DESIGNER NOTES
Designing the 2009 Instinct range has been an exciting and interesting process. From the first prototype to the last, I’ve done my best to make the kite as perfect as possible. It was no easy job to make kites better than the ‘08 range, but listening to your feedback, the feelings of our riders and myself, I feel we have done a good job.
We have worked hard and tested extensively to make sure that the kites are performing incredibly well. I have refined all the airfoil sections, modified all the plan forms and both increased and reduced the arc of the kites where applicable. I feel that my long involvement with paragliding and foil kites has allowed me to find solutions to the classic problems of bridling tube kites. Geometrically designed bridling, combined with carefully calculated tube size, has allowed us to optimize load distribution and thus eradicate stability problems with no compromise to handling or de-power.
The big difference for ‘09 is the advent of having four line kites instead of five without sacrificing the Ozone feeling. The entire range has a more powerful, smoother and progressive feel than ever before. The Ozone ‘Sweet Spot’ is now much wider, a ‘Sweet Range’ if you like. The bar pressure gives better feedback to the rider and the de-power trim strap is more effective without sacrificing feel or handling when engaged. The Light XC and Sport+ both have two settings for fast and light or slower and heavier handling, giving every rider the opportunity to set the kite up for individual preference. The list goes on but space does not…
I hope you enjoy riding the Instincts as much as I have enjoyed being a part of their conception.
Rob Whittall
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