Manufacturer:

Ozone

Model:

Frenzy 06

Sizes:

5m, 7.5m, 10m, 12m +14m

Type Of Kite:

De-Powerable Non – Water Re-launchable Foil

Introduction:

Yet another generation of the revolutionary Frenzy is now on the market, Once again with a revamped colour scheme and some changes to the canopy and bridle to improve it and make it just that little bit edgier for the top riders but also a bit more stable for the lesser skilled or more regularly inland flyers.

A quick note about the Frenzy colour schemes, even we are currently unsure as to what colour's are going to be available, I've got a nice Black, white, yellow and black one so I'm happy with that!

Packaging, Style + Construction:

The technical back pack has been altered a bit again, black and red with more straps than you ever might need, it even says the size on the bag (I've never had a problem with knowing what kites what size but some people must do as they seemed to think this was exciting). There are two straps one for your chest and one for around your waist giving it a nice secure fit. The lower strap even has 2 small 'bum bag' style zip sections which should be big enough for a wallet, or a mobile etc if you don't want to leave them in your pocket. Down both sides of the bag is a criss cross strap which you can tighten to go round whatever you have there (bar etc.) and the top seals well with a zip right up the front which is good for getting the kite in a bit easier, as well as a clip and draw string at the neck to keep it closed and then a flap over hood with another pocket and label on it to write the 'pilots name' and 'pilot phone number' incase it ever gets lost or its ownership is contested.

On arrival the kite and bar are in their own separate plastic bags along with another document wallet sized bag with the manual, small booklets, some spare patch material, a few spare bridles and thousands upon thousands (ok, about 15-20) of Ozone stickers.

Once again like the '05 model the bar is extremely functional, the line winders on the end with elasticated holders are useful and hold the line brilliantly, both safety's extremely innovative and they work perfectly as and when needed, the only aspect of the bar which I personally and others have had issues with are the chicken loop, which now comes with a separate 'donkey dick'. It makes giving other people a go of your kite extremely difficult and awkward, I assume it is for those who ride with a captive system, but even so, it doesn't get in the way if it is attached so really separating them is just irritating for those who share or like to have a go of other kites.

One thing missing in my Frenzy package was the wrist safety leash, I wouldn't use it anyway I don't think, just relying on the centre line safety, but its still a point that they made it to have one attached if needed and its not in the bag? Maybe mine is just a one off though or it was lost in transit.

Unsurprisingly construction is top notch and as with all the top manufacturers kites you will very rarely have any problems. They have upgraded/updated the pulleys and they look and feel a lot more solid compared to previous versions so will hopefully be a lot more resistant to wear.

Jumping:

I've been out in both light winds and at the top end of the 12m's wind range. I've got to say that jumping with the '06 seems so much better than the '05 models, although bar pressure is lighter (making it easier to get a hand off while still powered up) it still has a very confidence inspiring feel and amount of lift and float, very predictable in even slightly gusty winds. Redirection is as fast as any rider would want although it is necessary to power up ever so slightly more to get the same response to input as the '05, though when it starts turning it really does turn sharply. Even in light winds when riding unhooked jumping is awesome, riding along with a frenzy unhooked makes you feel so much more powered than you really are, messing about doing small raleys are fun with the frenzy because of its fast turning speed when unhooked. Compared with the '05 models I'd say your likely to get a bit more height with the newer model, but only if you know how to fly it. Those who haven't quite mastered the Frenzy's intricacy's will find it a bit odd to fly, as proved by some Mattress (Arc) flyers who had a go recently.

Final Summary:

Well, having owned an '03 Frenzy and flying every model since then and now owning a 12m '06 again I'm glad I now own a Frenzy again, there's something about the de-power and the feel of the kite that is unmatched by any kite. Even the similar Sabre and the Flysurfer's, they just don't give you the same grin when flying as the Frenzy does.

Good ground handling is the only other negative item on the list, in stronger winds you will never be able to leave it sitting there while you go and have your lunch quickly, it just wants to pull even when landed, although not quite as badly as my old Flysurfer Titan did.

Fly the Frenzy aggressively with a lot of bar input and you will be one hell of a boarder, expect it to be a lazy kite and it just won't do what you want.

Reviewer:

Kev @ KiteATB.co.uk

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