Rider: Weight,Level (advanced)
Style: Surf
Weather: 12-18 knots Head to dbl o'head surf
Build Quality: 10/10
Satisfaction: 9.5/10
Disclosure: I own a school and retail outlet and sell this brand

My Comments:

Myself and a teamrider mate of mine Nath, were given the opportunity to get a ride on the new Ozone Reo prototype surf kites over the last week at Gnaraloo and "the spot" Gero.

Although it is probably a little pointless in raving on about all the finer points and characteristics of the kites at this stage as it is still a prototype and may be tweaked a little more before finally released for production soon.

What I liked:
Power was good, a bit more than the Catalyst but a little les than the Edge. and doesn't develop power as much in the way the Edge does (apparent wind)

Doesn't stall at all, just drifts back nicely as you make your way down the wave, either hooked or unhooked.

Turns fast if you want it to, but takes a bit more effort than the Catalyst so wont inadvertantly turn if you don't want it to.

So stable and predictable, just always seemed to be in the right spot for me.

Can't speak of the new bar as we flew them on the old bars.

I loved it! Sorry for the lack of depth of review, as some aspects may change prior to final release and design approval. Nate and I both agreed, it was as good as could be and couldn't think of anything that may need to be improved after three days of riding them.

I can't wait to see the new bar and the completed kites

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AKSonline said...
Weather: 12-18 knots Head to dbl o'head surf

Jealous

Yep, jealous here too. Can't wait to see what Rob Whittall has designed this time round. The guy is on fire!!

Hi Guys,

Robbie sure is on fire, his designs are amazing, each kite just gets better an better. Rob's passion is in waves and he has been putting max effort into the Reo. He asked us what makes a good wave kite in our opinion and we gave him all the characteristics we really liked about the Catalyst and then some wants to remedy the deficiencies of the Catalyst as a wave kite.

He nailed it with the proto's we flew. Pretty much the perfect wave kite IMHO. There wasn't much we could critique and is by far and away the best wave kite I have flown, just kinda became an extension of my body and unconsciously, was there in the right spot at all times making it much easier than previously to ride the wave the way I wanted.

Looking forward to the finished product!

Interesting why Ozone are adding another wave kite to their lineup. I'd have liked to see them have a crack at the delta shape bandwagon and working on their inherent limitations.

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mickeeH said...

Interesting why Ozone are adding another wave kite to their lineup. I'd have liked to see them have a crack at the delta shape bandwagon and working on their inherent limitations.

Hi Mick,

Reason Ozone haven't touched the Delta is the design requires pulleys in the bridle to make it work properly. Ozone don't do pulleys! All bridles are mini bridles with no pulleys so the feel you get from the kite is very pure and direct.

No doubt, Ozone have worked minor miracles in their designs to produce similar power, depower, safety and better feel with reduced bar throw than most other companies can get out of kites with pulleys. Their designs are really a leap ahead of most and the Reo carries on this fine tradition.

DM

^^what about the slingshot rally

Reo review

The protos were awesome. I think experienced wave kiters will agree that the design team have got this one just right. For us it ticked all the boxes and then a few more that we didn't think possible to tick

The kites:
-can be ridden comfortably hooked or unhooked without needing to adjust depower settings
-can be efficiently cranked to power through turns or parked to surf the power from the wave
-drift down the line handling fast sections, staying high in the air
-have light bar pressure with options to increase
-have direct steering that is smooth and precise with enough pressure to prevent accidental input on a wave or if getting worked
-have low end grunt and an excellent wind range (at 70kgs the 6m got me upwind to the break in 15knts and would comfortably handle 30knts+)
-can instantly dump all power for snappy top turns even in cross/offshore conditions
-when sheeting in, provide a smooth, progressive and direct increase in power (combined with instant depower is great for riding unstrapped)
-smooth out the gusts and hold solid in the air
-relaunch easily
-have one pump, high flow valves and quality construction
-have a clean four-line setup without pulleys
-look good

We struggled to come up with constructive feedback to improve these kites and they clearly out perform every reputable wave kite on the market. The best we could come up with (and we tried very hard) related to a fine adjustment of the depower setting for optimum performance.

I think they'll work well for all styles of wave rider. They were designed based on suggestions from a huge selection of detailed comments from experienced wave riders (including comments made in relevant Seabreeze disussion threads).

Basically it seems so suited to riding waves that, like Darren said, it feels like it's part of you, on a wave it feels like it's on auto pilot and you find yourself concentrating more on riding the wave which makes them really fun to ride.

I think they are scheduled to go to production within the next couple of months so hopefully they'll be available before the first seabreezes. Updates are available from the website: ozonekites.com/water

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Nath said...

Reo review

The protos were awesome. I think experienced wave kiters will agree that the design team have got this one just right. For us it ticked all the boxes and then a few more that we didn't think possible to tick

The kites:
-can be ridden comfortably hooked or unhooked without needing to adjust depower settings
-can be efficiently cranked to power through turns or parked to surf the power from the wave
-drift down the line handling fast sections, staying high in the air
-have light bar pressure with options to increase
-have direct steering that is smooth and precise with enough pressure to prevent accidental input on a wave or if getting worked
-have low end grunt and an excellent wind range (at 70kgs the 6m got me upwind to the break in 15knts and would comfortably handle 30knts+)
-can instantly dump all power for snappy top turns even in cross/offshore conditions
-when sheeting in, provide a smooth, progressive and direct increase in power (combined with instant depower is great for riding unstrapped)
-smooth out the gusts and hold solid in the air
-relaunch easily
-have one pump, high flow valves and quality construction
-have a clean four-line setup without pulleys
-look good

We struggled to come up with constructive feedback to improve these kites and they clearly out perform every reputable wave kite on the market. The best we could come up with (and we tried very hard) related to a fine adjustment of the depower setting for optimum performance.

I think they'll work well for all styles of wave rider. They were designed based on suggestions from a huge selection of detailed comments from experienced wave riders (including comments made in relevant Seabreeze disussion threads).

Basically it seems so suited to riding waves that, like Darren said, it feels like it's part of you, on a wave it feels like it's on auto pilot and you find yourself concentrating more on riding the wave which makes them really fun to ride.

I think they are scheduled to go to production within the next couple of months so hopefully they'll be available before the first seabreezes. Updates are available from the website: ozonekites.com/water

Wow that's a big call and here was me thinking the kites I fly were the best.

They do sound good though, so I will be keen to try one when they are available so I can compare.

Ha ha, yes it's a big call it will be interesting to hear what others think. Sounds like they're getting pretty close to production now.

Hi guys,

The kites went up on the ordering system late last night and we put in a healthy order of ALL sizes. I'll let you know when we expect the first kites to arrive. Of course we will have several demo's available as soon as they land.

I am keen to give one ago if Nath review is anything to go by they sound good. Whats the retail price for a 7 & 9 with bar and lines?

Hi ColD,

The kites we flew are excellent which is why I've placed the size order I have (substantial). We expect them to be hard to fault and will fit all surf riders requirements, all with serious Ozone Quality, build and materials.

The Reo's only come in even sizes: 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12m. The first kites will be sold as "Kite Only". This will mean they come with the main bag, pump and repair kit. I have ordered all sizes for stock and will have demo's in 6,8,10 and 12.

Unfortunately the new bars will be a short wait (about 6-8 weeks behind the kites) until available. Up until then, if bars are required, we will be able to sell the current Contact Bar which is what Nath and I test flew them on and they were awesome, or if you prefer to wait, the Reo, will fly on any 4-line, front line flagging bar with even line lengths.

I hear pricing is likely to be $869, $999, $1129, $1229 and $1379 for 4-12m respectively. If you are interested in the Reo's, speak to us about pricing when you get a hold of demo's. I expect these kites to be very popular.

The Reo sits somewhere between a C4 and a Catalyst but with much better bottom end power. These are really a unique kite with plenty of depower, no pulleys, radius turning and good power. Excellent feedback, no stalling, good speed and of course easy drifting. I tought the Catalyst was the best surf kite I had flown previously, but the Reo goes to a whole new level and is much better than the Catalyst for waves.

We're pretty confident that all riders will be as impressed as Nath and I were. Shouldn't be long before we can put some out on the water in the hands of keen surf kiters and you can make your own mind up. Can't wait to get mine!

DM

Hey Darren

Do you have any photos of the new bar? What is different to the contact bar?

Hi Benchy,

I have only seen a long shot of the new bar in prototype form and even that pic was blurry and a bit hard to see any detail. I don't have a lot to speak of as details are still being closely guarded.

What I do know is that the bar ends are soft and the new chickenloop is a push away system instead of pull to QR. The safety system is also below the bar and both advanced and beginner riders hook into the same connection point so the loop will spin without tangling. New bar diameter is slightly smaller and all new grip.

Outside of that, I know very little of the detail. Sorry! I don't even have pics of the new Reo yet (I hear tomorrow or the next day).

DM

I saw Dave Edwards doing huge strapless airs yesterday on a Reo. Big back-flips, surfboard in hand and placing it under his feet as he came in to land. Quite a few metres up in what was probably 20 knots of wind, very impressive.

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AKSonline said...

Hi Benchy,

I have only seen a long shot of the new bar in prototype form and even that pic was blurry and a bit hard to see any detail. I don't have a lot to speak of as details are still being closely guarded.

What I do know is that the bar ends are soft and the new chickenloop is a push away system instead of pull to QR. The safety system is also below the bar and both advanced and beginner riders hook into the same connection point so the loop will spin without tangling. New bar diameter is slightly smaller and all new grip.

Outside of that, I know very little of the detail. Sorry! I don't even have pics of the new Reo yet (I hear tomorrow or the next day).

DM

Any idea if the new chicken loop will be compatible with the contact bar? Interested in the new leash attachment point.

Apparently the initial reo's will ship as Kite only, as the bar is not ready yet, but will be following shortly, and shipments of kites are expected in store by the end of the month.

Reo's due to arrive in Perth tomorrow!!!

Spewing I'm not even gonna be there to uwrap them. Hope you guys all enjoy them as much as I did.

Speak to Todd 0403 709140 for a demo or if you see Nathan on the beach flying his, check them out. Demo's will be available from Tuesday.

Enjoy!



DM

sexy

what about lift of this new Reo? compared to edge,c4 and cat? one to the main requirements i have on a wave kite is to be able to boost over monster whitewash on the way back out.

Hi Plummet,

To be totally honest with you, I don't think I actually "sent it" to find out at the time of testing.

However, saying that, It is grunty and turns and moves quickly, so I would have to assume that it boosts reasonably, and certainly enough to get you out of trouble in big sets.

Not long now and the punters will be able to offer some first hand un biased opinions after demo rides. Several people have placed advanced orders so there will be bit of talk on the beaches and the forums no doubt in no time at all. I hear Perth is due for some wind too Yay!

DM

They've arrived...

dm did you ever sell cars for a living?? your talking up this reo like its from another planet
hope your right mate,been kiteing for manys years and since 2007-8 when some big break throughs with rebels, rev, etc i would love to see a kite that delivers what you are saying, i hear it each year this is the one!!!about all the kites it does this and this and this. So we all buy two kites spend $4000,and then wonder if maybe l should be buying a kite every second or third year, when advances might actually be noticeable. Will they ever make a kite that does not fall out of the sky @ around 12 knots when you are trying to make a 20 meter close out section on a 6ft wave, and then be able to continue to surf the wave??? that is the big break though all wave riders are waiting for.
i hope this is the season is that im eating humble pie and what your saying is on the money. Looking forward to some feedback on the reo from other wave riders who are not distributors or sponsored riders.......

Hey Guys,

Looks like a nice kite, one thing I have noticed in the kites I prefer is that wide squarish wingtips rock!

I made my last purchase purely on wide wingtip design and c-ish shape, fast turning, drifts nicely and doesn't hiddenburg.

Seeing designs like this coming just confirms my theory, sorry for the high-jack.

Cheers
Rich

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. So we all buy two kites spend $4000,

From what I hear a 2 kite quiver will set you back less than $ 3G.

3G per yearies are penies

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MAXWELLA1 said...

dm did you ever sell cars for a living?? your talking up this reo like its from another planet
hope your right mate,been kiteing for manys years and since 2007-8 when some big break throughs with rebels, rev, etc i would love to see a kite that delivers what you are saying, i hear it each year this is the one!!!about all the kites it does this and this and this. So we all buy two kites spend $4000,and then wonder if maybe l should be buying a kite every second or third year, when advances might actually be noticeable. Will they ever make a kite that does not fall out of the sky @ around 12 knots when you are trying to make a 20 meter close out section on a 6ft wave, and then be able to continue to surf the wave??? that is the big break though all wave riders are waiting for.
i hope this is the season is that im eating humble pie and what your saying is on the money. Looking forward to some feedback on the reo from other wave riders who are not distributors or sponsored riders.......

My reviews are written to help you decide if this kite is something you would be interested in demoing. I don't expect anyone to hand over money on an un ridden kite on purely my say so.

I agree with all that you say and will let the kite do the talking from here on in. I have built a reputation, I believe, on straight up reviews and reckon you'd be hard pressed to find a misleading review on any kite I have reviewed. All my reviews are on my website for all to see. If I can't feel the love for a kite, I say so. This is a tough industry and credibility is all you have. Squander it at your peril.

There is no such thing as the perfect kite, only what best suits your riding style. There is no need to spend $4G on kites if you demo them and don't like them. Of all the kites I sell and have ridden, the Reo is the best wave kite for my style by a country milen andI reckon my style is like most other surfers.

I hope you like them too. I too eagerly await feedback from the average kite surfer!

Cheers and have fun,

DM

PS, no I never sold cars, but did sell High end industrial pollution control systems for industry a long while back.

any more info or pics of the new bar????

No bar pics yet, its still going through final prototyping, I've seen earlier protos and the final chickenloop design, its an industry leading design and is being kept under close wraps for good reason. Ozone spend an enormous amount of time testing new product design, this bar has been in development for nearly 2 years it will be worth the wait.

I would agree that there is a lot of used car salesman hype surrounding many brands so called "new" product each year, but at Ozone its quite different IMO.

At the core of the Ozone brand (paraglider division) is the reality that peoples lives depend on the quality of their workmanship, materials and thoroughly tested designs. This thinking flows through to every aspect of the business and every product they produce.

I've known Darren Marshall for 12 years, and in that time I've learned by his own actions, that he is a mega experienced waterman, and extremely dependable and trustworthy. When I read Darren's product reviews I'm confident that I know a lot about the product he is discussing.

I'm shopping for a couple kites (still doing demo's) and hoping to get a ride on the Reo's. Would like to hear more feedback on these kites as to their all-around performance ... how are they in flat water, boosting etc. I'm wanting to push my surf riding a lot more but still ride the slicks. It doesn't need to boost me to the moon but still be fun. Also unhooked and loops.
Some of the reviews seem to say different things in this area.
So far have demo'd BWS Noise, Switch Nitro/Method, North Rebel, Switchblade.
Still want to demo the Reo, Fuse, RPM and Wainman before deciding.
Thanks
Tony