Well, I've almost decided on the Ozone Access XC over the '04 Frenzy 9.5 BUT still wonder if depower is something I'm not ready for or will want. I saw Wolfee selling off his depowerable and sticking with his fixed bridles and already know how different the control is going to be but is it still worthwhile for a good cruise on snow? I'm all for the lesson in first hand knowledge and have been told the resale will be okay on the Access but I'd rather spend the dough on a keeper. Keep in mind it'll likely be a while before I fly her as I'm still cutting my teeth on the skis but the Gift Cert. needs to be spent.

If I take the plunge do I go to the 10m as the addition to the quiver below? Seems the 8 would be severe redundance. How much depower will the 10m have? Is it as simple as saying "fully depowered you can get it to tug like a 4m but can power it up for the full 10m's of ripstoppy goodness"?

For snowkiting? My vote goes to depower, especially Ozone Frenzy, 08 model to be more specific (since you already mentioned Ozone brand). I haven't flown 08 Frenzy yet but I like 08 bar set up, easy reset of safety release.

Ozone Frenzy 07 10M was my primary snowkite last year but it was my first year snowkiting and this year, 12M Manta could be my main kite.

No depower makes 10M kite to 4M. Maybe -2M. If you are going to get two kites eventually, 12M and 8M or something like that would be a good combination.

For our gusty prairie winds I'd add a depower to your quiver. If you want air on demand take the Frenzy, if you want a smooth ride and air off the odd kicker or drift take the Access.

I love my 8m Access II on snow - still have'nt got used to it with a landboard but Coyote Rollerblades are as much fun as skis.

Size depends on what conditions you expect. I find the 8m is all I can handle in the 20-30 kph winds and thin snow cover we usually get around Calgary. I have heard that if you ski in deeper snow you need the 10m.

Enjoy,
Bill

Yup,

If you are inland and on snow a depower kite will be a HUGE advantage. Very often the wind changes as you ride a lake. Having that extra range is VERY valuable !
Very few serious snowkiters use fixed bridle kites !

From the little I've seen you can get a HUGE range from an access .

I really enjoyed the 6m Access. Also consider a Flysurfer Pulse (1 or 2). The huge depower really helps on those stormy days