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On a brand focus this week I'm diving into Ozone, a company that's been around since the start of kiting and then early adopters of the winging revolution.
With a heritage which includes paragliding and wing suit design, they're a company that doesn't shout loud, once an underdog, but with some very unique attributes, they have become a big fish with a massive line of products geared for both average joe's and wanna be pro's.
Often looked at by other brands for their bench mark kit. For those that know, Ozone is often considered 'the riders choice' and I've been stoked to have had the pleasure of using and selling their kit for the last 15 years so confident in referring to Poseidon as an Ozone specialist.
Here I'm going to look at a few things we love about what they do
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THIS WEEKS FORECAST
With a swell between 1-2m and period not dropping under 10 sec for the next 7 days there's stacks of fun to be had, but It's definitely one for the paddle and lithium powered crews as wind is very unlikely.
Head west if you can, north coast likely to be best. Plenty of spots will be firing, would be poor etiquette for me to call them out in advance but keep in touch if you are searching for sessions.
Are we through or is it too early to be thinking spring has sprung?
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Ozone's Parapex Factory
Keeping things in-house with their own self-funded manufacturing facility means Ozone run their own quality control, production volume and R&D manufacture.
This is massive. Being able to manufacture themselves means they can get through more prototyping faster and develop new techniques cheaper.
As production launches they can operate a higher quality and then produce quickly to demand rather than estimate.
Epic, because the alternative path from many brands leads to average kit flooding the market at a discounted price which then dies quickly because it was made by uncaring hands.
Buy cheap, buy twice they say.
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Versions not years
We all love a new colour way, but when the price on an old models gets slashed and the new one isn’t really any different you have to question if the release was in aid of progress or profit.
Ozone roll versions on a loose 2 year cycle, giving their R&D team of decorated competitors, engineers, olympians and legends - enough time to make significant gains which you will genuinely notice.
Any new models coming?
I’m not allowed to say, but I would say that if you like sending hard with a kite or a foil then this could be an expensive spring.
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Supporting the scene
In a recent behind the scenes email Ozone reassured us (the dealer network) their brand would not be selling direct to customers. As a shop this is very reassuring because no doubt anyone that understands business will know there is something fundamentally fractured when a supplier is also a competitor.
It gives confidence that Ozone believe in the role we as shops do, because without local shops who supports the local scene, solves your problem quickly, offers face to face advice or demos kit? And if one day something bad happens at your spot, who makes time to liaise with councils and maintain access.
It’s a big boy decision against the current flow as it puts supporting the longterm growth of the industry ahead of their personal short term profits and it's just one of many things they do to help support us, to in turn - support you. .
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Stand out Products
It's actually hard to narrow it down as i couldn't not recommend the all round versatility of the enduro or top end handling of the light wind Zephyr, but for me the dedicated and ultra X products shine bright.
The Vortex never ever disappoints making a smile and once you've ridden a Reo every other kite just feels like you're running an engine with dirty fuel.
And on the wing, I'd generally consider the Armstrong XPS the bar setter - the lesser spotted Ozone Flow gives it a very good run for it's money in a blind test with round handles and all sorts of colour options.
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Ozone, they get a big tick from us. And whilst their marketing might not always hit the radar, you should definitely take note of the moves they make.
They choose to invest their time and money on product over marketing, a passionate and talented bunch with the future of our sport close to their heart.
They’re not the loud one at the party getting all the attention. They’re the classy one who knows exactly where the fun is about to be. There’re hanging with the do-ers.
Kai Lenny chose to be one of them, that speaks volumes.
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Interested in a deeper dive?
This video is a very satisfying and interesting watch on Ozone, its factory and processes
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