I've been flying bow/flat kites since January.
I think they are the future of kiting,
for 90% of the kiters out there.
The range/safety is amazing.
My 12M kite has been a 1 kite quiver,
Seldom using anything else.
1 bow is a value, concidering it's range.
(compared to 2 C kites)
I would rather fly any bow than my C kites.
With that said,
They still have had problems.
Inverting and the bridles getting wrapped arould the back of the kite,
SUCKS
then there is the "death spirals", if the lines become "tangled"
The inversion also caused my kite to stress the inside seams,
and finally blow out,
now I have a repaired kite that no one will want to buy.
I always thought a different bridle system is all that is needed
or maybe a 5th line.
Other companies have made other tries at generation 1,
version 1.2 or 1.3. etc.
I'v been watching the evolution of the Ozone Instinct, closely on the forums.
The Ozone Instinct has me really excited.
They have taken a great kite design,
and focused on fixing the inherant flaws in the bridles/lines.
Actually they got away from the bridles,
I guess it takes a company that has always had bridles,
(on there paragliders, and foil kites)
to realize they won't work on this kite.
I can't wait to try this kite.
I hope it is the one that I can finally recommend to my buddies
that want to learn.
Safety and Range,
without the bad things that have been associated with bows.
I think this will truely be the
second generation of bow/flat kite.
http://www.flyozone.com/kitesurf/ksframe.htm
Bonus:
Is our local USA Ozone distributors, Brian and Heather, from Windzup,
will always have demo's to try before you buy.
Not to mention the support they will offer.
And 2 local retailers of the kites.
Mountian Top Kites (Jon M)
and Cloud 9
-Marty
P.S. I have no ties with Ozone
I buy my own kites.