Ozone Instict question

[Khof]

I have a Ozone Instict 1 - 9m and the values of the struts will no longer lock to hold air before I can insert the plug. The values have a flap stye lock. Any suggestions for inflating the struts???

[JRN]

Use needle nose pliers to pinch off the valve stem, then insert the plug. Jerry S. gave me this tip & saves a ton of aggravation. Thank You Legend!

[seamonkey]

I've had the same problem now and then with a 2006 11 meter. I Pump the struts so they are very hard (8 psi), which is the recommended pressure. When you remove the hose, pull it out with a quick jerk. The valves are probably more cold-sensitive than other types.

[cautionkid]

I am pretty sure that needle nose pliers will eventually take there tole on those nozzles. I haven't tried it but I know you can get some plastic spark plug wire pullers for like $10 at most auto parts stores. The are basically a plastic set of pliers that won't cut into your nozzles over time.

[Khof]

Thanks for the info

[torisspacedog]

Or you could wrap your needle nose with some electrical tape. That should do the trick.

[steveb]

The problem in winter is the elastomer used on the valve stems is a rubber base so it expands when cold and get's very stiff.
What I used to do was inflate the struts at home, roll up the kite and shove it in the car then inflate the leading edge at the lake.If your cars too small, have the kite in the foot well of your passenger seat so the kite gets warm, then pump like crazy, don't take the kite out of the car till you're ready to inflate. The faster you are the better your chance.

[JRN]

OR...BUY FOILS!! Forgot to mention using electronic heat shrink wrap on the tips. Rumor has it some Dude named Blain sez Ozone makes nice foils, too.

[steveb]

Jim....good plug...you're hired.
Setup in winter is the reason I fly foils for snowkiting. I'm too lazy to deal with all the b.s of an Lei.
Ryan was pumping his kite and putting some energy into it, bang ...both sides of the pump handles broke off. They snapped at exactly the same moment.You know they only broke because the cold made them weak. For the record using a pump with just shaft to pump a kite is a great work out for your grip.

[Tighe]

you know I don't think I've ever had that problem with my One Pump Slingshots.

sorry couldn't resist.

[steveb]

What were all those long posts about rebuilding SS kites for winter? donkeys, leader lines?.No problems at all.

[Khof]

A quiver of foils- $ are limited - what would you recommend for a person at 170lbs???
How long would the foils last??

[steveb]

Bedore you buy a foil you should try one,some people feel they lose a little performance from a foil. I think it's fair to say an LEI still has the edge on turning speed and boost, but foils have narrowed the gap over the last couple of years.
Which size foil for you would depend on the wind strength you wanted it for.For light winds a 12 or 13 m would work fine. Foils typically pull about 2 sizes larger compared to an LEI, so a 12m is the the equivalent of a 14 m Lei as far as powers concerned.

[seamonkey]

Funny, Tighe! As for foils, I was trying to sell a 7.5 meter 06 Frenzy, thinking I hardly ever use it, but that kite was all I needed saturday at Calhoun. I actually had to pull the trim strap in for a short spell. Foils, in my opinion will far outlast lei's. I am 172 lbs. and primarily use my 12 meter 07 Frenzy on snow.

I love my Ozones, but I love my Rev just as much.

[WildBill]

The convienence of foils and warmth of my fingers is worth it in the winter. They obviously don't hold their shape like a LEI in gusts but like Steve said they have closed the gaps significantly in the last couple of years and I rarely invert now. I can usually just tug a bit and free the ends up.

Older brake only foils had a lot more power per size. Now the sheetable foils are a bit larger for the same power.

I love my Manta 'cept the megatron release chicken loop. Floats like a Waroo. BTW Steve, I noticed that it is against my leg when I am fakey. Was watching it Sat. and no issue until near the end of my 1st sess. I did the switch to fakey before a turn and bam; released; happened 3 times in a row. I worked on it for a hour after that and managed to move up both knots on the bungy. Now it only pulls about 1/8 inch past triggering. Didn't get to really try it though since I spent that much time inside and the wind went way down just before sunset.

[steveb]

I'm sure that'll cure the early release Bill. I think you just have a longer or stretchier piece of elastic than the norm. Fingers crossed.

[Bryce]

I had it where the elastic will stay somewhat stretched out if it is in the really cold weather. Especially if it got cold under tension. That might be part of the problem.