The Ozone Alpha has been a single strut star in the Ozone lineup since it first arrived in 2019. Arriving in May, the Ozone Alpha V2 comes packed with new features. We caught up with designer Rob Whittall to find out more!

Rob, can you give us the rundown on what’s new with the Ozone Alpha V2?

The Alpha V2 has had a comprehensive redesign. The one strut design has proven to be a winner, but we wanted to take it to the next level. The biggest tech innovation is the Continuous Curve Leading Edge combined with the Transverse Sail Shaping.

Tell us more about the Continuous Curve Leading Edge!

Instead of constructing the leading edge with straight segments and angled joints to make up an arc, we developed a new way of constructing the leading edge where each segment is curved instead of straight! How does this impact the performance of the kite? It’s easy to understand; the kite has an arced shape, and constructing that arc with curves as opposed to straight lines means that the leading edge to sail load distribution is smoother and more uniform. This translates to a smoother flying feeling with better handling and less luffing in the sail at low angles of attack.

What is Transverse Sail Shaping?

The fundamentals are that the sail is made from flat cloth cut and stitched into a 3D shape. The majority of that shape is at the front of the sail, where the airfoil section is deepest. The extra span wise cut allows the opportunity to improve the 3D shape of the sail in the area so that the upper surface can be formed more accurately.

Single strut kites are known for hydrofoiling and light wind performance. Is this the main function of the Alpha V2? 

Yes and no! It’s a good all-around kite that is light and simple. You can take it anywhere! Waves, hydrofoil, twin tip, you name it, and it can do it! 

What style of rider was this kite designed for? 

For riders that like simplicity with the tech behind it! It’s a wicked all-around kite that is easy to fly, and it has surprising performance across a wide range of rider styles.

Any last words on the new Ozone Alpha V2?

The feedback on this kite so far has been excellent! We don’t do BS at Ozone, no hype, just the real deal! Riders are loving the Alpha V2, which is always our goal.

 

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The all new Ozone Alpha V2
By Crystal Veness
Editor at IKSURFMAG, Crystal Veness hails from Canada but is based in South Africa. When she isn't busy kitesurfing or reporting on the latest industry news for the mag, she is kicking back somewhere at a windy kite beach or working on creative media projects.

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