I've had my 9m for about a week, I used it twice on our local downwinders last Thursday 15/16-18 knots and Friday was 20-25 knots. I loaned the 9m to a couple of locals who are much better in waves than me on Sunday in a Southerly at our local S spot wind was 16/17 - 18/19knots. I weigh 75kg and my friends are bit bigger and weigh around 80-85kg's.
The first thing you notice when you take it out of the bag are new moulded EVA anti flutter battens sewn direct to the TE (lighter then previous models), new one pump clips and covers, new main valve cover, thinner bridles, only 2 setting for rear lines (old models had 3) and the continuous curve tech (CCT) built into the canopy. The LE dacron is different/lighter then previous model too.
Performance is notably smoother in flight, with a bit faster/shorter depower and I'm sure this has to do with the new CCT which makes the canopy/frame incredibly tight and reactive. There was consensus that the Reo V7 has better low end than the V6 by about 1M so the 9m felt like it had the grunt of a 10m V6. The range is wider too, I loaned my V6 9m to a friend on Fridays downwinder and he finished saying he was feeling quite overpowered, and I was powered but not feeling over, I had about half trim and he had nearly all pulled on, we both weigh the same and both riding similar surfboards.
Cannot wait to get my hands on the Ultra X Reo V7 which will be in stock by the end of this week.
This is a good year to upgrade.
Regards
Steve
Hi Steve,
That very interesting feedback. For a start the REO V6 is quite light to start with and when I got mine initially what was so remarkable was that the kite could not be left on its own on a grassy area or beach if there was the slightest wind as it would move backwards "being so light". I can just imagine how the V7 and the ultra X will be, this is a good thing weight wise, just need to secure the kite down. From a power perspective, one of the first things I did when I got my V6 kites was to compare performance with Duotone Neo SLS. The Duotone Neo SLS is for the same size a more powerful kite. A 9m SLS has the power of a REO V6 10m, however where one gains in power it loses in range. The Reo V6 kites, drift better and have a better range. Cheers, Marc
Hi Marc
I rarely put sand on my kite when self launching unless its in the mid to high 20's? Maybe you're in WA and dealing with stronger winds/smaller kites?
I kite fairly regularly with 2 mates who have Neo 21/22 10m kites and I've put them side by side and the Neo is substantially bigger, its at least 1m bigger than a Reo V6 10m and thats the only reason its gruntier. This practice by some brands has fooled a lot of people, over a long time. Also a Neo SLS is still heavier than the same size Reo, but I reckon some of that weight difference is simply that the Neo SLS is physically bigger than the number on the side.
Can't wait to try the Ozone Ultra X Reo's, they are even lighter than the Neo.
Regards
Steve
Loving this thread. Please keep the reviews coming. I will be keen to read about opinions on the Ultra X as there is very little out there on the internet at the moment.
Anyone know about the durability of the Ultra X vs standard build?
My only guess is comparing it to Duotones SLS.
Have been riding an Evo SLS and love its performance (and the durability is fantastic).. the SLS certainly makes it a crisper, more direct feel (over my previous standard Evo). But notice the struts starting to deform/twist over time. Also due to Duotones insistance on using that god aweful twist air adapter wont be buying any more duotones.
Have been impressed with a friends Reo v6s, 8m and 10m. We downwind together and his 10m Reo can easily keep up with the 10m Evo SLS in top and bottom end (and it turns a lot quicker).. and his 8m Reo totally eats my 8m Drifter.
The new Reo 7s sound great.
So a new quiver of Reos it is... but Ultra X or not?
Select to expand quotethuffam said..
Anyone know about the durability of the Ultra X vs standard build?
My only guess is comparing it to Duotones SLS.
Have been riding an Evo SLS and love its performance (and the durability is fantastic).. the SLS certainly makes it a crisper, more direct feel (over my previous standard Evo). But notice the struts starting to deform/twist over time. Also due to Duotones insistance on using that god aweful twist air adapter wont be buying any more duotones.
Have been impressed with a friends Reo v6s, 8m and 10m. We downwind together and his 10m Reo can easily keep up with the 10m Evo SLS in top and bottom end (and it turns a lot quicker).. and his 8m Reo totally eats my 8m Drifter.
The new Reo 7s sound great.
So a new quiver of Reos it is... but Ultra X or not?
Most people would not know but I'm not the Ozone rep anymore, Mike Walker has taken on the role. I resigned for personal reasons nothing to do with the Ozone company or staff.
Anyway its a light southerly now and I'm going to see if I can get going on the 11M Ultra X, if not tomorrow will be stronger and I'll get to test the 11 or 9m I think.
Ozone tested the new material for 2 years before releasing it in the Flux V1 wing and now in the Reo V7 and I've heard there is another model that will receive the Ultra X treatment when its released later this year. The material is a type of Dacron but is from a different supplier than where SLS is sourced but it is essentially the same fibre (Dacron is heat treated and resin infused polyester).
Based on my impressions of the standard Reo V7 I'm really excited to try the Ultra X, I know Mike has tried the Ultra X 7M in the strong northerlies we over the last several days, and he was very impressed. I think the biggest and most noticeable difference will be in the larger sizes which is why I chose a standard construction 7m for my quiver this year. Stand by, hopefully I can get a run this arvo and back it up with another tomorrow.
Regards
Steve
The other day turned to crap and I was not able to test the Ultra X, but this week was good and I've now tested the Ultra x Reo 11m and 9m.
The first day last Tuesday the wind was about 16/19 knots and this was perfectly in the range for the 11M, good swell running from the southerly the days earlier. You definitely notice the lower weight from the moment you get the kite out of the bag. Once inflated there are many small changes that become obvious too, like the thin bridles (like the Ozone Edge), there are only 2 rear line attachments, the anti flutter battens are now moulded EVA and much lighter than the previous type, new moulded valve lock off clips with no neoprene covers, main valve cap too.
Once I launched it the canopy was noticeable smoother and tighter and the kite looked and felt light but solid in the air and was very reactive to steering inputs. Also very noticeable to me was how much better the canopy luffed when the bar was pushed out and I was excited to get this machine on the water.
Forward flight speed is fast and the kite generates a lot of power and quickly, turning onto my first wave the kite felt smaller than it was seems to turn like a 10 or 9m and definitely does not feel like a big kite. The drift is exceptional and the kite is lighter to steer too so one handed steering going downwind on my backhand it was much easier to keep the kite in the optimal position to link turns. I had a ball the whole downwinder and we milked it for 1hr 45 mins.
The following day we were joined by a mate with a 10M OR Roam. Wind was lighter and that was my mates biggest kite and he was confident he could go so I said I would test the bottom end of the 11m. There were 2 others on TT's with us and they were on 17 (Zephyr) and 19m (Edge V10) inflatables so thats how light the wind was. I'm sure it was no more than 15/16 and averaging a bit less than that, but I had plenty of wind to hold ground, my mate on the Roam was a bit under but still had a ton of fun, we were both on stapped Blacksheep surfboards, his was 28ltrs and mine was an evo style 24ltrs, he is 85kgs and I'm 75.
So the 11m Ultra X has plenty of bottom end and overall has an impressive wide wind range. I did not drop the kite so can comment on relaunch but its a mid aspect 3 strut Reo and they have always been easy and fast to relaunch.
The things I like the most are the smooth fast flight, tight turning, incredible drift and light one handed steering.
Day 3, I made a kite size error deliberately as I wanted to see what the top end of the 9m was like, the wind last Thursday up here was 22/23-27/28 and I was on a lower volume surfboard about 22ltrs. I was definitely not on the right size but it was still very good fun especially the second half of the run where the wind is more onshore. Waves were a mest mostly due to the strong NE short period wind swell mixed with the remnant S swell which was 14sec period and had some sets in the 3-4 foot range. I'm very keen to get this 9m out again in a bit less wind but still had a heap of fun. My other downwinderers were on 8m and that was the better size for the day.
Conclusion - The Reo V7 is still a Reo but this version is the biggest improvement in the history of the model.
The other day turned to crap and I was not able to test the Ultra X, but this week was good and I've now tested the Ultra x Reo 11m and 9m.
The first day last Tuesday the wind was about 16/19 knots and this was perfectly in the range for the 11M, good swell running from the southerly the days earlier. You definitely notice the lower weight from the moment you get the kite out of the bag. Once inflated there are many small changes that become obvious too, like the thin bridles (like the Ozone Edge), there are only 2 rear line attachments, the anti flutter battens are now moulded EVA and much lighter than the previous type, new moulded valve lock off clips with no neoprene covers, main valve cap too.
Once I launched it the canopy was noticeable smoother and tighter and the kite looked and felt light but solid in the air and was very reactive to steering inputs. Also very noticeable to me was how much better the canopy luffed when the bar was pushed out and I was excited to get this machine on the water.
Forward flight speed is fast and the kite generates a lot of power and quickly, turning onto my first wave the kite felt smaller than it was seems to turn like a 10 or 9m and definitely does not feel like a big kite. The drift is exceptional and the kite is lighter to steer too so one handed steering going downwind on my backhand it was much easier to keep the kite in the optimal position to link turns. I had a ball the whole downwinder and we milked it for 1hr 45 mins.
The following day we were joined by a mate with a 10M OR Roam. Wind was lighter and that was my mates biggest kite and he was confident he could go so I said I would test the bottom end of the 11m. There were 2 others on TT's with us and they were on 17 (Zephyr) and 19m (Edge V10) inflatables so thats how light the wind was. I'm sure it was no more than 15/16 and averaging a bit less than that, but I had plenty of wind to hold ground, my mate on the Roam was a bit under but still had a ton of fun, we were both on stapped Blacksheep surfboards, his was 28ltrs and mine was an evo style 24ltrs, he is 85kgs and I'm 75.
So the 11m Ultra X has plenty of bottom end and overall has an impressive wide wind range. I did not drop the kite so can comment on relaunch but its a mid aspect 3 strut Reo and they have always been easy and fast to relaunch.
The things I like the most are the smooth fast flight, tight turning, incredible drift and light one handed steering.
Day 3, I made a kite size error deliberately as I wanted to see what the top end of the 9m was like, the wind last Thursday up here was 22/23-27/28 and I was on a lower volume surfboard about 22ltrs. I was definitely not on the right size but it was still very good fun especially the second half of the run where the wind is more onshore. Waves were a mest mostly due to the strong NE short period wind swell mixed with the remnant S swell which was 14sec period and had some sets in the 3-4 foot range. I'm very keen to get this 9m out again in a bit less wind but still had a heap of fun. My other downwinderers were on 8m and that was the better size for the day.
Conclusion - The Reo V7 is still a Reo but this version is the biggest improvement in the history of the model.
Here's a review by Luke Atkinson which matches up with what I've found too. Still to get a good run on the 9m Ultra X due to the crazy strong and gusty winds we have had up here in Lennox and around the Northern Rivers NSW area lately. Love the 7m standard and I've had to ride it a couple more times in the last few days.
Luke had to do a little edit and re-upload so here is the video again.
is it just me or do wave kite reviews on kites over 8m seem pretty pointless? I get people want bigger kites for the light wind days but I've yet to find a kite over 8m that didn't leave me wishing I'd brought a board with more volume and a smaller kite.
Still great to hear about the new materials and build techniques though.
Select to expand quoteDl33ta said..
is it just me or do wave kite reviews on kites over 8m seem pretty pointless? I get people want bigger kites for the light wind days but I've yet to find a kite over 8m that didn't leave me wishing I'd brought a board with more volume and a smaller kite.
Still great to hear about the new materials and build techniques though.
Each too there own But yes my 8 m is my favourite size
BUT as you can see in photos back in 2018 INDO trip on 12 m V5 and 21 Lt Smook wave board the 12 m was amazing and turned like 10 m
So now we have newer and better models which are lighter and turn faster
I use the bigger kite at my local wave with cleaner waves due to lighter wind And my local bay waves 90% time use 10 m kite So for me yes conditions I kite in need bigger kites and I prefer use low volume board
I've had my new 10m Ultra X and v6 8m (standard build) for a few months.
The 10 is nothing short of outstanding and I would argue that here on the Sunny Coast you could get away with just this as a 1 kite quiver... or smaller depending on you wind range preference, weight and board(s).
I have used it in 10 to 30 knots. Sure the sweet spot is 14-25 but, for example, i did a downwinder with a friend on a 17m Contra when it dropped from 14-17knots to 10-14knots... just needed to work it a bit. I was riding a fish board and used 24m lines as i knew it was going to be light. My friend was amazed i was still riding waves and having fun.
Its super powers are its stiffness and light weight...it'll turn not quite as quick as the v6 8m but very close while drifting like it was pumped up with helium.. if there is any breeze, it'll stay aloft.
I know of guys who just ride the 7m. Personally i like riding with a bit of power and prefer the ability to go out in light wind.
I'm now of the opinion that its better to get 2 boards and 1 kite. i guess more so because of the price of the new kites and also where i live (mostly light winds with 5-10 days a year over 25knots).
Oh and compared to my 2021 SLS Evo 10m (which is an awesome kite), it is much more lighter and crisper and responsive and bigger wind range buy about 2-3knots at each end). To be fair the Evo has had a lot of use.
I used to own a 2021 SLS Neo 12m for light days.. this 10 is way better in performance in all regards and has a much wider wind range.
A little late to the party here, I've had my Reo X 9m now since the start of the year.
10 Years ago the Best Kahoona (I was learning) 7.5m had a massive wind range,and you could do almost anything with it....
5 Years ago I couldn't get past a Bandit 6m (2014,16 models) for surfing in the waves, again such a diverse kite...
The thing is. The Reo X trumps the lot, although durability over multiple years is yet to be discoved.
I remember on Australia Day going out in marginal conditions...I was later told it was ONLY blowing 12 knots, and I stayed out long enough till when I came in and the wind picked up I tossed up between launching a 5m and 6m kite. Such is the range on this kite, it feels like the Kahoona days when you only needed 2, maybe 3 kites in your quiver.
I'm 68kg, ride a surfboard and in all honesty I reckon if I had a 6m X (I have a V6 6m) I think that would cover what I would need for 90% of conditions. And, lets put some context here if you're reading and still not sure, I can't feel my right foot properly due to a disagreement with a fin, and I'm saying, with a disability, you only need 2 maybe 3 kites in your quiver :-)
Just maybe get a different brands Bar to fly with it. I've been told by the Ozone reps that it's not great with sand......
Select to expand quotebreeezeofchange said..
A little late to the party here, I've had my Reo X 9m now since the start of the year.
10 Years ago the Best Kahoona (I was learning) 7.5m had a massive wind range,and you could do almost anything with it....
5 Years ago I couldn't get past a Bandit 6m (2014,16 models) for surfing in the waves, again such a diverse kite...
The thing is. The Reo X trumps the lot, although durability over multiple years is yet to be discoved.
I remember on Australia Day going out in marginal conditions...I was later told it was ONLY blowing 12 knots, and I stayed out long enough till when I came in and the wind picked up I tossed up between launching a 5m and 6m kite. Such is the range on this kite, it feels like the Kahoona days when you only needed 2, maybe 3 kites in your quiver.
I'm 68kg, ride a surfboard and in all honesty I reckon if I had a 6m X (I have a V6 6m) I think that would cover what I would need for 90% of conditions. And, lets put some context here if you're reading and still not sure, I can't feel my right foot properly due to a disagreement with a fin, and I'm saying, with a disability, you only need 2 maybe 3 kites in your quiver :-)
Just maybe get a different brands Bar to fly with it. I've been told by the Ozone reps that it's not great with sand......
Not sure who you have been speaking too Ozone bars have never been issue for me But I do look after my bars and wash them after a kite 1st in salt water at beach and at home with water Any kite bar should not be dragged through sand and if so I wash it before I start kiting Same love love the V7 Ultra X
Select to expand quotebreeezeofchange said..
A little late to the party here, I've had my Reo X 9m now since the start of the year.
10 Years ago the Best Kahoona (I was learning) 7.5m had a massive wind range,and you could do almost anything with it....
5 Years ago I couldn't get past a Bandit 6m (2014,16 models) for surfing in the waves, again such a diverse kite...
The thing is. The Reo X trumps the lot, although durability over multiple years is yet to be discoved.
I remember on Australia Day going out in marginal conditions...I was later told it was ONLY blowing 12 knots, and I stayed out long enough till when I came in and the wind picked up I tossed up between launching a 5m and 6m kite. Such is the range on this kite, it feels like the Kahoona days when you only needed 2, maybe 3 kites in your quiver.
I'm 68kg, ride a surfboard and in all honesty I reckon if I had a 6m X (I have a V6 6m) I think that would cover what I would need for 90% of conditions. And, lets put some context here if you're reading and still not sure, I can't feel my right foot properly due to a disagreement with a fin, and I'm saying, with a disability, you only need 2 maybe 3 kites in your quiver :-)
Just maybe get a different brands Bar to fly with it. I've been told by the Ozone reps that it's not great with sand......
Ozone bars have no issues with sand in terms of the functionality of the bar and the safety system (I was the Ozone rep until recently). All bars should be rinsed with fresh water after use, doing this will at least double the life of the lines and the cleat. Othewise the Ozone V5 bar is the most reliable and easiest to maintain and get parts for (parts or upgrades available for all bars made since 2010).
As for the Reo V7 UX kites, yeah I totally agree with you and will choose different sizes next time, I went with 11m/9m/7m and still have not used the 7m, and just use and an Enduro V4 14m or Zephyr V7 UX if the winds is really light.
I agree on the quality of Ozone bars. I have never had an issue that isn't normal wear and tear. Never broken a line, and one of my bars I still use for foiling is 10 years old. Granted it's used more in light winds, but I still trust it. I have never washed any of them in fresh water.
This new x kite has me very intrigued. Just had me knee replaced so I am looking forward to getting back out on the water after a very long layoff.
Concerning the ozone bars I confirm that they are practical and effective but their lifespan does not seem exceptional to me. To be precise I point out that I cannot really compare with bars of other brands because I have been sailing in ozone for 15 years. My retex on the ozone bars are changed from clicknloop every 2 years because they block, trim changed every 1 and a half years also because completely degraded, depower line every 6 months (the plastic sheath is very fragile, I now replace it with a sheath thicker to avoid having to change this part often. The flag out is dead every 4/5 months. No problem for the lines except the larks heads which do not last more than 2 years. I sail around 200/225days per year in tropical climate which surely causes the rapid degradation of these parts. Not sure that this is more solid in other brands (except perhaps the sheathed depower line)
Select to expand quoteKPSS Used said..breeezeofchange said..
A little late to the party here, I've had my Reo X 9m now since the start of the year.
10 Years ago the Best Kahoona (I was learning) 7.5m had a massive wind range,and you could do almost anything with it....
5 Years ago I couldn't get past a Bandit 6m (2014,16 models) for surfing in the waves, again such a diverse kite...
The thing is. The Reo X trumps the lot, although durability over multiple years is yet to be discoved.
I remember on Australia Day going out in marginal conditions...I was later told it was ONLY blowing 12 knots, and I stayed out long enough till when I came in and the wind picked up I tossed up between launching a 5m and 6m kite. Such is the range on this kite, it feels like the Kahoona days when you only needed 2, maybe 3 kites in your quiver.
I'm 68kg, ride a surfboard and in all honesty I reckon if I had a 6m X (I have a V6 6m) I think that would cover what I would need for 90% of conditions. And, lets put some context here if you're reading and still not sure, I can't feel my right foot properly due to a disagreement with a fin, and I'm saying, with a disability, you only need 2 maybe 3 kites in your quiver :-)
Just maybe get a different brands Bar to fly with it. I've been told by the Ozone reps that it's not great with sand......
Ozone bars have no issues with sand in terms of the functionality of the bar and the safety system (I was the Ozone rep until recently). All bars should be rinsed with fresh water after use, doing this will at least double the life of the lines and the cleat. Othewise the Ozone V5 bar is the most reliable and easiest to maintain and get parts for (parts or upgrades available for all bars made since 2010).
As for the Reo V7 UX kites, yeah I totally agree with you and will choose different sizes next time, I went with 11m/9m/7m and still have not used the 7m, and just use and an Enduro V4 14m or Zephyr V7 UX if the winds is really light.
The words here are "fresh water".... rain water, tapwater does more harm than good.I just don't trust these bars, this is my experience of the safety system not releasing post session (ok they could have got wet and got salt in there or sand if lets say it was windy and sand was being blown down the beach....) this has NEVER been a case with the Best and Fone bars I've used. I actually now keep my newer ozone bar as the spare, shouldn't it be the older one?
Select to expand quotebreeezeofchange said..KPSS Used said..breeezeofchange said..
A little late to the party here, I've had my Reo X 9m now since the start of the year.
10 Years ago the Best Kahoona (I was learning) 7.5m had a massive wind range,and you could do almost anything with it....
5 Years ago I couldn't get past a Bandit 6m (2014,16 models) for surfing in the waves, again such a diverse kite...
The thing is. The Reo X trumps the lot, although durability over multiple years is yet to be discoved.
I remember on Australia Day going out in marginal conditions...I was later told it was ONLY blowing 12 knots, and I stayed out long enough till when I came in and the wind picked up I tossed up between launching a 5m and 6m kite. Such is the range on this kite, it feels like the Kahoona days when you only needed 2, maybe 3 kites in your quiver.
I'm 68kg, ride a surfboard and in all honesty I reckon if I had a 6m X (I have a V6 6m) I think that would cover what I would need for 90% of conditions. And, lets put some context here if you're reading and still not sure, I can't feel my right foot properly due to a disagreement with a fin, and I'm saying, with a disability, you only need 2 maybe 3 kites in your quiver :-)
Just maybe get a different brands Bar to fly with it. I've been told by the Ozone reps that it's not great with sand......
Ozone bars have no issues with sand in terms of the functionality of the bar and the safety system (I was the Ozone rep until recently). All bars should be rinsed with fresh water after use, doing this will at least double the life of the lines and the cleat. Othewise the Ozone V5 bar is the most reliable and easiest to maintain and get parts for (parts or upgrades available for all bars made since 2010).
As for the Reo V7 UX kites, yeah I totally agree with you and will choose different sizes next time, I went with 11m/9m/7m and still have not used the 7m, and just use and an Enduro V4 14m or Zephyr V7 UX if the winds is really light.
The words here are "fresh water".... rain water, tapwater does more harm than good.I just don't trust these bars, this is my experience of the safety system not releasing post session (ok they could have got wet and got salt in there or sand if lets say it was windy and sand was being blown down the beach....) this has NEVER been a case with the Best and Fone bars I've used. I actually now keep my newer ozone bar as the spare, shouldn't it be the older one?
How does tap water cause harm to any kite bar?
The lines are virtually unaffected by UV, all the other components are designed to be used in salt and fresh water, but letting salt water dry on your bar and lines leads to crystals of salt forming within the kite lines, leader lines, and every absorbent part of the bar, those salt crystals destroy your bar over time.
Fresh water rinsing is harmless to your bar and lines unless you can offer some evidence to convince me otherwise?
