Hey Everyone,
Does anyone own or have flying experience to compare the Ozone Haka and Flexifoil Blade IV? I’m in the market for a new light wind kite for KGB. The best I have for light wind right now is a 10m Frenzy (06) and a 5m Samurai II (on handles). When it drops below 7-8 knots it’s game over for me but some of the guys at the beach use high aspect kites like Jojos and Razors and they can keep riding long after I’m done. The other day I tried a 6.8m Razor in about 4 knots and just by static flying it for a few minutes I could tell there was enough power there to KGB with.
Right now I’m tentatively considering either a 7m Haka or a 6.5m Blade IV with the thought that the higher A/R will give enough more performance to keep me going in the 3-8 knot range. I know these are supposed to be high lift jumping kites. I certainly don’t expect to be getting any air in this range but even if I could just be able to cruise it would be better that sitting on the beach praying for the wind to pick up a little.
Do you think this makes any sense? I know both kites come in larger sizes but in such light wind I expect to have to work the kites fairly aggressively and I’m not sure that the bigger ones would be agile enough. Also, I’ve heard that there were some problems with the 7m Haka that may or may not have been resolved. Does anyone have any good, current information on this?
Will either of these kites be able to extend my range much lower and if so, which one would you recommend? Is there a better solution?

Thanks for your input,
~Dave

Dave,

Blade IV 6.5 thread! I will say there are alot of prior Haka owners out there, me included. The only mistake you can make is not buying the 6.5! Nuff said, read and heed the thread!!

http://www.powerkiteforum.com/viewthread.php?tid=4339

http://www.powerkiteforum.com/viewthread.php?tid=4452

http://www.powerkiteforum.com/viewthread.php?tid=2150

Hmm... 3-8 knots? A bego 600 might also fit the bill quite niceley:D... Now where did i see one of those latley:smug:...

Something else to consider would be the increase in 'tip tucks' you might get with a higher aspect kite...at least in 'dirty' air...a mute point if you're kiting in smooth coastal air.

Finding the right balance between power and stability is obviously key.

The Blade IV A/R is 5.1 the Haka is 4.5. Tip tuck, and stalling o plenty with the Haka. Non exsistant on the Blade. The Haka also has very poor low wind performance. My CF5 easily outflew the Haka, lift included. Again, the Blade IV is a far superior sail across the board.

I would go for the 6.5 over the Haka

Or...just buy AirHOg's Bego 600

Edit: Double post

Bump the Bego 600--great low wind performance! It does require more pilot brake input than the 6.5. The skytex ripstop used on Begos is so light yet durable. You may want to consider it as well as the Blade. I wasnt trying to bash the Haka, Ozone makes a quality sail but it has been documented that the Hakas have not lived up to the hype and have required after market modifications. Again, the Blade IV 6.5 is so versitile, you wont be disappointed.

Thanks for all the replies guys!
You seem to be confirming what I was suspecting. As much as I love my Ozone kites the Haka may not be what I want this time around.
I know that all things being equal a higher A/R kite is going to be more prone to tip tuck and will require me to bring my flying skills up a notch or two but if a lower A/R kite can’t get the job done in such light wind then it’s a moot point. It’s either learn to fly the right high A/R kite or pack it up. I look forward to the new challenge.
I’ll read the Blade IV threads. I know nothing about the Begos.

You can't really go wrong with the Bego 600 or the 6.5m Blade. However, in really low winds, they just are not going to be enough.

Try to borrow that 6.8 Razor again. Maybe a large race kite is what you are looking for...

I flew a 5m Yakuza last week and I was really impressed with how strong it was for its size. I’m looking forward to trying out a larger size soon.