Ozone Enduro V4 9m 2023
Reviews / Kites
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At A Glance
A mainstay of the Ozone Kites lineup, the 4th version of the Enduro has undergone a big redesign using Ozone's latest design technology. Still coming into that 3 strut performance all round category, the Enduro V4 has been designed for intermediate to advanced riders who demand a kite to keep up with all conditions and all disciplines thrown at it.
The Variable Bridle Geometry (VBG) allows you to alter the feel and performance of the kite quite dramatically to suit your activity of the day, and there are three separate rear line options to suit your preferred bar feel.
New for the V4, Ozone has used Continuous Curve Leading Edge construction, which means each segment is curved to form a perfect arc as opposed to the historic straight and angled sections. From this, the Transverse Sail Shaping allows there to be a continuous curve throughout the canopy from the leading edge to the trailing edge, again resulting in a smooth ultra-aerodynamic profile. These two new design features have greatly reduced the drag of the kite and created a tighter canopy, leading to a more performance-orientated kite.
The Enduro V4 features a compact pulley-less bridle system, Ozone's renowned high-end construction and the fast flow one pump system for rapid set up and pack down. There is reinforcement where needed, both internally and externally, and the whole package comes ready in a smart and comfortable backpack.
Sizes: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14
The Bar
Ozone currently has the Contact V4 bar in use for the Enduro V4, available in a range of lengths with different sized chicken loops and centre lines available to further personalise. Starting with the Click-In chicken loop: Sometimes, the simplest designs are best, and Ozone has produced a chicken loop that is every bit as functional as you would imagine. A moulded loop for easy hooking in and out, a releasable suicide mode so the safety is always ready to be activated no matter your way of riding, and an above-loop swivel that doesn't lock into the bar but does sit close.
The safety release is an industry-standard push-away with single line re-ride, and taking inspiration from a seat belt, to re-engage the release, you simply click the release back into the top of the loop with one hand. The centre line is hidden inside a PU tube, keeping everything smooth as you sheet in and out on the bar. The bar itself has had an update to the grip and colours. The new grip has been shaped slightly differently, so it sits perfectly below your fingers along the top.
The new EVA coating has been wound around the bar rather than a continuous coating; this adds more ridges and bumps, which again aid grip. It is simple and very effective. Integrated bar ends and floats remain on the new Contact V4 but now feature the additional ability to trim the back lines at the bar ends. This is super easy to do and incredibly useful.
The trim system stays the same, using a racing-grade cleat and a bungee trim line. The new Ozone lines came into play earlier this year and are now shipping as standard with all Ozone bars. They are lighter and stronger, with less stretch than before.
In The Air
The Enduro V4 immediately feels a polished bit of kit. The canopy is noticeably tighter, and the leading edge and struts are considerably narrower. The result is a slicker kite with a faster flying and turning speed, superior forward drive and markedly more lift than its predecessor.
In your hands, the Enduro V4 is solid with good bar feedback and a light pull through the harness. Immediately noticeable is the more forward flying feel of the kite, and once on the water, this is apparent with easier upwind angles and a faster cruising speed. The performance of this kite has certainly jumped up a notch, and whilst the V3 was suitable for all stages, we feel the V4 will now cater much more for the intermediate to advanced category, where they are able to get the very most out of this sort of kite.
For some classic freeride fun, the Enduro V4 was a blast: super stable with a massive amount of usable lift within easy reach, and the feedback through the bar allows you to feel exactly what is going on with the kite, no matter your orientation. The kite sits well above your head, and the fast turning allows you to swing the kite in front for that smooth landing. We were impressed with the more aggressive jump on offer with this kite and an equally exhilarating loop.
It is definitely worth playing with the bridle settings for different disciplines, as it really does change the feel of the kite. The wave setting, in particular, creates a kite that will drift easily, has a light and nimble feel, and more pivotal turn when sheeted in. It is not a Reo; however, those who are more used to a freestyle kite will be thankful for the more direct and solid feel allowing that aggressive style to come out in their wave riding.
As something of a foiling amateur, I was impressed with how dependable the Enduro V4 was with excellent relaunch, even in very light winds. There is a large wind range on offer, and the new streamlined construction has certainly made a positive difference with the already excellent low end. The top end has also increased with absolute minimal change in feel at all stages of trim.
Freestyle still remains a strong point of the Enduro V4. The feedback through the bar is excellent, and the kite stays solid and stable throughout the trick, with that elusive slack easily accessible. The forward drive of this kite powers you through tricks, and it catches well on landings to ride on.
Overall
The Enduro V4 offers masses of usable performance on tap for a range of disciplines in a smart and well-constructed package. While the bar pressure feels heavier than some other kites in its class, some may find it takes a little while to get used to. However, you can alter this pressure by using the VBG settings and the back line trimming options.
There's no denying we are big fans of the Enduro, which has continued into this fourth version. The V4 takes the boosting performance of the V2 and the refined feel of the V3 and puts it together for an exceptionally high-performing package with more lift, drift and freestyle performance on tap for the intermediate and advanced kiter.
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This review was in Issue 96 of IKSURFMAG.
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By Sukie Robertson
