How is the new Ozone Catalyst 12-14m working out for you?
Sat, 08/21/2010 - 07:44
I'm replacing my Ozone sport+ 13m 2009 and I'm looking at the Cat, it seems like the 12 might be a little light for my 185 lbs 
I'm not planning a diet either anytime soon.
So what is your experience w/ that kite?
Sat, 08/21/2010 - 12:34
#1
I have the light
I have a 12m 09 light and weigh 170#. At 12 kts I am powered up enough to ride. Its most fun in the 15 to 20 kt range. Its safe for me to about 25 kts. My quiver is also includes 8 and 10 meter lights and a 17 meter Ozone Zephyr which I share with a 135# rider so I tend to not use it outside of its most fun range.
My understanding is that the 2010 Cat is essentially the same kite but has a nicer bar. I have not flown the 2010 but have checked out the bar which has a bigger hole for center lines, a longer available depower throw and cleaner trim set up. the first two items address things I would have changed about my 09 bar. The trim change probably saves them some beans on construction costs.
Mon, 08/23/2010 - 08:30
#2
2010 Cat is solid
I have a 2010 12m Catalyst and love it. I'm 195 lbs and need about 15mph of wind with this kite. It handles smoothly and I don't have anything bad to say about it. The caveat is that this is my first season and that's my first kite, so I don't know a whole lot about what other kites feel like. But I can see happily holding on to this one as my all-around kite for years.
Wed, 08/25/2010 - 14:04
#3
Ozone Catalyst
JH,
So I have not been able to keep a Catalyst on hand yet. Ozone makes them to order which means it hard for me to order as there is no stockpile. But I was very impressed when I flew the 12m once before I sold it and the 6 following and have not had an opportunity to have an extra for demo since. It is allot like the Sport but turn MUCH faster than the 09 Sport. Ozone had some changes to their business in 09 which was not my favorite year but fully redeemed in 2010 back to there standard 2years of R&D per kite. As you know I have been ridding the C4 and I think the 2010 Catalyst is a SUPER newb option! But like my Wainman kites stable, easily relaunch-able, and a kite that sits on the wing tip does not exclude it from being a sick performance kite.
I had a good afternoon on that 12m and was throwing allot of diff stuff and found the kite to be rock solid, predictable and fast. There was zero trim issues, back-stalling or lack of turning. I think the C-4 is bit faster but the Catalyst seems to loft well and glide.
Last night I went out in this 30mph and I was having a blast on my wifes 8m which I have been using as its in the truck most often. It was so stable and easy to fly. I like the simple 3 strut design and it was a delight to fly one handed in the waves. But I guess it hard to talk about a kite without saying all the same things. What I can say is that it is a total good move for anyone wanting a good start kiting but is totally rock solid unhooked and looping. I cant say that for all kites I have had tried. This year though Ozone has it correct....!
Though I did just get 2 12m's finally
Wed, 08/25/2010 - 14:11
#4
Light vs Catalyst
Pete,
These two kites are hugely different. The light was not a favorite and while ok for a new rider it did not have the power or ability to have me excited.
The sport 09 was good but looped so hard and turned too slow.
I say this only to suggest that the Cat is totally A1 its the sport with 3 struts with all the negatives taken away. The light was dropped and the name too. Just to make clear this is a new breed. From the C4 to Zephyr Ozone 2010 is just sick. Its the ONLY reason I put down my prized Wainman's just to see what Ozone was up to. I have not tried the edge due to my ridding style but assume its onbaord too...
Wed, 08/25/2010 - 17:05
#5
JD thanks for the feedback
John;
It Sounds like I need to try the Cat. Since I like the lights I have, its likely I will like the Cat more. Also, I am really liking the Zephyr. I had it out on Sunday at Revere. Rode it from 10 kts all the way through the wind building to 20 kts with plenty of gusts past 25. I was just having too much fun to come in. In the month that I have had it I have been out 4 times with it. That's 4 sessions I would not have enjoyed without a big kite. everything happens slowly with it as you would expect for a big kite in light wind. This has been good in that it has given me time to figure things out.
Thx for feedback!
JH