Am considering a second kite for buggying. I currently only have a Blade 4.0 for a traction kite. For one kite to "do it all", It's been suggested to use a depower to increase the range of wind speed. It was also suggested to try an Apex II 7.5. Since I've not really found reviews on this kite, especially related to buggy use, I was hoping for some feedback. As of this date, I've only flown with handles and I don't have opportunity to sample kites where I live in Homer, Alaska. Thanks for any advice/input.

The Apex series ara a great first kite for de-power for somone with your experience. Very affordable for de-power. The de-power rig has one pulley in each bridle and simply serves to change the angle of attack of the sail. More sophisticated (expensive) rigs will change the camber of the sail as well and will do better up-wind as they go farther to the edge of the window.
The Apex is easy to rig and fly and makes a fine buggy engine but arguably even better on skis, since it is easier to hold against the side pull with the edges of skis.

If you can afford it, a Montana is still easy enough to fly and will go up-wind better, but the Apex is a flne place to start at a good price. I've flown the Apex 1 7.5 in the buggy on Jekyll Island beach and did just fine.

Thanks for the feedback. One site that sells them stated that they don't recommend it for buggies which is why I was seeking some input.

They would say that because of the upwind performaceand the ability to hold a line against side pull.

I'm interested in the Apex simply because the more I fly in the winds I fly, the more I'm liking my lower aspect kites (but I sure appreciate the upwind ability of higher aspect kites) and its a cost affective alternate to the Access.

Anyone flown the Apex and the Access and care to compare them or just share more on the Apex. I'd be using it for boarding and skiing and not interested in crazy amounts of lift. I had been thinking 9m Montana and 5m Apex but I rode with a local this past weekend who used to own a frenzy and he was quite adamant that given my winds, kites like the Access are better than the Frenzy - but I don't want to shell out that kind of money for an ozone.

interesting Q, b-roc, might be worthy of its own thread :dunno: ?

at first glance the flow, ozone's new kite, doesn't seem like much with its big cells, medium low aspect ratio, and simple bridle with only two power rows, but it's getting some rave reviews on this site and others, it seems as though the more forward - looking manufacturers may be refining their kites for user friendliness and all-round performance rather than focusing on the higher-performance monsters...

I would personnaly go for a 9M, little nicer wind range on the lower edge and a great cruising kite IMHO