U-turn Oxigen 4M

U-turn 4m Oxigen - mid-aspect kite.

First impressions

Unpacking the kite I was very impressed with the quality of construction. The kite came in a draw string sack as ‘kite only’ but the price quoted by the shop was set up, ready to fly with free handles and 20m line. The only problem that I can see here is that the 4M kite is such a tight fit into the bag that it is practically impossible to get the handles in as well.

The kite comes fitted with power rings that join the power and brake bridles near the line connection points. where the brakes actually hook onto the trailing edge end of the wingtips. There is another ring on the trailing edge. This is used, when turning to increase the turn rate.The kite is reinforced at all the stress points and has internal webs and straps across the rib cross-vents and the across the innermost bridle points too. The bridle are all sewn on, similar to the Ozone and newer Flexifoil kites. It has Velcro dirt outs for removing sand/ grass from the wing tips. It also has a Velcro strip to hold the harness in place when you pack the kite away.

First flight - How do they fly?

Unfortunately, the first day was not perfect, for the Oxigen, as the wind was very gusty. Lots of juddering and sudden de-power with the kite falling out of the sky and powering up half way down! Well it was blowing between 5-17mph constant gusts. On its maiden flight, I broke my collarbone after being pulled over and dragged a few times. Also getting it stuck up a tree.

The following week I tried again this time in more open ground still inland. It was a different kite altogether, well behaved. The wind was between 5 – 10mph. It took a bit more effort to get it off the ground, on its second flight, but once up it was really cool. Turning speed was incredible even given the low wind. Power was there, through the turns. When landing in reverse, no problem with tendency to spin and fight in the last few feet to the ground. It was less aggressive on initial takeoff and can be held back easier on the brakes. On its third flight at a beach, wind between 5- 16mph. It flow really well, well controlled, behaved. When reverse landing it tended to want to fight and twist a little near the ground, on this occasion, but nothing to put you off.

Conclusion

I love this kite, even after breaking my collarbone. It has lots of power and it can be flown in low wind in order for you to get to know it. I think the Oxygen may be better in a buggy than on a board as it seemed to pull more lower down, however it's hard to say as I was just static flying. Power was smoother on the beach. And I would say that this kite is an all rounder both inland and beach. I would recommend this kite to a beginner and intermediate flyer.

Author : dreamcaster2005