I have had v4 and V5 and V 5 for me is V 5 better on tuning kite and more wind range I love to use in waves in lighter wind others sit on the beach and I am out on glass waves by my self
I had a 2011 which was a dog, my mates 2013 was much nicer if that's your thing.
I foil now so a 10m is my biggest kite 
Select to expand quotemanlykiter said..
I had a 2011 which was a dog, my mates 2013 was much nicer if that's your thing.
I foil now so a 10m is my biggest kite
The 2011 was the first so it was V1 and I agree it was a bit of a dog but it showed a lot of potential. The trait most disliked was it sat back in the window a bit and was hard work to get upwind in light wind. In 2013 the V2 was a big improvement, it started to get some dna from the edge - so much better upwind and the wind range increased too, this was the version that established its reputation as a light wind weapon and big person kite of choice. V3 was a touch better upwind again and tighter turning, V4 was very similar, then V5 which has been out for a coupla years was the best of the lot.
The V6 is due in Australia anyday now and I'm super keen to ride it after talking to Ozone crew, seeing the release video and the tech blurb sent out to dealers. It has the same big wind range so its the perfect big person kite, anyone 95-100kg or more needs this kite! Lighter people have other choices, including the 14m and 16M Alpha, 14M Enduro V2 and Ozones foil kites. I find that the Chrono 3 13M has a better bottom end for me and I can kite in sub 10 knots on a larger surfboard or TT.
In saying that though I've always enjoyed riding the Zephyr and am looking forward to getting my demo and sharing it around.
Marketing blurb from Ozone;
With an incredible wind range the Zephyr gives you the possibility to continue riding when the wind increases, this unique attribute sets it apart from competitors.The sixth version of the Zephyr brings modifications to the profiles, increasing the canopy stability for a smoother feeling in the air. The revised sail tension calculation and a refined bridle set up improve bar feeling and operating range.The Zephyr V6 is the perfect accomplice for when the wind is looking light or unstable, it will get you out enjoying the conditions for any length of time whatever the style you choose to ride.
Select to expand quotebillygreen said..
N O N E
They're all boring big kites
Yep. Just a big kite to keep you mowing the lawn and that's about it.
Select to expand quoteNorthernKitesAUS said..billygreen said..
N O N E
They're all boring big kites
Yep. Just a big kite to keep you mowing the lawn and that's about it.
I agree.....
I much preferred my 13 edge. Way more dynamic. My 12 chrono is even stupid in light winds,
Select to expand quotetheDoctor said..
Y'know
Foiling is just mowing the lawn in a highchair
We are not all at your high level of performance .
Where I kite foil I am providing a community service with my long mast and sharp Moses wings keeping weed to a safe level for boating and the windsurfers.
Select to expand quotesnalberski said..
Why would anyone even consider a Zephyr over a Alpha or Hyperlink?
Because you won't be riding the same hyperlink with the same windrange as a zephyr' launch locations' ie high weed area's 'cost'' not flown an alpha
But I'd put money it'd be ****house in handling using a 17 in 25 knts
These Zephyrs must have a good wind range. There was a guy in the beginners area at Safety Bay last season and he was on a 14m in almost everything. He was lighter than me, and when I was happy on the 11m, he was still fine on his 14m.
I have a 17m at home, but I haven't tried to use it yet. It sounds like I could be using it instead of my 14m, but I am not sure I want to try that.
Select to expand quotecauncy said..
2013 MODEL, i dunno just felt the most fun , had all renditions up until 2016 ,
Agreed. It was the best. Good low end , pretty good drift , sat back in the window. Plug and play for our light winds
Had the V5 for a bit and couldn't get it dialed in for me. Sluggish , heavy , complex settings , less drift , backs down easier , not plug and play.
I have gone to 15 Juice and love it. Doesn't drift as well but flies in bugger all , doesn't back down .
Cheers.
Select to expand quotesnalberski said..
Why would anyone even consider a Zephyr over a Alpha or Hyperlink?
Love freestyle in light wind, alpha would't have stability for a big guy hyperlink maybe doubt relaunch and unhooking. Zephyr , pump in light winds and stay out if picks up. First year i had a 17 and used it heaps , def looking for another
Had a 17.5 solo that was an amazing kite in light steady winds but as for the east coast of Aus, I often got caught by building winds in the arvo and it then pulled down wind like a truck. The Zephyr however deals so easily with the wind fluctuations and higher winds.
Surely the best version is the one you have that gets you out when others are sitting on the beach just waiting for stronger winds.
However without a doubt there are some kites that are better for very light winds than the Zephyr but what sets this kite apart is it ability to handle a wide wind range. At 84 kg I can still handle with confidence this kite if it picks up from 13 knots to 20 plus knots. Yes I am powered but I can control it and get back to shore safely. Riding a V4 and happy that it allows me more days on the water.
Had V2 through V5 and the 5 is definitely the smoothest and best turning model. Wind range has always been huge on Zephyr's and is what makes them so versatile. Have a new V6, but need more sessions to get a better feel for it. Feels pretty sweet so far.
Options..
Before you think a big kite is a slow pig, try different line lengths. If you use 24m lines standard, try a bar with 20m lines so you can see a notable difference rather than 2m. Sometimes its hard for people to get their head around a faster turning kite producing more useable power than a slower turning park and ride set up.
You might just find a happy trade off...
2014 Model. Had a ball from 15 - 25kts. On a 138 board and I am 90kegs.
It turned quicker than a 2017 12m Catalyst.
Select to expand quotegorgemay said..
Isn't the Edge available in 17m? What that be like vs a Zephyr?
Nothing? Anyone home?
Select to expand quotegorgemay said..gorgemay said..
Isn't the Edge available in 17m? What that be like vs a Zephyr?
Nothing? Anyone home?
Definatly a tad more performance in a 17 edge, the newer zephrs certainly had some design elements from the edges,
But you'll get a lot more fun factor with a zephyr playing around, jumping ,waves, etc
Select to expand quotegorgemay said..gorgemay said..
Isn't the Edge available in 17m? What that be like vs a Zephyr?
Nothing? Anyone home?
Yeah I'm home, as in stuck at home! Actually we can still kite up here in Lennox but the wind has gone and we are in the Autumn doldrums only the occasional southerly and other fart like winds.
All the details are here ozonekites.com.au/collections/water-kites/products/ozone-edge-v10
A mate up here has an Edge V9 quiver of 19/13/10 and I'm really impressed with the 19M pretty sure its the only one in Oz. It does have a bit more bottom end than the Zephyr V6, not that much though maybe 2-3 knots. Zephyr turns faster its profile is not as flat and the Zephyr is also slightly lower aspect ratio. Overall I prefer the Zephyr V5 and V6 over the large Edges, but I have not flown larger than Edge V10 11m so far. Edge V10 turns better than the V9 and seems to still have the same upwind and boosting qualities.
Regards
Steve
Select to expand quoteRichDA said..
Does anyone know which version this is?
The best one's 2013/14
