OZONE R1 V5 RACE KITES

R1 V5 

PURE RACE PERFORMANCE 

• IKA Formula Kite registered product for 2028 Olympic cycle 
• Designed purely for hydrofoil racing performance 
• 2 and 4 line designs in the range 
• Incredible angles and riding speed up- and downwind 
• Low lift overhead allowing for high speed and super fluid tacking manoeuvres 
• Light bar feeling / steering pressure helps save riding energy 

After a full four year development cycle and over 50 prototypes, the all new R1 V5 has shed any hint of freeride DNA to become an all-out, pure hydrofoil racing machine. 

Capable of the highest speeds at super aggressive riding angles, as well as the most efficient transitions when fractions of a second count, all elements of the new design help to ensure you maintain as much momentum as possible in all situations.

 

COMMITTED PERFORMANCE 

Every aspect of the R1 V5 design is focused on maximising true race performance with low overhead lift. The potential momentum loss through tacks is now absolutely minimal for pro level racers. 

The faster you can ride, the more the kite wants to go upwind and, as it does so, feels lighter and easier to control at the same time. 

Tuned to navigate courses with more efficiency and control allows the conservation of energy that could make all the difference to results across long days packed with multiple races. 

Finding your “sweet spot” in a locked-in race position is intuitive and easy with the ability to play with angles or speed depending on your lines and tactics. 

“Quite simply, the R1 V5 is speed made easy! You can really focus on the race, rather than what the kite is doing.

“This kite pushes the boundaries of what’s possible with a 2 line set-up, while also keeping the kite’s intuitive handling. I can safely say that I’ve never been as fast with so much confidence, including on the new and improved 8 and 9m models, which remain as 4-line set-ups, providing more fun and control when the wind is 30+ knots. 

“I am so excited to get this kite on the racecourse and see the sport pushed to new heights!” 

CONNOR BAINBRIDGE, OZONE TEST TEAM RIDER AND WORLD TOUR ATHLETE 

 

RIDER WEIGHT OPTIMISED SIZING

Riders can register 4 kites in their quiver for each IKA race event. The biggest kite allowed in men's racing is 21m, while for the women it's 19m. Both sexes can then choose one size from each of the remaining size groupings to make up their 4-kite event quiver: 15/14, 11/10, 9/8m.

Our decision to create an 8-size range gives riders who aren't carrying as much body weight the option to choose to ride with slightly less power in the 4 sizes they can register for each event

The men nearly always opt for the biggest sizes possible and use their added weight and strength to take advantage of the extra power - so their quiver for an event would usually be: 21, 15, 11 & 9m.

But for women, or more lightweight riders, we've added in the 14, 10 and 8m sizes as further options to help all racers make the best choice for their weight or style. 

 

TRUE 2-LINE TECH WITH REDUCED LINE PLAN 

The 10, 11, 14, 15, 19 and 21 metre sizes (all with 65 cells) now feature true 2-line technology with only A and B line levels. Less bridling means less drag, allowing the kite to drive further forward in the window for greater speed and higher angle potential. 

Reducing the line levels to only A and B along the chord, in combination with a highly complex internal structure to distribute loads, the R1 V5 features the least amount of total bridle line length we’ve ever used on a foil kite. 

The thinnest and strongest Technora bridle line material on all sizes further contributes to overall drag reduction. 

 

CHORDWISE FIBREGLASS BATTENS ON 2-LINE SIZES
(10, 11, 14, 15, 19, 21m)

On sizes 10m through to 21m the chord profile is reinforced with lightweight fibreglass battens to distribute load whilst maintaining the shape of the profile during angle of attack changes and turbulent airflow. This drastically improves overall performance as the foil remains true to the designed shape.

 

SMALL SIZES RETAIN 4-LINE SET-UP FOR STRONGER, GUSTIER CONDITIONS 

The smallest 8m and 9m sizes have retained 4-line levels (A, B, C & brake) using a different planform with lower aspect-ratio and cell count (51 cells) based on previous well-proven R1 designs. 

When nuking conditions strike and it’s time for ‘survival mode’, four lines with a more active feel of sheeting input offers maximum stability and control.

 

PROFILE DEVELOPMENT

New profile sections were especially developed for 2-liner technology.

While we kept the cell count and planform very similar to the V4 design, we extensively focused on maximising the potential of the profile section of each size to work in harmony with the 2-line bridle layout.  

Analized in CFD (computational fluid dynamics) simulations and tested under real competition conditions by the world’s leading racers, we worked on creating the least lift possible at the lowest angle-of-attack – especially when moving the kite up and overhead during tacks. 

Expert riders will now make their manoeuvres with a more fluid motion, allowing them to come out of transitions at high speed with very little lost momentum. 

Yet the R1 V5 also delivers constant pull on up- and downwind angles, is capable of being ridden at more aggressive angles and with greater speed, while still feeling stable in dirty, gusty winds.

The end result is a racer’s dream – giving the confidence to take the biggest kite size possible for maximum straight line speed and the highest angles, without feeling compromised during manoeuvres. 

 

LEADING EDGE PROFILE BATTENS

The Leading Edge is reinforced with flexible lightweight plastic battens to maintain the shape of the profile during angle of attack changes and turbulent airflow. This drastically improves overall performance as the foil remains true to the designed shape.

 

RIGIFOIL TECHNOLOGY

Rigifoil battens are sewn in between the leading edge profile battens to maintain optimal profile shape at high speeds. 

Preventing the canopy material from indenting between the ribs, the leading edge section is now as clean as it would be if there were twice as many ribs, without actually adding the complexity of full length ribs. 

(For the perfect performance-to-weight ratio, the 19 and 21 metre models feature Rigifoils only to the last inflation valve towards the tip. Not adding the rigifoils to the tip sections of these two biggest sizes reduces the chance for the tips to roll / fold in during very light wind manoeuvres.)

 

MINI RIBS 

Mini Ribs are sewn into the centre of each cell along the trailing edge of all sizes. These are designed to minimise the ‘ballooning’ deformation effect of the trailing edge, creating a cleaner surface for the air to release from the airfoil. 

 

PROVEN, LIGHTWEIGHT CANOPY MATERIALS

As on the V4, the best performance balance for weight, feeling and longevity comes from a 20D (35g) upper and a 10D (27g) lower surface canopy material. These materials have been used extensively on our Ultra Light kites and paragliders since 2011

TRIPLE TRANSVERSE SAIL SHAPING 

Triple Transverse Sail Shaping on sizes 10m-21m running along the leading edge creates a cleaner surface on the most important area of the aerofoil. The result is less turbulent airflow and longer skin adhesion, which positively affects the lift-to-drag ratio, increasing overall performance.

NEW VALVE DESIGN 

Finally, faster inflation and a better seal are the important finishing touches offered by the new valve design. 

 

DESIGNER’S NOTES:
By Dom Zimmermann 

“After four years we are very proud and excited with the final result of the R1 V5 for the 2028 Olympic cycle. Working on a high performance project is always special – thrilling and nerve wracking at the same time.

“Reducing to 2 line levels was new territory for us in terms of kites. Our colleagues in the Ozone paragliding department, however, released the first 2-line paraglider over a decade ago (though they are using brake lines along the trailing edge). Consulting designers, Luc, Dav and Fred, with all their gathered experience, greatly helped us come up with the ultimate true 2-liner kite design for the R1 V5. 

“Additionally, we teamed up with Romain Lambert who spent his 2023 internship at ISAE (University for Aeronautics in Toulouse) and helped to analyse profile sections in CFD simulations. These studies were crucial in setting direction for the profile sections and, at a later stage, refining them to our needs.

“On the front line in real world testing, we were delighted to once again work with some of the best racers in the world, who helped with testing, trimming and feedback, as well as trying both our good and bad ideas with equal enthusiasm. Putting so much effort and commitment into the project was just mind blowing. Our sincere respect and thanks to Axel Mazella, Connor Bainbridge and Nico Parlier - you guys rock! 

“We are confident that we’ve pulled all the strings possible to create a kite that will impact the race course results around the world and in the 2028 Olympic games.” 

IMPORTANT NOTES:

- The R1 V5 is for advanced riders only who have previous high performance foil kite experience. There are specific techniques required to handle and fly this kite.

- The R1 V5 materials have been used extensively on our Ultra Light kites and paragliders since 2011. The kite must be carefully looked after, it needs an experienced rider who knows how to keep the kite up in the air and how to handle it gently on the ground.

- Due to the 2-line design the water relaunch is compromised, depending on the wind strength, the overall conditions and a rider's skills. We recommend that you keep it flying and out of the water if possible! A drainage system on the wing tip allows any water that may have entered the kite to drain out. Do not use the kite in waves.

- This kite features a simple yet effective front line flag out release. After releasing the flag out you should check the speed system, bridle lines and your flying lines for twists before restart.

 - The R1 V5 must be packed using the concertina method exclusively. Packing and storing the kite using any other method (e.g. rolling, folding) will void the warranty. The reinforcement battens are integral to the design and must not be manipulated out of their intended shape, as this could damage the battens and/or kite, compromising its stability and performance.

- Bridle lines and Speed Systems require maintenance just like any high performance equipment in racing sports - they must be checked regularly and maintained in the correct trim or the kite will not perform as designed.

- Bridle Lines that are worn or not to factory specification (+ or - 15mm) must be replaced.

- R1 V5 4-Line Speed System lines that are worn must be replaced. If the Speed System lines are not worn but are not to factory specifications you must adjust back to factory spec.
- R1 V5 2-Line Speed System lines that are worn or are not to factory specifications must be replaced. There is no adjustment on the 2-Line Speed System. 

 

FEATURES:

· Factory Ownership Advantage

· Designed with OZ-CAD

· High Performance Ultra Light Materials

· Triple Transverse Sail Shaping (sizes 10m to 21m)

· Leading Edge Profile Battens

· Rigifoil Battens

· Chord Profile Battens (sizes 10m to 21m)

· Mini Ribs

· High Cell Count

· Optimized Leading Edge Air Intakes

· Internal Diagonals and Straps

· High Performance Bridle Lines

· 4-line Speed System (sizes 8m and 9m)

· 2-line Speed System (sizes 10m to 21m)

· Water Drainage Channel and Valves

· Waterproof deflation zipper

· Tuned Bridle Geometry

· Fool Proof Line Connectors

· R1 V5 Compressor Bag