Hey Folks,

I'm pushing on with my lessons and the moment and getting to a stage where my instructor reckons I should buy my own gear. I don't want to buy new gear yet as I might be emigrating next year and wouldn't be able to take the gear with me.

I found a good deal on an Ozone catalyst that is the size I'm looking for (10m) and has never been used and comes with the bar, harness etc which have also not been used. The kite was purchased in 2012 and I'm wondering if this is too old - seems like the technology has evolved a lot over the years but don't know enough about it to understand how it would effect me in reality.

Any advice appreciated! Cheers!

I didn't mind the 2012 Catalyst. If it's the original ozone bar it will be single line safety, which is what most normal brands are using today. Only issue will be the release mechanism is back to front. So you will have to pull towards you instead of push away.

Also I have vaguely remember there being troubles with the inflate valve on the 2012 kites. Bladders were replaced on warranty. Steve/midgetozoneman might be able to confirm this?

All in all it will be a good cheap/reliable/safe kite to learn on. If it's genuinely never been used all you'll have to worry about are the valves. So just pump it up and let it sit. Give the valves a wiggle etc.

kieranunited90 said
Any advice appreciated! Cheers!

Kieran.. I have 8m 2010 catalyst.. Design wise.. In your situation.. The refinements to get to 2020 are modest.. Possibly make 5% change so not noticeable. The quick release was changed n so when u want to open 1 handed there is always resistance = push away from body.. Pull towards most times but not all times there is tension.. It becomes a two handed action to release. So nnot best practise.
I have repaired mine a fair bit but still flew fine last time i used it.. Pumped and stayed solid overnight about 3 weeks back. Lending to mate who is learning... U can still get bladders made..
Try take an experience d kiter with you..
f it is an option get kite pumped.
Try to look frm shade to sunlight through the sail should be no pin prick holes.
If u can find space and the bar & lines look worn un wind then run through finger and thumb.. Any change in feel. Check it out..
A giveaway area of wear on older kites are the pig tails where lines are attached to kite..
If it is close 2 new..it will be more about trusting the seller... I would seriously consider.. But likely be $150-180.. Regardless.. A shop will charge a bit more but also stand by the product for repair..
Cheers
AP