Ozone Chrono V3 13m 2018
Reviews / Kites
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At A Glance
The Chrono entered the kite world way back in 2014 when foil kites were still something of a novelty. Move on 4 years, and the Chrono is now one of many foil kites available on the market but holds its stead as one of the most dependable all-around performance foils.
Now in Version 3, the designers have taken some of the winning formula from their R1 V2 race foil and added it into the Chrono’s ease of use to create a high performing foil, which can still be used by a regular kiteboarder or snowkiter in regular conditions.
New for V3 is an overhaul of the shape and internal design of the canopy. A compact wing, squarer tips and new internal diagonal ribs all come together to create a more reactive and responsive kite.
The bridle and canopy material are made with Ozone’s known high quality, and each item is checked in their own factory so you can be sure your kit will arrive in perfect condition.
Designed for use on snow, land, water and for foiling, the Chrono is a true all-rounder.
Sizes: 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 18m
The Bar
The Contact Bar has had a facelift: the results keep the same simple and stylish design we have grown to love, yet added a few key elements to make our lives even easier, the Contact V4 bar is really quite good.
Starting with the new Click-In chicken loop. Sometimes the simplest designs are best, and Ozone have produced a chicken loop which 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, an above loop swivel which doesn’t lock into the bar but does sit close.
Most interesting of all in the Contact V4 is the new Click-In chicken loop. After release, just push the end of the chicken loop into the housing, and it reengages. No need to get your fingers trapped or spend ages fiddling with the mechanism to re-engage, this is a simple plug and play design which works fantastically.
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, this is especially useful when unhooking as you maintain contact all around the bar. The new EVA coating has been wound around the bar rather than a continuous coating, this simply adds more ridges and bumps which again aid grip; simple and very effective. Integrated bar ends and floats remain on the new Contact Bar, but now feature the additional ability to trim the back lines at the bar ends. This is super easy to do and incredibly useful.
Moving up the bar, the trim system stays the same using a racing grade cleat, as well as the bungee trim line. The new Ozone lines came into play earlier this year and are now shipping as standard with all Ozone bars. Lighter, stronger and with less stretch than the already excellent lines.
The Chrono V3 is an all-out fun foil to fly
In The Air
The Chrono inflates quickly and easily thanks to the precisely positioned intake valves along the leading edge. The brake handle on the bar aids inflation making for a quick turnaround, and when packing down the waterproof zip at the back of the kite opens to allow speedy deflate.
The Chrono is a classic foil kite to fly, light on the bar with a more pivotal turn.
The kite drives well through the window and holds a serious upwind angle when you edge hard into the wind.
The V3 is considerably tighter in the air, no doubt thanks to the new internal design, and this makes things quicker and smoother. The kite depowers well through the bar, and the bottom end has certainly improved allowing you to get out in much lighter conditions. Couple this with a foil or landboard and you will be kiting in the slightest breath of wind.
Of course, when powered the Chrono V3 proves why it is a favourite with huge floaty jumps. The redirect has been improved, and the forward flow of the kite ensures you land with some good power above to catch you.
A major worry of these foil kites is crashing on water. There is a knack to relaunch; however, there’s no need to worry as you do have a few minutes before any water starts to find its way in. The brake handle here on the bar is a godsend, pull on it, and the kite reverse launches. Ozone recommends that you don’t fly a foil in waves, and we would agree! If you are worried, do spend half an hour practising in the shallows before heading out.
For
The Chrono V3 is all out fun foil to fly. High performing but with none of the faff, it gets you out on the water quickly and simply with the knowledge it won't let you down in gusts or slightly less than perfect piloting.
Against
Though the new Contact V4 bar is very impressive, we do miss the ability the chicken loop has to lock into the bar to stop any movement or twisting when fully engaged.
Overall
The Chrono V3 has had its performance skyrocketed but without losing any of the user-friendliness. A new internal rib system keeps the wing more stable and direct with increased response.
Videos
This review was in Issue 70 of IKSURFMAG.
For more information visit OzoneRelated
By Robin and Sukie
With years of kite sport experience combined, you can be sure you’ll be receiving the highest quality of knowledge on the best equipment the industry has to offer.
