Ozone Chrono Depower Kite 2015
IN A NUTSHELL...
Break new boundariess with the ultra high-performance Chrono, Ozone's first closed-cell de-power foil kite.
Design details
Sizes: 9m, 12m, 15m, 18m
Our aim was to create the ultimate light wind performance kite for all terrain. Powerful, fast and consistently forward flying, the Chrono is a light wind freeride boosting machine that also excels in racing on the water, land or snow.
TECHNOLOGY:
The Chrono is at the pinnacle of technical foil design and is Ozone’s first production kite designed with our new re-modeled CAD software; the results are impressive. We used our extensive knowledge in wing development and drew on our history in aerodynamics to create a no expense spared cutting edge foil kite.
Design – The Chronos lightweight double surface design is combined with a high-aspect ratio of 7.0 and an incredible 47 cells, resulting in extreme flight efficiency. The aspect ratio has been calculated to be an optimum match with the profile for maximum performance. A high number of cells mean the ribs are positioned close together, creating ultra smooth surfaces with less drag and maintaining a clean profile.
L.E Profile Reinforcements – 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.
Internal Straps – Newly calculated internal span-wise straps distribute load across the sail evenly and effectively, while also maintaining a cohesive internal balance controlling the high aspect ratio.
High Performance Bridle Lines – To keep parasitic drag to a minimum we have used Edelrid performance line. This line is ultra high quality, non-stretch with a reduced diameter helping achieve our goal of maximum performance.
High Performance Materials – High-tenacity sail cloth with extremely low porosity values and an overall lightweight enabled us to further stabilise the canopy and maximise fast flight characteristics.
FLIGHT CHARACTERISTICS:
If you are looking to get the most out of your light wind sessions, the Chrono will peak your experience. With incredible upwind performance, low-end grunt and huge float in jumps it will have you ripping!
The Chrono is for experienced riders or riders with previous foil kite experience. It is not difficult to fly but there are techniques required to fly a high aspect ratio foil kite. Riding on snow or land is easy, with plenty of power and handling in light winds to be clocking high speeds and long airtime.
On the water with a Twin-tip the Chrono is a light wind monster; loads of power, easy to jump and stable. Due to the abundance of power and efficiency gaining upwind ground is ridiculously easy, in light wind its impressive how high and floaty jumps can be with the Chrono. No question at all, this is a pop and float machine, just edge hard and send it, too easy!
If you race - water, land or snow you need to have a serious look at one of these. The Chrono has all the technology you can imagine. The upwind performance is blazing and it can also hold a very deep downwind line. One other noticeable benefit is how much easier it is to tack when riding with a Foil board or Course board. This is thanks to the longer lifting period the Chrono gives you during that critical tacking moment compared to an LEI.
RELAUNCH AND SAFETY SYSTEM:
The Chrono is a closed cell foil and has great water re-launch, but 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.
The Chrono features a simple yet effective front line flag out safety. After releasing to the flag out safety you should check the speed system, bridle lines and your flying lines for twists before restart.
The Chrono is not a wave kite and should not be used in waves.
PACKAGE OPTIONS
The CHRONO comes in three package options:
KITE ONLY - With technical rucksack, ground stake & repair kit.
COMPLETE FREERIDE – Chrono Freeride Control System, technical rucksack, ground stake & repair kit.
COMPLETE RACE – Chrono Race Control System, technical rucksack, ground stake & repair kit.
Tech specs
CHRONO CONSTRUCTION FEATURES:
*Exceptional hand checked Ozone factory construction using the highest quality materials
*High performance light weight canopy material
*Leading Edge profile plastic batten reinforcements
*Internal reinforcements and strapping improve durability and load distribution
*High performance low-drag bridle lines
*Mesh protected inflation valves for fast inflation and no deflation
*Unique wing-tip drainage system to get rid of water while flying
*Double pulley speed-system, utilising the latest high spec low friction Ronstan Orbit pulleys
*Color coded and numbered fool proof line connectors
*Velcro openings on last tip cell for easy wash out of debris and water
*Water proof deflation zipper on top centre cell for easy and fast deflation
*Ozone warranty and back-up service guaranteed
CHRONO FREERIDE CONTROL SYSTEM
The CHRONO FREERIDE Control System offers the latest in safety features, a clean control bar design and a simple easy-to-use trimming system.
Push Away Quick Release – The control system features a new Megatron pushaway quick release safety with total flag out of the kite. The release handle is ergonomic with positive release forces (under 8kg) allowing for quick and easy release. Simple re-assembly saves time and gets you back up and riding faster.
Two Safety Modes – The Megatron offers riders a choice of two safety modes, the recommended standard safety or the optional Suicide safety.
*The standard Flag out safety offers 100% flag out in all situations by releasing the Megatron or letting go of the bar when un-hooked
*The Suicide option offers 100% flag out only when the Megatron is released whilst hooked in, allowing riders practicing handle passes to let go of the bar with out flagging the kites safety (not recommended)
Anti-twist 100% Flag Out Line – The flag out line running through the Megatron & safety leash attachment at the bottom keeps the leash tangle free when doing rotations and manually unwinding the centre lines using the Spinning Handle.
Low Friction Centre Piece – The control bar features a low friction aluminum centre piece designed to reduce trim line wear.
Auto Positioning Chicken Loop – Designed in conjunction with the bar centre piece, the Megatron spinning handle allows chicken loop auto positioning, offering easy unhooked riding and hooking back in.
Magnetic trim handle system – The Magnetic trim handle connects to a magnetic neoprene sock covering the clam cleat to reduce tangles when the trimmer is depowered.
Back Line Brake Handle – added to the CHRONO FREERIDE Control system for easier inflation, relaunch and self landing the kite.
PU Covered trim line & cast stainless steel de-power ring – The tough PU covered trim significantly reduces wear when sheeting in and out, whilst the smooth running de-power ring also prevents trim line wear.
The Chrono Freeride Control System bar sizes come in 50cm and 55cm. The larger size PU chicken loop (sold separately) is perfect for riders with longer arms or for riders wanting even easier hooking in & out.
CHRONO RACE CONTROL SYSTEM
The CHRONO RACE Control System offers the latest in safety features, a clean control bar design and a double pulley trimming system.
The ultimate Kite Racing accessory, custom designed in collaboration with our elite Race Team including the worlds top Kite Racers. Utilising top of the line components and materials the Chrono Race Control System is smooth and reliable on the course. Incorporating a double pulley system offers smooth and easy trimming on the go, allowing the racer to hike out maintaining maximum power. Further turbo charge your set-up with our Race Flying Lines.
Push Away Quick Release – The control system features a new Megatron pushaway quick release safety with total flag out of the kite. The release handle is ergonomic with positive release forces (under 8kg) allowing for quick and easy release. Simple re-assembly saves time and gets you back up and riding faster.
Two Safety Modes – The Megatron offers riders a choice of two safety modes, the recommended standard safety or the optional Suicide safety.
*The standard Flag out safety offers 100% flag out in all situations by releasing the Megatron or letting go of the bar when un-hooked
*The Suicide option offers 100% flag out only when the Megatron is released whilst hooked in, allowing riders practicing handle passes to let go of the bar with out flagging the kites safety (not recommended)
Anti-twist 100% Flag Out Line – The flag out line running through the Megatron & safety leash attachment at the bottom keeps the leash tangle free when doing rotations and manually unwinding the centre lines using the Spinning Handle.
Low Friction Centre Piece – The control bar features a low friction aluminium centre piece designed to reduce trim line wear.
Auto Positioning Chicken Loop – Designed in conjunction with the bar centre piece, the Megatron spinning handle allows chicken loop auto positioning, offering easy unhooked riding and hooking back in.
Double Pulley Trim System – The Double Pulley trim offers smooth and easy trimming on the go, allowing the racer to hike out maintaining maximum power.
Back Line Brake Handle – added to the CHRONO FREERIDE Control system for easier inflation, relaunch and self landing the kite.
PU Covered trim line – The tough PU covered trim significantly reduces wear when sheeting in and out.
The Chrono Race Control System bar sizes come in 50cm and 55cm. The larger size PU chicken loop (sold separately) is perfect for riders with longer arms or for riders wanting even easier hooking in & out.
Differences between the Ozone Chrono kites and the Flysurfer Speed 4 kites
At King of Watersports we wanted to find out what the major differences between the Ozone Chrono and the Flysurfer Speed 4 Lotus kites. This will give you information on which kite to pick depending on your level and the style of riding you are into.
This year both Ozone and Flysurfer have the same sizing options, The Lotus and the Chrono kites are available in 12m, 15m and 18m. Flysurfer are also offering a 21m version of the Speed 4 Lotus.
The new 2014 Ozone Chrono kite
When you look at the two kites side by side you immediately see the differences in aspect ratio. The Ozone Chrono has a thinner profile and a higher aspect ratio than the Flysurfer speed 4. The result is the Chrono will be a more race orientated – high performance kite than the Speed 4. With the higher aspect kites the general results are faster through the air but slower in the turn. So a high aspect ratio kite will be better for course racing as you will be able to go faster from one point to another. With the higher aspect Ozone Chrono hang time is extremely impressive. For more experienced riders the Ozone Chrono is definitely one of the fastest kites out there. For very light wind performance and pure straight line speed the Chrono is going to be on the watch list of many riders. The Chrono is a very solid kite, but is definitely aimed more at the speed freaks rather than general freeride. The Chrono is available with two bar options, a freeride and a race setup. The racing gives the ability to depower the kite much easier without having to reach further up the bar, therefor you do not have to lean forward and take the weight off the edge when racing. One of the kite surfers here at King of watersports (Charlie) has ordered an 18M Ozone Chrono with the aim of being powered up in summer sea breezes. After speaking to him he has combined this kite with a Cabrinha Alias (Basically a half-way house between a race board and a surf board) When the sea breezes arrive I aim to be going out and being powered in 9 to 10 knots, but this is impressive when you hear the fact that he is 105KG! I still have an Ozone Zephyr in my quiver but this Ozone Chrono will be even more efficient and ever more powerful , unlike the Zephyr I will be getting overpowered when the wind picks up to 14 to 15 knots!
The new 2014 Flysurfer Speed 4 kite
The Speed 4 Lotus is more of a freeride kite. Although still being classed as a high aspect kite it is much lower aspect then the Chrono. It is easier to use and you will need generally less experience to fly the kite than with the Ozone Chrono. It is more user friendly whilst still maintaining good performance. Because of the profile the Speed 4 seems to behave better on the ground and during inflation. For riders wanting to hit the snow, mountains and beach without needing to be the fastest in a straight line this could be a better option.
In Summary they do not directly compete with each other. If you want a race performance kite with huge jumps and low end performance then steer towards the Ozone Kite and if you want an easier to use freestyle orientated kite then edge towards the Flysurfer kite.
We have demo kites arriving shortly so please call if you have any more questions or if you want to speak to people who have tried both options.