I am new to the sport, trying to learn as much as I can before making a kite purchase. I have the opportunity to purchase a very lightly used 2010 Ozone Frenzy 11m2. Question: Are the latest technological innovations in kite design warrant purchasing a new model?

Not always. I have a 2010 Access XT and think it's very good. I haven't heard that the 2015 model is substantially better but I may be wrong. I did buy a 2014 Frenzy.....and hated it. Reason being I kept getting the 5th line twisted around the other lines - my bad, certainly, but I couldn't seem to get it right. Then when I triggered the safety, the undersized stopper ball got wedged well and truly in the hole in the bar center. I also hated the plastic coating that Ozone used which locked in place when you turned the bar. There was a couple other things also. I was left feeling that it was two steps forward, one step back.....mmm...maybe one step forward, two steps back. I think I'd rather try the 2010 Frenzy than the latest one. I expect other people's mileage/opinion will vary a lot from mine!

But just to back the truck up a bit, when you say you're new to the sport, you're not considering an 11m Frenzy as your first kite are you? That might be a tad ambitious......

Starting out it's all about learning the basics, kite control is key before you try and step up to traction, IMHO I don't think you will go wrong with a good deal on a fairly unused Frenzy.
Two things to bare in mind tho': It's a de-power so you will need a harness and hook-in, the other is the Frenzy is a lifty kite so you will need to take it easy sending it up, tbh I'm not convinced if you are a complete newbie to this money and time draining sport (I mean that in the nicest way) that a Frenzy is a good starting point, get it and bank it if it is a good deal, but get your skills on something more newbie friendly. You will get lot's of advice on here and will get different opinions but we all mean well.

+1 on BigE's advice. Most people start on a 3m Fixed bridle kite and consider moving to depower kites after they master the wind window and kite control. Others who start with depower usually start with something smaller and more beginner friendly. i.e. Ozone Access or HQ Apex... If you have pre existing kite skills not yet discussed, let us know and I'm sure you'll get some good advice.

What happens when you start too big is you have a tendency to learn to react to what the kite is doing rather than how to control it. When you start smaller, you don't necessarily have the survival instinct kicking in and you can wrap your brain around what you're doing and why you should do it... plus you don't have to worry about bringing a spare pair of underware with you for when you mess you shorts :D

Quote: Originally posted by ai462

I am new to the sport, trying to learn as much as I can...

There will always be good deals available, but you should know what you're doing first.
Start with this current thread:
http://www.powerkiteforum.com/viewthread.php?tid=30024
Then take a look venerable thread:
http://www.powerkiteforum.com/viewthread.php?tid=28759#pid27...

and, if you don't want to read all that, just read this:
Learn everything there is to know about flying a 3 meter kite first. It is proven to be the most effective size for learning and skill progression. Be able to fly it sideways and upside down. Be able to fly it with your eyes closed. Be sure that you're wanting to continue with the sport.
Then consider something larger. And always wear a helmet.

And, hey, let us know where you are - we're here to help. Most of us have enough of a variety of kites so that you can try one out. We're here because we care about the sport and those that are interested in it. None of us wants to see a newcomer make a bad decision that could turn them off the sport, or worse.

The biggest difference in depowers from 2010 to 2015 is the range of depower and turning speed seems to increase with each passing year and kites are moving from a rear line to 5th line safety. Frenzy's have been good kites for a long time.

Kite technology has changed considerably in most brands in the last 2 years let alone the last 5. The 2015 is a completely new kite. Redesigned from the ground up.

You may as well compare an early Dodge Charger to a new Charger. Same name and manufacturer, not even close to the same car.