A step up in performance from the beginner type deltas this would suit a progressive intermediate. When you start flying the Catalyst around it’s apparent that there is a bit more bar pressure than with many lower intermediate kites, but when steered with intent the Catalyst is fast and delivers great feeling and control at the bar. Ozone really provide the pilot with a very well mannered kite in terms of aerodynamics and the Catalyst once again really looks after the rider. In the air and like last year the Catalyst’s air frame is very solid and never hiccups in flight or when pushed hard. The loop itself is a pretty good size for all-round hooked-in and unhooked riding, presenting itself back to you nicely when you’re unhooked – so a great job as usual. The chicken finger is a nice and flexible material so it’s easy to have in or out, or to leave out of the way on the side of the loop. At the controls the bar itself is still the same in a fairly plain black, not the most exciting, but the Ozone system does have a super smooth cleat trimming system above the bar and now there’s a new push-away ergonomically moulded quick-release system above the chicken-loop, which is great. The one pump is really clean and tidy and this year’s new graphics look great. Strong, no doubt, but nice and light and with all mod cons, such as a lovely wide inflation valve that works beautifully, although you do need a mid-sized nozzle for your pump. You always get the impression that they are built to exacting standards each time and the strength is worked into the build, and are therefore surprisingly light in their feel. There’s no unnecessary padding or patches pretending to add reinforcements and the stitching is always first rate. Incredibly well received last season, Ozone have retained the same general design this year with some minor tweaks and improvements – including the introduction of a nine and seven metre to the range – as well as fresh new colours and printing.Īs they have their own factory, Ozone have a certain difference in the feel and production of their kites. Even PKRA rider Patrick Blanc has been doing all his events on it and he is pushing his way towards the top ten. Being easy to fly, with a simple relaunch and progressive depower means it will take kiters from their very first sessions right through to advanced riding. Although not designed as a dedicated wave kite, like the Reo, it delivers solid wave riding performance. In the waves the Catalyst is an incredible performer, with refined handling, depower and float offering you time to ride the wave rather than having to continuously fly the kite. For freeriders there’s smooth power delivery and refined handling while for freestylers – from those just out of the starting block to the highly advanced unhooked rider – the open C shape offers a subtle C feel without being as aggressive as the C4. Feel free to check out the website or contact us through the website for more information.Combining performance and versatility the Catalyst delivers across every category, ‘doing it all’ to a very high level. I’ll keep you posted with more information through out the season. So theres a quick intro to what I think of the new Catalyst 2014. Most definitely that added bar pressure gave my student a real feel for the kite. My student was stoked with the stability and feel, locking the kite in and learning kite stabilisation very quickly. Teaching and Learning to Kitesurf on the Ozone Catalyst 2014įirst day out it was perfect conditions for learning on the 10 metre. Now that the trade winds have kicked in, the Ozone Catalyst will be my choice of kite for free riding this season. Wow, this was just what I hoped for as I did find the bar pressure a little light for my liking last year.Īs with last years model, this kite is responsive and stable. When I first took it out for a ride I noticed that the bar pressure is slightly heavier than last year. I’ve been riding this kite now for the the last few months and I’m totally stoked with it. Ozone Catalyst 2013 – still in perfect condition after a season’s use What I think of the Ozone Catalyst 2014
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