Ozone Fly V1 4m 2023
Reviews / Wings
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At A Glance
The Fly V1 is the most recent wing from Ozone; it's their entry-level wing. It features a lower aspect ratio, designed to reduce the wing tips catching when you're learning. The Fly has been built with a modern and clean approach to make learning and advancing easy and efficient. In addition, the wing has been created to be user-friendly, lightweight, and packs small, making it ideal for travel.
The lightweight design has a tighter canopy, thanks to their new CAD design systems. Ozone has built their own highly advanced custom CAD software. Their designers can work with features specifically tailored to the unique forms and structures of technical inflatable wings. This means that you can rely on every bit of the wing built for purpose; one result of that is the tighter canopy, leading to higher performance. With this new technology, they've created a new panel layout with refined sail tension. The Fly V1 comes in a wide range of sizes to suit rider needs & wind conditions - 2m, 3m, 4m, 5m, 6m, & 7m. On test, this issue is the 4m.
The Fly V1 features Fast Flow Air Valves on the Leading Edge and Strut, making inflation, deflation, and packing a breeze. The modular leash system can be customised for rider preference, with accessories such as a velcro Wrist Strap and a Quick Release for use with the supplied Waist Strap or for connecting the Leash Line to a harness. The Fly V1 bag is also included, featuring an easy-to-use roll-top closure and double-layer foam padding inside the shoulder strap for carrying a board and foil over the shoulder. An added detail that I'm a big fan of, especially for those adventure sessions that require a bit of a hike!
On The Water
One of my favourite sessions on the 4m Fly was on the AFS Blackbird downwind board in just 8-10 knots of wind. It was immediately noticeable just how much low-end power I had. The wing feels stiff, light, and comfortable, allowing me to pump up onto foil with ease.
When catching bumps or riding waves, the freefly handle is really balanced. It sits so flat when you depower and makes for great practice for those learning to surf.
For the first time, Ozone has opted for two longer power handles. The layout is simple and offers a range of hand positions and trimming options, making it easy to grab and go. My hands felt comfortable on the handles and the shape meant that I maintained my grip strength. In addition, sheeting in on the rear Power Handle generated a solid amount of power to get me moving.
The refined sail tension and new panel layout I mentioned earlier meant that tacks and gybes were easy, and the Fly stayed smooth, balanced, and always in control through the turns.
The low aspect and compact planform reduce the tips from touching the water, which is a handy feature when starting through to riding waves. The De-Power/Surf Handle on the Leading Edge makes handling the wing to and from the water easy while offering full control when riding with the wing flagged out behind you.
One thing to note is that it does have its limits; on the windier days that I took it out, it did have a bit of flutter, but not enough to stop you from having a good session and something I'd expect from an entry-level piece of gear.
Overall
The Fly V1 impressed me; Ozone's technology has moved so far that even its entry-level wing is an absolute joy to ride. I had some incredibly fun sessions on this 4m wing; it's light weight & stiffness make it super responsive. As is always the case with Ozone, it's a high-quality product with every detail planned out.
If you're new to winging, it's an easy choice. However, I'd also say that even if you're an advanced wave rider that wanted to save some money, this won't hold you back. It'd only be those of you looking to do technical & powerful airs that shouldn't add this to your bucket list.
Videos
This review was in Issue 16 of Tonic Mag.
For more information visit OzoneRelated
By Jack Galloway
