Ozone Manta II

Ok. I saved writing any more reviews, as I would buy a kite, fly it a couple of times, say it was OK, great, bad etc, then decide it wasn't for me.

But I've had the Manta for a few months now so think I've given it enough time.

I came to Ozone kites via the Access 2 and 05 Frenzy. Liked those, but wanted something with more speed and performance, so then went to a 10m Manta (07). Now I loved this kite, and it was the Manta that finally saw me doing proper jumps.

I also had a 12m 04 Frenzy, which was great in low winds but had a very small wind range and hated gusty weather.

So when the chance to try the 12m Manta II for a couple of weeks came up I jumped at the chance.

First time out was just static, in bearly no wind. I didn't think I would get the kite off the ground, but it flew, and first thing I noticed was how light the bar pressure was compared to the 07 Manta. Seemed to turn pretty quick too for a 12m in low low wind.

So finally got boarding with it and it was a dream, so stable and light. with the 10m Manta after about an hour of jumping my arms would be aching. Not so with the M2.

The one thing that struck me was that it didn't have any grunt under about 12mph. I'd sold my 12 Frenzy so was banking on this being my low wind kite. This seemd to have about the same low end as my 10m Manta. (More of this in a bit).

Jumping took a while to get used to as it doesn't have the same pop as the 07 Manta. It likes to be sent hard, but when you do the float is unreal.

The thing I have always liked about the Mantas is that they like speed over the kite, so need working a bit to start with, but when you get apparent wind in the kite they just keep on pulling. BUT, If you start to feel overpowered, just move the kite up toward the zenith and slow the kite down and alot of the pull dissapears. Very reassuring.

So, low wind, sub 12mph. At first I was dissapointed with the low end of the 12. But I persaveared. What I do now is loop the kite, like you see snowkiters doing, to build up some speed, then work the kite and you can quickly get to cruising speed. You won't be jumping with it, but I tend to work on my toeside riding when the wind's low.

Top end for me is about 20mph if it's not gusty, so pretty big wind range. Jumps are super floaty in the high teens. After that i'd switch to my 8m Manta(07), which I reckon would have the power of a 10m M2.

Well I hope so, as I've sold the 8 and will shortly be getting a 10m 09 Manta 2.

The Manta 2 is by far the best foil kite I have flown, and I've had many. Various arcs, flysurfers, Sabres etc, so have had a fair few to compare against. I did contamplate on getting a 9m FYX, but prefer to have a quiver of the same kite. The 10m will only be my 3rd brand new kite out of about 30 I've owned (I guess), but I know it will be worth every penny. I can't wait.

If you're thinking of getting a Frenzy, don't rule out the Manta's. They are not hard to fly. But they do require active flying to get the best from them.

The Only negative I noticed was launching straight downwind, the leading edge of the kite would fold over and not let the kite inflate properly. I have sorted this by always launching from the side of the window. This is a great method. For one it's safer, and it's quicker too. Just weight the upwind tip with sand, unwind lines, and be flying in less than a minute.

By : andrewjohn