Ozone Method

[jdhot]

Well looks like yesterday wasn't a day of Method's

Andrew & I arrived at 7 Mile to very light drizzly rain, walked out to the beach to be greeted by not a breath of air

and the occasional puff was off shore, we decided it was time for a coffee and just as well the drizzly became heavier

Anyway the rain eased and we wondered back to the beach, on a good note the wind (if any) had swung up the beach

so with coffee in hand we went for a walk down the beach a few k's and back and bumped into Paul who had arrived

and within about 10mins the wind was starting to blow on shore very lightly, so the decision was made " GO FOR IT "

Back to the vehicles and start bringing out the gear. By the time we'd pulled the gear out and I'd carried my rear axle out to the beach the wind was blowin' 10kts.

So to get to the point, it was 10m de-powers to start and it was from Gerroa to past Berry and back, slowish up and flyin back.

Played with the de-powers for a while as the wind dropped off a bit, near the end of the day the breeze picked up and I promised to play with the 4m Method. OK so I dumped the 10mtr on the beach and left it there, out with the Method and fitted it to the Turbo Bar (pure ease of hook-up). At first it took a bit to tune into the bar/kite after been on the de-powers.

The wind was still to light and was struggling at first, but then things came together, started to feel the kite/bar relationship.

In light winds the kite needs to be worked hard, long sine waves as the kite develops it's power with speed. These kites I would say perform best in there wind range (upper). To make a comparison my old 4m Samurai had more low down grunt than the Method for pure ease to get going in lighter winds, but would only go so fast, an old V8 compared to an F1 car, F1's perform poorly at low speed but get up to speed and watch out.

As the arvo drew to a close and an odd sprinkle came in I packed the de-power away as the wind was building slightly and I wanted to give the Method a work out and I'm glad I did, I wind increased a little to probably a good solid 10kts still below this kites optimum spot another 5kts would have been sweet (next week maybe predicted 15-20kts).

Now in tune a bit with the kite/bar, increased beach and the life guards gone from the Gerroa end of the beach giving that longer run and more into the wind with the curve of the beach things started to come together.

With and increase in buggy speed, apparent wind started to come into play and the kite started to perform better, it was hard work constantly sinning the kite and zig-zagging the buggy. These kites love to fly quickly to develop there power. Working them is not an effort, the kite is very responsive and turns easily. Have to agree with John Holgate in comparison to the Blade kite. They are not as aggressive in switching on the power nor did I feel the same amount of lift, which to me is quite comforting in a buggy at speed.

Now for those that know Gerroa, the last 50-100mtrs where the trees end and there the flat sand before the river mouth was the best section, with adequate speed travelling into that section I could start to feel to pull of the kite as wind would be a little stronger and a bit more on shore. It was a nice feeling not a sudden jolt like a race kite but like you were just slowly opening the throttle on a powerful motor, pulling smoothly and very controllable steering wise no sudden twitchyness. The only problem I foresaw was the river/water just as the fun began 'buggar'. Yes you can throw the kite up in the air without the fear of going skyward (this maybe an illusion as it was only a 4m and I'm used to larger Blades). At this end of the beach was the only time I felt I could stop working the kite, park it and apply a small amount of brake to increase pull and get to really feel the potential although very short lived

In a quick wrap up of this session, this kite doesn't like going slow, it develops power with speed and the right wind range

at slow speed and or light wind it doesn't really like brakes until it up and running.

Hoping now for some really descent wind 15-20kts to try this Method out thoroughly.

JD

PS, I did capture a small amount of video footage in less than ideal conditions for it, and now only need to download it off Andrew's camera.

[jhn.holgate]

Good read, JD. I had the Method in 15-20knots (according to the bom 20km up the road) and found that while I could park it in 15 knots, it was when wind picked up to 20 knots or my speed started getting up (a tad under 50kph) that I could really feel the 4m getting that solid 'here we go' feeling. 18-20 would be where it really starts to come on song. I particularly like the ground handling of this kite - it's very well behaved when parked on it's brakes. And talk about minimalist bridles - 3 x a & b on each side plus either 3 or 4 on the side & trailing edge. Still, it holds it shape nicely. I have a 6.5m coming which I'll put on 30m lines on the Turbo bar for those 6-12 knot days Awfully tempted by either a 3m or 4m too..... hmmmm.. I have this vision of screaming down the beach at Sandy Point in 20 knots with the 4m......

[nigel]

So you two have realised the difference between a low aspect kite and a medium aspect kite.

As you have found out John, a medium aspect kite is not a huge step up from a beginner (or low aspect) kite.

The higher aspect does as JD says, require a little bit different flying style, but the reward is more power and speed, and confidence at these speeds.

You'll find most higher aspect kites like and need to be flown at the top end of their wind range.

All kites are tailored by the manufacturers, so unless you have two kites designs for the same purpose, it's often silly to compare them against each other.

A Blade is designed for a different purpose than the Method, so even though they are similar in aspect they will handle and perform differently.

A Flexifoil Blurr, or a PL Core would be a better comparison against the Method.

Which I think you'll find will be all very close in performance and handling.

If you want to try a Core John at our next meet, let me know.

I'll have to pry it out of Kathleen's hands.

[Jimmy22]

yep much more like a blurr to fly, i own 2 blurrs as well and i am sad to report they are redundant now .

Method handles gusts 100% better , are very much harder to luff

Points higher

and are probably as fast but i havent owned methods long enough to confirm my theory there, only 71 kmph so far with a method best on blurr was 74.1 after 1 years outings.

blurrs used to be my fav kite and i would have no hesitation flying one again if i were caught with out the methods but its unlikely to happen as the methods are put in the car BEFORE other kit .

[lickedysplit_au]

Well just got in from Stockton, the only kite in the air today was the 5m Method. Some pics and thoughts shortly

Gotta clean the shiz

[jhn.holgate]

Some pics and thoughts shortly

hmmmm.. I have this vision of screaming down the beach at Sandy Point in 20 knots with the 4m......

Couldn't resist. 4m's coming too Pretty green.......you know you're soaking in it......

[jdhot]

I'm with you there John

Couldn't resist. 4m's coming too Pretty green.......you know you're soaking in it......

I think you've made a good choice John of a 6.5m & 4m, that would be my choice also and maybe soon, though would like to try the 5m, maybe do a swap Troy ... hmmmm

JD

[lickedysplit_au]

OK OK I CAN TAKE A HINT!! Lol sorry for the delay John-s

As mentioned above I have my hands on the 5m Method. The kite I have had never been flown and was new in the bag. Looking at the kite I notice typical Ozone quality. Material, stitching and components are of a high standard and with the brief look I took over the kite I couldn't fault it. Bag is GREAT!! Not too big, quality zip and looks strurdy. Setup was as easy as connecting the labeled, colour coded lines to both ends. OK enough of the boring stuff..

Attached and hooked in there was no hesitation in the new kite and up it went giving me a nice solid yank across the sand as it flew straight to zenith where sat like a tamed beast waiting for action. Walking forward to my buggy I found the kite didn't need to be flown to be kept in a neutral position like some higher aspect f/b kites. It literally sat there without the need for any attention while I walked 50m to my buggy sat down and put the old lap belt on...Still waiting for action this kite really doesn't seem to overfly.

Well it was time, facing into the dunes I gave the kite what it wanted and dropped it right into the guts of the power. As soon as the kite dropped in from the top there was a nice grunty feel and I knew that it was on. Hanging the kite out @ 15 knots there was no problem pulling me and my buggy through the soft sand and out to the dunes out the back.

I figured that the Dunes would be the best place to test this kite for the gusty stuff I have heard it is so good at handling. Heading out through the gusty back country the kite didn't luff nor move around in the gusts but you could definitely feel them coming through the handles!! Heading down a dune a kite can quickly end up quite high especially with a gust if not kept in check and unless you want to be hanging of your axle like a mofo then this isn't a good thing. I found as I accelerated down the dune with a small amount of break applied that the kite stayed along side well and didn't even feel like it was going to misbehave or pop up. On fast decent from some of the larger dunes the Method didn't give that floaty feeling some of the other kites I fly give but more of a down low pull....So I went harder.

I found that the Method flew nicely and trucked along with minimal flier input however I also found that the more input you give it the more it will give you and quite the beast in becomes. If your a park and ride kind of guy then this kite will facilitate but if you are your more aggressive flier then the Method will by no means close its legs. Yep this was the kite that kept on giving last week. After confidence built with the kite some nice big down loops gave some awesome powered slides that continued right to the other side. Even with my lap belt I didn't feel the kite wanting to pull me out the side through the turns.

This kite isn't a Blade nor is is comparable to a Blade. Well it is but they are two different things. The Method is noticeably lower aspect, has more bottom end and has WAY less lift. As mentioned it would be more comparable to the Flexi Blurr but I did find it somewhat quicker and less prone to luffing at the edges of the window. As with the Blurr you could start out with a Method and it would see your well through into your intermediate to advanced ground based kiting. I wouldn't even try boosting with this kite as there just isn't the lift so if your looking for that then still consider the Blade for f/b.

Well as I keep at it with this kite over the next few weeks I will keep you posted, video hopefully coming soon... Just gotta get that JD up to Stockton!!

[Andyfly]

Just gotta get that JD up to Stockton!!

Him ... stuff him... he's always on a beach somewhere!!!!....

What about the rest of us....

Hope you have it at Stockton for the up-coming XK event for the rest of us to try... looks great..

Nice pics and reviews from all... looking forward to seeing one in the flesh...

Andy

[jhn.holgate]

Very nice photos and review.

[jdhot]

Him ... stuff him... he's always on a beach somewhere!!!!....

What about the rest of us....

Are you calling me a beach bum Mr Fly

Not impressed really the last week has been beaut on shore winds and rain to go with it

Hope you have it at Stockton for the up-coming XK event for the rest of us to try... looks great..

I'm sure Steve will make sure there all there for everyone to try

Great write up on your thought's Troy and yes we will have to meet up very soon mate

JD

[Andyfly]

Are you calling me a beach bum Mr Fly

"Yeah but" ...In an endearing way mate...

... coz .... I saw it written on a van one day....

Not impressed really the last week has been beaut on shore winds and rain to go with it

JD

rain makes grass grow... ..ya may soon be known as mower-man...

Great to hear Steve's making sure we all get a look at the Method at Stockton .... I hope he'll get the chance to be there too .....

Andy ...

[Jimmy22]

i have discovered you can jump these kites but you need to hold some break on, give that a try

[lickedysplit_au]

Thanks guys, really is a nice fixed bridle kite. It is actually amazing how far things have come since I started out flying Bullets and Beamer 1's!! Tides arn't the best this weekend but may just head up for another lash on this baby in the NE'er.

@ Andy - Your welcome anytime mate, you don't need an invite! LOL No one needs an invite. JD just needs motivation because as we all know he is the full 7 miles of beach bum.

@ Jimmy - Will give it a go next time I get my PL out (if this osteo keeps working his magic on my slightly fooked back). You would definitely have the pace in the Method to bring it around so guessing that the break is just slowing it's forward momentum up a little? When boosting on the blades I find a guy of my size is much more floaty when hanging off only the front lines.

@ John - Shame you went for the green and I really put it in the review that it's the RED ones that fly best..... LOL just jokes mate, the method looks NICE in green. Are you coming up in Feb mate?? Stockton awaits you and your new Methods.....They LOOOOOOOOVE the dunes!

@ JD - Just get your ass up to Stockton

[jhn.holgate]

Are you coming up in Feb mate?? Stockton awaits you and your new Methods.....They LOOOOOOOOVE the dunes!

Mighty tempting. Got a pretty full week before hand but do have some 'low tide' days booked in that following week. Contemplate that, I will. And I agree, the red one looks very swish. Hopefully, they'll turn up this coming week so I'll have 'em for Kingston.

[plummet]

hey jhn.holgate just a we hint for launching at the edge of the window.

Always have some steering input on the bar/handles so the kite points to the edge of the window when you launch.

That way even if it launches badly and doesn't inflate properly it wont flip over and wang to the powerzone.

If you walk back with neutral bar input then theres a chance for it to rotate before fully inflated.

get it right and the foil should just peel off the ground and sit at the edge. i have the technique down now and have launched like that in a gusty 40 knots easily and safely.

[jhn.holgate]

get it right and the foil should just peel off the ground and sit at the edge.

Yes, I've managed a few launches like that and completely bungled a few too. I'm also finding that if I walk around a bit to get my line tension right while the downwind edge is only just off the ground, that also helps me. The 9m Frenzy I demo'd at Sandy Point taught me to get the tension on the lines right and have the downwind edge peeling off the ground nicely BEFORE I commit to the launch. That particular launch also taught me that the safety works well too..... I don't actually think I can launch from the side of the window without actively steering the kite to the edge, but I will be mindful of that next time. 40 Knots? Holy smokes, that's sandblasting territory!!

Cheers.

[jdhot]

Monday hopefully

will be the first real day (if predictions stay true) that I've had to put this 4m Method through it's paces

with 15-20kt winds predicted

JD

[Jimmy22]

got the 6.5m so now i own a full set , first full set of kites ever for me. the Turbo bar rocks too.

i over layed my yak 6 over my method 6.5 this morning its very close , method is fatter but actually pretty close. However the method is 3x more stable in the other sizes id expect the 6.5 to be no different. Ill let you know on the top speed if i can find someone to race me with my yak 6 who has equal or better skills than i do , preferably better skills to give the method a real test head to head. Note its not a yak gt 6m as those are more stable than yaks in general.

[Jimmy22]

[Jimmy22]

55knots today and 150mm of rain , the new kite curse strikes hard ! no 6.5m fun

[Steve]

We should not laugh Jimmy! You bought a 6.5 and now you have 55 knots of wind, awesome, maybe the surfers will get some good waves from it??

Patience........

[Jimmy22]

yeah, one of my mates ripped her kite in half so it was cranking, also a fractured toe and a smashed shoulder from two other mates. quite a weekend for the crew. I just hid indoors, im keen but not insane. hehe

[jhn.holgate]

Pulled the shiny new 6.5m Method out of the bag at Kingston for her maiden voyage. I took a bit of a punt and bought it as a light wind kite for cruising in 6-15 knots. Kingston beach served up 7-14 knots cross onshore nearly every day so I managed a bit over 200km with it over the week. When setting up, I tend to walk 20m from the bug, drop the kite on the sand and weigh it down, unwind the lines, place the brake strap of the turbo bar behind my back wheel and then go and unfurl and inflate the kite. First thing you notice about the Method (apart from the minimalist bridling) is how well it sits on it's brakes. No hopping around or wanting to flop up and over. It is the best behaved kite I have in that manner. It launches easily, steadily and doesn't send you into a superman. Perhaps a bit of scudding as it nears the top of the window, but a gentle launcher. After Goshen pointed it out to me, I now keep reasonable pressure on the brakes to avoid it overflying when it gets near the top of the window.

It turns at a good clip - it's only half as fast as the 4m but one trait these kites seem to have on the turbo bar is that if you really reef the bar hard on one side, you can stall half (??) the kite and cause it to spin without losing control. Very handy to be able to spin the kite like that with nearly no power for those moments when you realize you've flown it too far back behind you

As you start to move the Method across the window it builds power with a very gentle surge - no ripping you're arms off. Into the bug and at 7 knots it's a bit of an effort to get going (I must try the 30m lines) but once you start to move, the Method responds and gets you going. It took a bit of work to get down to the Granites - a downwind run in 7.5 knots. Upwind was a lot easier and as the wind picks up to 9 knots this kite can park and ride quite quickly - particularly upwind - I was cruising upwind at about 25-30km/hr with the kite parked off to the side in really light winds. 11-14 knots and you're really starting move - downwind, 60kph comes up quick. Landings and launchings were still very easy (even directly downwind launches). 15 knots had more power than I was comfortable with so I swapped kites. Pity I didn't buy the 5m as well!!! (I'm reliably told the red one goes faster). I did try the 4m Method but it needed just a bit more wind - 15 to 20 and I think it would shine.

In 200km's of buggying, the Method didn't bow tie. Even when I completely stuffed up a turn and ended up with the kite upwind of me, I still managed to get some tension in the lines and reinflate the kite before it hit the ground. Not due to my skill but the kite's very forgiving nature. This is a very friendly, easy to manage kite. It is a complete joy to fly. It is much faster than my 7.5m depower both upwind and downwind. It is not as fast as a 6.8m Yak nor anywhere near as powerful but it is much easier to manage with a much broader windrange.

As a light wind buggy engine, this is beautiful, friendly yet fast kite. An absolute gem. 10/10 from me.

[Jimmy22]

looks like you had lots of fun, i do have the 5m as well and its a great size for the 12-15 knots bracket. im hoping to get use from my 6.5 in 10 to 15 ish knots and use an 8m yak GT or something for less than 8 knots.