The Ozone Reo Ultra-X model is designed around the same transversely shaped canopy and air frame skeleton as the Reo V7 but features a 20% lighter dacron and 17% lighter canopy material. This may be one of the lightest pure wave kites on the market, but it’s not all about weight.
Ozone's primary focus was on aerodynamic performance and the Ultra-X is stiffer throughout, offering increased drift, reduced nose diving at the edge of the window in radical surf and lightning fast, super-crisp response.
Drift performance and responsiveness at the edge of the window in slack line situations is perhaps the biggest appeal to those searching for true surf performance. While the Reo has always been a pure wave performance machine, all of these lightweight performance handling gains offer huge advantages for the freeride kitefoiler, too.
The use of light weight performance materials has helped deliver improved drift, faster reactiveness / turning speed and more drive through the window. Despite being around 20% lighter than the V7, all materials used in the Reo Ultra-X are proven to deliver integral strength, too.
LIGHTWEIGHT DACRON:
The leading edge and struts are not only 20% lighter than 160g standard dacron, but is also more rigid. This new 125g performance dacron material guarantees a longer lasting shape but also allows for more responsive handling and a tighter canopy for more aerodynamic performance gains.
LIGHTWEIGHT CANOPY:
Utilising the weight saving properties of the latest 46g double ripstop Teijin cloth (17% lighter than a 55g standard triple ripstop) further contributes to the increased drift performance in particular. The performance coating ensures high levels of strength and durability at a reduced weight.
LIGHTWEIGHT BRIDLES:
Further gains are achieved through the use of a Technora line material for the bridle lines that’s 25% lighter and 25-35% thinner to further reduce drag throughout all areas of performance.
All materials used in the Ultra-X have been chosen because they’re stiffer and often stronger for the intended use. However, like a carbon fibre road bike, the Ultra-X requires an appreciation for how to handle high performance gear.
VARIABLE BRIDLE GEOMETRY:
The Reo V7 Ultra-X features an innovative Variable Bridle Geometry (VBG). The new bridle settings extend the kites operating range, bringing another level of versatility to this already outstanding design.
Setting 1:
A balanced and refined feeling from the kite with good forward speed perfect for most conditions, and excelling in cross to cross-off winds.
The kite can sit further to the edge of the wind window when de-powered, drifting as you ride down the line. Setting 1 is the upper knot on the VBG Pigtails.
Setting 2:
A new feeling and characteristics - the kite sits a little further back in the wind window and tackles onshore conditions with ease. Increased bar pressure improves feeling from the kite when a wave is pushing with the wind. If you prefer a slightly heavier feel this could be the setting for you. Setting 2 is the lower knot on the VBG Pigtails.
PERSONAL RIDING SETUP:
The Ozone Reo Ultra-X is a kite that can be trimmed to suit your personal riding style. If you like to ride unhooked a lot in the waves then Ozone suggest lengthening the back lines by sliding the foam floats up and moving the knot to extend the back lines. Like this you will not need to trim the kite with the de-power cleat so much.
If you like to ride hooked in and like the kite to feel stally and back fly, you can shorten the back lines by sliding the foam floats up and moving the knot to reduce the length of the back lines. Then by using the the de-power cleat you can fine tune it to the perfect amount for you.
If you want lighter or heavier bar pressure then use the rear tabs on the tips where the back lines attach. If you are not sure what you like leave it as standard because that is what Ozone think is perfect!
PERFECT TRAVEL KITE:
The Ozone REO Ultra-X is also the perfect travel kite; light in weight and packs very small due to its compact size and minimalist 3 Strut Concept. Take the 12m on holiday with your surfboard and you have the perfect travel combo that will be under any airlines weight limits! The low end grunt of the REO is truly impressive and combined with its massive depower, the wind range of the REO allows you to consider a one size quiver for most days.
WAVE RIDING:
For wave riding, the Ozone REO Ultra-X low weight is the secret that unleashes its increased performance from such a stable shape. It literally hangs in the air even in super light winds and at the edge of the wind window… it just keeps pulling. The lightness is really felt when on fast waves …when moving with a quick wave the rider can easily overtake the kite and create less tension on the lines between rider and kite. While a heavy kite loses power and dies in this situation, the REO just keeps pulling away from the rider maintaining constant tension & pressure in the lines. This allows the rider to concentrate 100% on the wave knowing that the REO is always ready, and with its progressive steering one can confidently snap turns at will up or down the line.
UNHOOKED RIDING:
For intermediate riders interested in learning to ride unhooked the REO Ultra-X is also the kite to own. You can un-hook without stressing your head with crazy power, the REO seriously makes riding un-hooked down the wave very easy and stress free and therefore makes it easier for you to master your wave riding. This is the unhooked wave kite that will allow the rider to learn those wave slashed with ease.
WATER RELAUNCHING:
The relaunch is almost automatic, just turn the bar and it’s in the air. The REO's Ultra-X constant power and fluid steering combined with user friendly characteristics makes the REO a dream for accelerating any learning curve. It is powerful enough to tow into the largest of waves, yet its low aspect shape will keep you on your board and not eject you when the trigger is pulled.
OUTLINED BELOW ARE SOME OF THE VERY IMPORTANT DESIGN FEATURES:
- 20% lighter performance dacron leading edge and strut material adds rigidity and quicker response
- 17% lighter sail cloth maximises lighter wind handling
- Transverse sail shaping improves aerodynamics and creates an ultra- taut canopy
- Lightweight EVA anti flap battens improve overall aerodynamic flow and trailing edge finish
- 25% lighter and 25-35% thinner Technora bridle lines
- Two back-line tab settings to tweak bar pressure and turning speed
- Compact, low aspect planform with intricate sail shaping for fast handling and direct response
- Low volume three strut design to keep weight down while maintaining maximum support for the canopy
- Thin leading edge diameter for lightest weight to rigidity ratio
SIZES:
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11m and 12m
For 10 to 25 knots a rider of the following weight range should use the following size kite:
45-60kg 8m
60-70kg 10m
70-85 kg 12m
To ride in more than 25 knots, it’s best to step down one size.
WHO IS THIS KITE DESIGNED FOR:
The Ozone REO Ultra-X has been designed to be as easy and adaptable as possible, making it the ideal kite for people looking for simplicity while tackling their first waves. For intermediate riders interested in learning to ride unhooked the REO Ultra-X is also the kite to own for more advanced overhead wave riding.
