Kitesurf Magazine France Tests the SPORT & EDGE
Hi Everyone Kitesurf Magazine (France) has just landed on our desk and we are stoked with the findings of their varied test team. Kitesurf mag choose Egypt as their destination to test 19 kites from various brands with the testers chosen from a broad spectrum of ages and abilities from beginner to advanced rider giving a test result worth reading. The Sport and the Edge were tested both receiving excellent reports.
The Sport was given the coveted “KITESURF APPROVED” stamp from the test team, one of only 3 kites in the test to receive this accolade! The fact that Kitesurf Mag do this is testament to their testing methods which give a real answer not affected by advertising $$$ like some mags unfortunately on that path! Kitesurf Mag test reports are by real everyday riders not some ego hungry team that are sponsored and may have conflicts of interest Hats of to the Kitesurf Mag team for keeping it real…
This is what they had to say >> Excuse our Franglish
Instinct Sport 11m
Program: The Instinct Sport is the kite polyvalent and the main kite in the Instinct range. Ideal for freeride/freestyle and unhooked tricks.
Staff riders reactions:
(Tested between 13 and 25 knots)
Details: Valve with anti return system on leading edge, scuff pads, deflate plastic tongue on leading edge valve, rescue handle.
Ozone, the undisputed leader in the power kite market, launched their first water kite in 2006. In 2007 there are 3 models of Instinct, Light, Sport and Edge. The Sport has a 5th line with several bridle lines and a span line.
The leash doesn’t connect to the 5th line but a stainless ring allows you to pull on a front line to land the kite alone. For us the Sport was a pleasant surprise and was loved by everybody. It’s flying characteristics are predictable and it keeps low bar pressure whilst still having good power for an 11m and gives good hang time. The trim system with a cam cleat is easy to use and the kite has a very good depower. With the new 07 shape the relaunch problems of the 06 model are gone. The Sport has a 5th line with several bridle lines and a span line.The leash doesn’t connect to the 5th line but a stainless ring allows you to pull on a front line to land the kite alone. For us the Sport was a pleasant surprise and was loved by everybody. It’s flying characteristics are predictable and it keeps low bar pressure whilst still having good power for an 11m and gives good hang time. The trim system with a cam cleat is easy to use and the kite has a very good depower. With the new 07 shape the relaunch problems of the 06 model are gone. + relaunch, handling, depower, price.
The Sport has a 5th line with several bridle lines and a span line.The leash doesn’t connect to the 5th line but a stainless ring allows you to pull on a front line to land the kite alone. For us the Sport was a pleasant surprise and was loved by everybody. It’s flying characteristics are predictable and it keeps low bar pressure whilst still having good power for an 11m and gives good hang time. The trim system with a cam cleat is easy to use and the kite has a very good depower. With the new 07 shape the relaunch problems of the 06 model are gone. + relaunch, handling, depower, price. - 5th line connection
Testers reactions:
Steve, 32 years old. 1.70m, 80kg, average level kiter:
Remarks: Superb! It’s with this kite that I’ve managed my nicest jumps. You just need to pull in the bar and up you go. It’s depower is very impressive. I recommend this kite to everyone.
Nicolas, 32 years old, 1.78m, 83kg, good standard kiter:
Remarks: It’s the revelation of these tests. An accessible kite which inspires confidence and so allows us to try whatever we want, notably due to it’s huge depower.
Instinct Edge 11m
Program: The Instinct Edge is the top of the range and top performer from Ozone for high jumps.
Staff Riders reactions:
(Tested between 13 and 25 knots)
Details: Rescue handle, deflate plastic tongue on leading edge valve, anti scuff pads. The Edge is the kite at the top of the range with an aspect ratio bigger than the Sport and is a real elevator. A little lighter in bar pressure - sometimes too light - and a little slower turning than the Sport., the Edge is reassuring when we find ourselves at the top of a jump ready to try some aerial tricks. It doesn’t deform even in gusty winds - like all the Instincts in fact.
Despite being more expensive than the Sport there’s surprisingly no one pump (due to the very narrow struts) which is a pity. Relaunch is excellent always with the same technique as all bow kites, by pulling on a back line. It’s a kite for riders looking for hang time and performance.
+ Hang time, depower.
- No one pump, a little too light bar pressure. (Ozone note - the reason for no one pump on the Edge is due to the super narrow struts. One pump systems do not allow enough pressure into the narow struts therfore compromises performance)
Testers reactions:
Bruno, 57 years old, 1,80m, 80kg, expert rider:
Remarks: Everything’s well thought out, the netting to avoid the lines getting caught on the valves, the numbered lines, the trim is simple.
Everything matches together. When jumping the kites always where it needs to be. I loved it.
Florent, 32 years old, 1.80m, 78kg, average level kiter:
Remarks: The Edge is very stable and never falls out of the sky.
Light and reactive on the bar it’s a very agreeable kite. The fittings are high quality, the trim well thought out and easy to use.
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