Cabrinha Contra vs Ozone Zephyr 17m

[Ozzie]

I am looking into buying 17m light wind kite and narrowed down my options with either Zephyr or Contra. All I know is the difference of their struts 5 vs 3. Beside that what are the main differences in terms of flying, quality, durability etc.? any info is highly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Regards
Ozzie

[badgb21]

Have owned both over recent years.
Contra 17m is park and ride. In fact sining it slows it down.
Pulls well in light winds. Re-launch was fine.
Nice for a summer cruise, but maybe a little unexciting if you want something lively.

Zephyr is livelier, but it's still a 17m! I found wind range not low enough for me being heavy. Felt more like a 15m kite wind range.
Possibly excels if you are light/ave. weight and the wind starts light and picks up, you could likely carry on using it for a while in the stronger wind.

Both great kite kites, just depends on your preference.

( Note: I thought the Contra 15m was the best size in the range, great all rounder, just depends on what weight and wind. I used my 15m a lot more than I ever did a 17m)

Good luck with your choice.

[iriejohn]

Have owned both over recent years.
Contra 17m is park and ride. In fact sining it slows it down.
Pulls well in light winds. Re-launch was fine.
Nice for a summer cruise, but maybe a little unexciting if you want something lively.

Zephyr is livelier, but it's still a 17m! I found wind range not low enough for me being heavy. Felt more like a 15m kite wind range.
Possibly excels if you are light/ave. weight and the wind starts light and picks up, you could likely carry on using it for a while in the stronger wind.

Both great kite kites, just depends on your preference.

( Note: I thought the Contra 15m was the best size in the range, great all rounder, just depends on what weight and wind. I used my 15m a lot more than I ever did a 17m)

Good luck with your choice.

What is your weight?

[badgb21]

255lbs / 116kg

[Ozzie]

There are many VS reviews and videos but couldnt find this comparison. It is very hard to decide. I live in Thailand and we have very much light days here.

[juanpasala]

Bought a 2018 Contra 17mt a couple months ago and use it mainly with a foil board.
To me the kite seems quite lively and relatively agile for a 17mt.
Relaunch is extremelly easy and the stability in gusty conditions is good.
Cannot say anything about the zephyr as I havnt tried it.

[Ozzie]

Thank you all for your kind comments. I have just decided to go with a Zephyr after a long research. Let's see how it will turn out. It will be the biggest ever kite I will own.

[badgb21]

Good luck Ozzie, I'm sure you will have a ton of fun with it.
You may be able to squeeze more out of the lower wind range (should you need to) with board/foil choice.

Thank you all for your kind comments. I have just decided to go with a Zephyr after a long research. Let's see how it will turn out. It will be the biggest ever kite I will own.

[Ozzie]

Good luck Ozzie, I'm sure you will have a ton of fun with it.
You may be able to squeeze more out of the lower wind range (should you need to) with board/foil choice.

Thank you all for your kind comments. I have just decided to go with a Zephyr after a long research. Let's see how it will turn out. It will be the biggest ever kite I will own.

Thanks Mate. I have 140 Spectrum and 137 Tronic. Perhaps, one more big door might be able to give me some chilax fun during lighter breeze Sometimes we do really have light wind in Thailand... But still lots of fun.

[fat blokes can fly]

17 or 19 Edge will out perform the Zephyr.