Ozone Code V4 138 x 41cm 2024
Reviews / Twin Tips
31,617
At A Glance
The Code is Ozone's all-around performance twin-tip, and the fourth iteration has just been released. Given the popularity of previous versions, its overall design remains similar, with predominantly construction tweaks to improve the flex and, in turn, performance characteristics. It's a medium rocker, medium flex, progressive outline board of average central width, pulled in tips and some very interesting design details.
The bottom shaping of the Code could be mistaken for a wakestyle board at first glance, given all the deep channels, spines and concaves that are present. There is a lot going on! One of the defining characteristics of the Code is its sharp spine that runs from tip to tip down the centre of the base of the board. It is even more pronounced in real life than it looks in the photos, and in combination with the twin central channels that sit between the fins, this thing looks like it means business. Combined with the 45mm fins provided as standard, it is very easy to hold an edge with this thing, even in strong winds.
The fancy 3D shaping isn't reserved for the base of the board as the deck features symmetrical deep grab recesses in the central section close to the rails. Not only do these provide an alternative position to the handle from which to grab the board, but they will inherently stiffen the centre section of the board by locally increasing the thickness and creating a composite spine in this area.
The Code V4 comes with Ozone's V2 footpads and straps, which aren't the most technically adjustable on the market but are lightweight, comfortable, and secure and will satisfy all but the most discerning footwear critics.
The finish on Ozone's boards has always been top-notch. Produced in their own factory with A-grade paulownia wood cores, bio-based epoxy resins, and A316 stainless hardware, they use the best materials and have ultimate quality control over their products.
Sizes: 129 x 38, 132 x 39, 135 x 40, 138 x 41, 141 x 42, 144 x 43
On The Water
If I had to define the Code in one word, I'd go with composed. Whether you're cruising around at a moderate speed or riding at Mach 10 trying to maximise line tension, the Code provides a platform on which you have no excuse not to stay in control. It feels locked in when engaged on a rail; it does an excellent job of cutting through chop and never gets squirrely when ridden at speed. The only thing that will take you by surprise is how easy the board is to switch when you do release an edge to transition.
With such a prominent centre spine, I didn't expect it to switch on the water surface from heelside to toeside quite so easily. The 45mm fins, in combination with the bottom shaping, do provide a lot of directional tracking and stability, so the 'release' is quite sudden and might take a bit of getting used to for some. You're very much either locked in on an edge or switching. Those dead set on big air and holding as much power as possible will really appreciate this setup, whilst more free-ridey types might prefer a smaller set of 35mm fins to loosen up the switching a tad.
The Code delivers the thinking person's compromise between performance and comfort. The medium flex pattern goes a long way to absorb landing impacts and chop but has enough stiffness to deliver consistent and controlled pop during take offs. You might feel like you can get another 50cm higher on your Woo score if the board was way stiffer, but you'd probably also crash 50% more of the landings without the help of the Code's bottom shaping and flex characteristics to absorb the landings.
Overall
You can tell that the design of the Code has been influenced by the big air hype that continues to dominate our sport, but because Ozone has incorporated this into a twin-tip that remains comfortable to ride, this influence does nothing but benefit all riders whether they are mega looping or not. Who doesn't want a board that cuts through chop comfortably to get you upwind with speed, delivers controlled take offs and handles high impact, high speed landings with grace? Well, that's what the new Code does.
This review was in Issue 103 of IKSURFMAG.
For more information visit OzoneRelated
By Liam Proctor
