Ozone Enduro V2 9m 2018
Reviews / Kites
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At A Glance
The Enduro V1 was one of Ozone’s biggest sellers. Suiting a vast array of people for different kite activities, we have been eagerly anticipating its updated version, the V2 we have here, to see what improvements Ozone have made.
Still the same spec, a 3-strut mid aspect all-rounder, Ozone have taken their winning formula and tweaked it until they have made differences worth shouting about. Gone are the days of releasing a kite every year ‘just because’, instead Ozone take their time and really improve the kite before releasing it only when it’s finally ready.
For the Enduro V2, everything has been tightened up. The bridle has been refined for more precise handling and feedback. The struts have had their construction changed to create a more rigid and secure connection which blends better with the rest of the canopy. This is a much more supportive design, which in turn aids stability of the kite in lower angles of attack.
The Variable Bridle Geometry (VBG) again allows you to alter the bridle on the kite to suit your style. Coming standard in the central Freeride setting, there are also Wave and Freestyle options to allow you to tune the kite to your specific session requirements and personal riding style.
Ozone have maintained their ultra high-quality build, and the EnduroV2 uses the Teijin TechnoForce D2 Ripstop and also the Teijin Dacron to ensure strength and longevity in the kite fabric and build.
Sizes: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14m
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.
Starting with the Megatron Chickenloop, it is a very effective push-away system with options for both suicide or standard safety for your leash. On both of these options you still have the ability to completely ‘flag out’ the kite - something not always seen, but certainly extremely useful in the freestyle orientated ‘suicide’ setting. The safety system uses the more or less now standard single line re-ride.
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'd 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.
In The Air
The Enduro V1 was an impressive kite, and the V2 has somehow taken that and just made everything better. Instantly the kite feels more refined, everything feels smoother, sharper and more eager in the sky.
On launching the kite, the feedback through the bar has become slightly lighter. It is still direct but has taken that slightly grunty pull away from your arms, allowing you to fly the kite using only your fingertips with ease.
Depowering the kite on each setting is incredibly easy, and the trim system provides a smooth execution and a remarkable difference in power.
We used the kite on all 3 settings for their dedicated discipline and each one outperformed our expectations.
When shipped, the EnduroV2 comes rigged on the centre ‘Freeride’ setting as standard. This setting creates the perfect balance of turning speed, depower, and feel through the bar. For those starting out in their kiting, this setting works really well as you can truly feel the kite without quite such aggressive mannerisms as in the freestyle setting.
The kite pulls well upwind, and you can achieve some serious angles with some hard edging. Jumping is really fun here, it’s like floating beneath a cloud! The entire experience is just incredibly smooth and pretty much dream-like! Don’t mistake this as boring, it is simply so much fun without having to stress about the kite. The Enduro V2 also allows you to make mistakes. Getting your timing slightly wrong on jumps is okay and you won't be left freefalling into the ocean below!
Moving the bridle knot towards the leading edge sets it up in the Wave setting. This pivots the kite slightly which gives a greater depower through the bar, lighter bar pressure and also increased turning speed whilst the kite is depowered. In the Wave setting the Enduro V2 has seriously improved, although not an all-out wave kite like the Reo, the drift of the kite has really increased, and also the ability to turn the kite with only minimal pressure even when the bar is completely out. These are excellent features and allow you to concentrate on your riding rather than the kite.
It’s like floating beneath a cloud
Moving on to the Freestyle setting, is where this kite excels. It’s not over-the-top fast in its flight, but certainly nimble - the Enduro V2 can really boost! Some great flight and float was produced, and throwing in loops is a real joy. A unique loop, you feel safe the entire way around with no sudden jerks of power, however, the ‘wang’ created will certainly impress everyone on the beach! It’s a brilliant kite to progress within a range of winds.
For unhooked freestyle the Enduro V2 is a dream. Super stable and with minimal movement through the trick, it truly allows you to concentrate on the trick and forget about the kite. The power delivery is quick, but not sharp and there is impressive drop, or ‘slack’, for such an all-round kite. It does maintain power and drive forward through the pop, which is actually really useful for pulling you out of those slightly sketchy landings.
Relaunching the Enduro V2 poses no problems, and the handy relaunch balls situated on the rear lines at the bar show you exactly where to hold for the optimum degree of pull to roll the kite.
For
The Enduro V2 has the performance for high end riding in just about every discipline.
Against
We have fallen in love all over again with this kite, and are hard pushed to find anything we didn’t like with this one!
Overall
The Enduro V2 has surprised us again with just how good it is at so many different disciplines. Boosting, cruising, looping, unhooking and wave riding are areas that you can only improve upon with the Enduro V2 as your partner.
Videos
This review was in Issue 65 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.
