I have been lurking and flying for about 6 months. I have a 5m Hornet and a 2.6m Viper. I am only static flying now.

I am interested in trying depower kites so I can try them with a snowboard this winter. I live inland. It is gusty most of the time.

I am about 180lbs. I have no experience with depower but I was comparing these 3 kites as a starter kite for me.

Radsails Evo2 8m on their site for about $650.
Ozone Access XT 8m on Wind of Change for about $940.
HQ Apex III 7.5m at Power Kites Direct for about $750.

I found these sites doing a google search.

That is quite the price range. I am sure quality is part of it, but can someone explain the differences also if possible?

Are there any other options I am missing? What is the best price is no object option? What is the best bang for your buck option?

Hope this is not to many questions. Thanks to everyone in advance.

Where abouts are ya? Maybe we could direct you to a local so you could get a hands on demo of depower before you buy. The kites you've listed are all rather different.

evo2-I would say this is the most performance oriented of the group, but a relatively unknown brand outside of the EU. highest aspect ratio of the 3(if I recall correctly), so most 'power' possible of the 3 with all other things being equal-ish. I have a 10m evo2 and like it a lot.(er, had. I literally just sold it this last weekend.)

access XT-perhaps the perceived "highest quality" brand of the 3, ozone. Kite designed to 'get you there', not necessarily for freestyle/tricks(though you can jump with pretty much any kite). A well behaved kite, handles gusts pretty well, though I did not prefer the bar setup(the particular model I flew had brake line adjusters, I prefer a centerline camcleat. Yes, I know that sounded like gobbledygook) Lowest aspect ratio, less power on demand.

HQ apex3-a blend of performance and stability, at a better price. I have only flown the apex2, but found it to be a great kite, especially for someone new to depower. a bit lower aspect ratio than the evo2, a bit more than the access.

Overall, I'd always say take the 700$ you'd spend on one new one and buy two used ones, to have more sizes available. The worst thing is to sit and watch because you don't have the sail for the conditions. Especially when you're new to the sport, you're going to be hard on equipment.(and yourself!) Honestly, everyone I've ever seen get started in the sport shreds a kite in the first two years somehow, one way or another. They all get repaired, but so far everybody's done it in my circle. I managed to make it to 3 years before I killed one. :embarrased:

Very solid advice from Erratic Winds. Being biased only because its the only one of the three that I've flown, I'd say that the Ozone Access will give you a great kite for your money. The trim strap is back in the 2011 model, along with a new bar design. I weigh in at 185lbs, with the snowboard this winter I was able to hold my 6m down in about 30mph winds on hard packed. It has a real great safety system, and once you are used to it, will become really easy to setup, launch, and land all on your own. Don't be fooled that just because lift isn't build into its primary design though, once you are confident enough and have the correct skills, you will be able to jump fine. With your previous skills, I'd say that if you start out in low winds, you'll be just fine. But like Erratic Winds mentioned, you may be able to snatch up a good deal if you keep your eyes peeled. A larger kite will soon be on your list, as a 8m is a good starting point, but in any powder you'll need a good wind to get going.

Don't know about the Radsail. But the Ozone will feel a little better quality - particularly the bar and fittings with the Apex being better value. Performance between the Ozone and the HQ will be pretty similar with the Ozone having maybe a tad more depower than the HQ. Maybe. I have the 5 & 7.5m Apex II's and love them - really easy to manage park 'n ride type kites (unlike say a higher aspect Manta which requires a lot of working but gives you more power and lift). Also have the Ozone 4m XT which is very reassuring in gusty winds. I've flown the Apex 3 and 2 back to back and didn't notice a huge difference.

If money wasn't an option, I might pick the Ozone over the Apex but both kites should perform roughly the same. But for $190 less, the Apex is much better value.

Thanks for all the replies. I am in north eastern WI.

So if I am understanding correctly what erratic winds is saying. The Evo2 will give me more power for less money especially if I can find a used one.

What are the adjusters and clam cleat things you mentioned like on this kite? How about the safety release?

Welcome duke...... I am in west central WI. I am by no means the expert that these other guys are, but I am close to you and I have a generation 1 Apex 7.5m that I would be more than willing to let you try out. You could at least see if you like a depower. I travel a lot so usually weekends with an occasional Monday are my only available days.

I Just started into depower and am also learning the ropes. So please direct your technical questions to the more experienced PKF'rs here on the forum.

They can also let you know if the 1st gen Apex 7.5 would give you any indication or have any similarities to the kites you are interested in........

Send me a U2U if you want to give the Apex a go and we can see if we are actually close enough to make it work out. I am heading to Duluth for work today. I will through it in my car..... depending on where you are maybe we can hook up......

I keep up with the forum on my smartphone.........

Welcome. If you are in an area of lake effect snow you will want 2 kites of the style you're looking at to start out with , a 7-8 meter for honing your skills and strong gusty conditions and something bigger for less violent conditions and deaper snow. If you are willing to buy slightly used and /or closeout deals you can get two kite in for less than $999.
Good luck , have fun.

Welcome, DukeNuke.

I am in Appleton, WI and will plan on flying this weekend and next if weather permits. Send me a U2U. I can help you fly before you buy. I have more kites than I can fly, many not listed in my auto-sig. There are also a half dozen other guys hat share equipment.

Welcome to the addiction/affliction!

Thanson2001ok, thanks for the invite. Do you fly near Appleton? Looks like you are about a 6 hour drive away.

g00fba11 I sent a U2U.

Sorry, Duke. Thought you were in NE WI.

Yes, we fly in Appleton. Look me up when in the area.

Welcome to the forum Duke - always great to get with someone else who has the skillz.

Also, if you are interested, I am currently selling a 7m 2010 Ozone Frenzy and a 9m 2011 Ozone Frenzy depower kites. They are great kites and have seen very little use.
I would rather sell to someone on here than on flea bay any day.

Whatever kite you do end up with get stoked - there is no turning back now!

:ticking:

I should add that out of those three choices I far prefer the ozone safety system.

Not to hi jack Duke's thread, but I am also curious how the Gin Yeti would compare to the kites listed above........

Duke, I also corrected my location in Wisconsin. I am in West central. I live in Wisconsin and work in Minnesota so I am always used to telling the people I work with I live just east into central Wisconsin.

I am so used to that and did not notice you are in north eastern Wisconsin. Boy do I feel stupid......

I guess that is what happens when you live on the border.... you become directionally challenged...... Of course they do say the mind tends to go when you get old......

pretty much info preset there...