Nathan Ducker >> Catalyst review’s

People have been raving about these kites and I can clearly see why. The kites are fun to use, highly refined, superior in quality, excellent in performance, smooth, light, forgiving and versatile. The Catalyst lives up to its reputation as an outstanding all-rounder. I would have no hesitation to use a one to teach a newcomer yet the performance it provides could also make it suitable for competition level in either freestyle or waves.

Test Conditions:

Locations: Perth, Lancelin, Wedge Island, Esperance (all in Western Australia)
Discipline: Strapless free surfing
Wind strength: usually somewhere between 13-33knts
Swell: 0.5 - 4m

10m Catalyst (best kite around 15knots)
I’ve really enjoyed this kite right from the first time I used it. The waves were well over head high and the wind was about 14-20knts cross-offshore and gusty yet the kite absorbed the gusts and provided super smooth power. It went upwind efficiently and depowered effectively on the wave.

The kite is confidence inspiring. The second time I used it was in head and a half high waves and gusty offshore winds about 12-18knts. It handled the gusts, glided effortlessly upwind, allowed sufficient depower on the waves and relaunched despite being in a wind shadow with what felt like about 8knts of wind.

The next time I used it was in 24-29knts cross onshore mess. Despite being overpowered, it was still possible to get some down the line waveriding and it still handled the occasional kiteloop even when adjusted for maximum depower.

8m Catalyst (best kite around 20knts)
The first time I used this it was really gusty around 22-32knts and the ocean was rough. On the first run out I could feel the wind was surging yet the kite cut through the turbulent air sending a smooth constant pull to the bar. The quick turning speed and massive depower proved effective enough to allow a few down the line rides despite the wind being really onshore and strong.

For me, the 8m keeps getting better each time I use it. Having tried the settings for heavier bar pressure I returned it the light setting again to allow for fine trimming of the kite. Today, the third time on this kite, it allowed me to push my limits to a new level. There is never a need to look at the kite due to the precise feedback from the bar. Kiteloops, drifts, back stalls and unhooked riding become effortless options to a wave kiter’s tool belt. Relaunching seems almost instant as the kite rolls on its swept back wing tips ready for launching. There won’t be any excuses for limitations being set by the kite for a while.

6m Catalyst (best kite around 25knts)
I used the 6m yesterday and loved it from the first run out. It really has a huge sweet spot for such a small sized kite. Most kites of this size have a tendency to be over responsive and the power is either on or off. It’s a real credit to the design team to have created such a smooth, user friendly kite for those windier days. I know I’m going to find myself choosing this one, even in underpowered conditions, just because I want to use it.

More information on the Catalyst can also be found HERE
Check out this video with designer Rob Whittall explaining a bit about the new Catalyst.

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