I was pretty happy with the Ozone PR 4.3 from the typical 17-25kt range.
That thing flies so well even when fully depowered. Yet, the line lengths became really an issue for me when packing/deploying.
therefore, decide to sell the Ozone PR and get the BRM Ka'a.

It was love at first sign when unpacking. Canopy material, lines aesthetic. then today the first day in the water came in pretty gusty and gnarly 15-30kt conditions. I ride with no harness.

I saw Greg's video on hand placement when taking off (palms up) and when riding (palms down) and I get why he is advocating that.

But when completed the jibe, holding the parawing with one hand while trying to depower upwind on toeside, that think pulled sooo much and became completely uncontrollable.

The Ozone pw and bar allowed you to fly thru nuking gusts even with one hand. With the BRM v2 there is no way I could hold the pw in one hand trying to depower.

I kinda hated that bar. But then on forums and YT I see folks going crazy for that shorter bar.

What am I missing here.

Have you experienced same?

I don't have a solution, just will chime in and say that's the tradeoff. BRM has epic takeoff ability and packing. Ozone handles gusts and goes upwind like a legend.

I sold my BRM's to switch to the Ozones because of exactly what you are describing. I ride in the gusty Columbia River Gorge. 20-40 knots is not uncommon. So, the BRM wasn't right for me.

thanks all for your precious feedback!

In these winds, I will be riding the Kanaha 2.5m, probably an experience between the ozone and the ka'a. In 35 knt plus starts to feel unpleasant, but riding it in the harness always feels under control. Gibes are no problem if you reduce tension by going downwind. Parawing down is always easier.

Yep, that's the danger zone.

You could try killing the parawing as you do your gybe, switch the bar to your right hand, redeploy. This way the shockload is hitting your rear, protected shoulder and you can get your second hand on quickly. I had the Ka'a ripped from my hand a few times in that position. It gybed great but then was too juiced as I turned upwind.

Thats a tough recommendation. I'd scrounge around for someone using them in that windspeed. I'm 86kg and using the 3m with a Silk 1050 and Sunova Aviator, 6'6"x18"x90l reliably at 22-23 knots. 700 enduro and 5'11"x20"x77l Carver up to 27 knots (these are averages). Beyond that I go 2.4m.

So, I'd hope the 3.6m would be the right call for your kit and weight but that's a guess, not a well informed recommendation!

foilthegreats said..

SlowlyButSurely said..
I was pretty happy with the Ozone PR 4.3 from the typical 17-25kt range.
That thing flies so well even when fully depowered. Yet, the line lengths became really an issue for me when packing/deploying.
therefore, decide to sell the Ozone PR and get the BRM Ka'a.

It was love at first sign when unpacking. Canopy material, lines aesthetic. then today the first day in the water came in pretty gusty and gnarly 15-30kt conditions. I ride with no harness.

I saw Greg's video on hand placement when taking off (palms up) and when riding (palms down) and I get why he is advocating that.

But when completed the jibe, holding the parawing with one hand while trying to depower upwind on toeside, that think pulled sooo much and became completely uncontrollable.

The Ozone pw and bar allowed you to fly thru nuking gusts even with one hand. With the BRM v2 there is no way I could hold the pw in one hand trying to depower.

I kinda hated that bar. But then on forums and YT I see folks going crazy for that shorter bar.

What am I missing here.

Have you experienced same?

What size are you on?

I would be on the 2.9m in those conditions.

Good point. I pushed the range of the 4.2 for sure. Fact is that with the Ozone I could. With the BRM for sure I will need a quiver of 2 or 3

this is great info. thank you so much

richw said..

BWalnut said..
I don't have a solution, just will chime in and say that's the tradeoff. BRM has epic takeoff ability and packing. Ozone handles gusts and goes upwind like a legend.

I sold my BRM's to switch to the Ozones because of exactly what you are describing. I ride in the gusty Columbia River Gorge. 20-40 knots is not uncommon. So, the BRM wasn't right for me.

Hi Brian what size ozone pr would you recommend for a 70 kg on a 7;4 cuda in 12 to 25 knots cheers Rich

After a few goes on an ozone and Ka'a I think 12-25 is asking a lot from one PW. I'm saying this from very limited use in mixed conditions.

foilthegreats said..

Grantmac said..
Is a 4.2 of any sort actually working in 10kts?

I have tons of good sessions in 10-15 kts with my 4.2 Ka'a on KT 7' 19" 100L and AFS Silk 1050/152 or Enduro 1300/42 depending on swell size.

Yep same for me, be it I'm a light rider riding 57L Appletree DW Prone, Armstrong 1080 and 880 HA. Ka'a is very fun to ride at my local spots.