough to get me interested, but too many issues for me to go out and have a great time. Now, with a seat harness(no rising up and causing asthma attacks!) and a bow kite for easy relaunch on land(I am landlocked), I'm super stoked and try to fly as much as I can and spread the love of kiting as much as I can. And I would have quit as a newb without new technology making my experience better.

Hey

Just like to ad my two cents. Your not really moving down from Ozone to Slingshot. They are both top of the line brands.
Don't compare the 06 Octane to the 2011 Octanes. Not even close to the same.
The one your looking at will have a small wind range but will be fun used in the right wind range.

John

The reason I was saying moving down is the comparison of my Frenzy to a Slingshot Ranger in quality and extras. Although I do love the boost in Rangers, it seems like the line/bridal/bar connection points are not made out of as high of a quality material and are very difficult to detach and re-attach.

Also, the Frenzy's bag is amazing. Tons of padding and extra loops and stuff on it. It's definitely made so that kiters can take the kite into the back country and be comfortable snowboarding with a full pack on your back. The safety system is amazing on it as well, it's just the little things that made me really love Ozone.

I've heard that Slingshot is top of the line for LEI's, so I can't wait to check these kites out! I decided to purchase them, and I hope to have a great time on them!