Nathan Ducker & Darren Marshall

The Reo’s are awesome. We think experienced wave kiters will agree that the design team have got this one just right. From our perspective they clearly outperform every reputable wave kite on the market. For us, the Reo ticked all the boxes and then a few more that we didn’t think were possible to tick.

The kites:

• Can be ridden comfortably hooked or unhooked without needing to adjust de-power settings (for personal riding styles the trim settings can be adjusted, see Trimming the Reo)
• Can be efficiently cranked to power through turns or parked to surf the power from the wave
• Drift down the line handling fast sections, staying high in the air
• Have light bar pressure with options to increase or decrease
• Have direct steering that is smooth and precise with enough pressure to prevent accidental input on a wave or if getting worked
• Have low end grunt and an excellent wind range
• Can instantly dump all power for snappy top turns even in cross/offshore conditions
• When sheeting in, provide a smooth, progressive and direct increase in power (combined with instant de-power makes them ideal for riding unstrapped)
• Smooth out the gusts and hold solid in the air
• Relaunch easily and quickly
• Have one pump, high flow valves and sturdy construction
• Have a clean four-line setup without pulleys
• Are of the highest quality materials and workmanship
• Look great

We had perfect conditions for testing yet struggled to come up with constructive feedback to improve these kites. The Reo will work well for all styles of wave riding. They were designed based on suggestions from team riders and other experienced wave riders (including comments made via online discussion threads to get a broader perspective). Between the few in our test team we had most wave riding styles covered and all of us are extremely ‘particular’ in our kite selection. It was very interesting to see everyone in our test team come in with equally big smiles having ridden the Reo.

On a wave, they easily outperform every other kite ever tested by our team – which includes most reputable wave kites available in Australia. Basically the Reo seems so suited to riding waves that it feels like it’s part of you. On a wave, it is so balanced, smooth and responsive that you find yourself concentrating more on riding the wave than ever before, significantly improving the experience. This kite will likely develop its own reputation as a wave specific kite suitable for all conditions and styles of wave riding. Apparently everyone who tries them wants to own them and we’re sure most dedicated wave kiters who get a chance to demo the new Reo will agree.

Mike Walker

“It’s an exceptional kite. All the characteristics that are important for me in the waves are there in abundance. Most importantly it has full depower on a very short bar throw. Also of high importance, it goes up wind very well. How Rob has achieved this on a low aspect kite is a stroke of genius. Of course it has fast turning and easy reliable fast relaunch from the water. Where this kite is particularly exceptional is the drift back. Ride at your kite with the just the faintest bar pressure on, and you’ll experience fantastic drift back under stability. Only three struts makes the REO light so it wont fall fast under slack lines, and somehow Rob has managed to combine the float / drift with excellent upwind performance and total depower. This is a rare combination that is perfect for wave riding. I found I could loop or downturn for a change of direction, extend my arm while maintaining normal body position but at no stage was pulled off the wave. Total depower on a short throw!”

Tom McGregor

“I would have to say the Ozone Reo wave kite performs perfectly in all conditions.  Being able to quickly get the kite into position on beach breaks is vital and having a kite that you can turn off and just sit in the window while you surf the wave is also the key to making your wave riding so much better. The Reo can do all of this, so you can focus on surfing the wave.

The Reo’s revolutionary design enables you to quickly position yourself on the wave and rip it to pieces then quickly power back up and get out for more waves and fun. I believe that the only way you can improve your wave riding is to not have to worry about the kite and just completely focus on your turns and the position on the wave.”

Cynthia Brown

“The Ozone REO is a dream machine for every kind of Surf-Style kiting. The three strut design translates to feather weight, which is crucial in those moments when the lines go slack, or the breeze is thin.

While riding down the line the kite fades deeper into the wind window allowing you to concentrate on working the wave rather then flying the kite. With the stock bar, the Reo is near impossible to back stall, which makes riding unhooked crazy easy. The kite is so stable yet lightning fast through the turns. If you find your timing is off when hitting the lip or turning off the top, no problem as the Reo will be where you want it with just a flick of the wrist.

In the looping arena, there is no other contender. This kite loops so fast from it’s center with no delay, which is a must for landing sent strapless airs or low wind tacks. The ability to unspin your lines on the fly is also a bonus that many other control bars don’t offer.

Whether riding strapped, strapless, waves or chop, the Reo is a guaranteed grin maker, and is the ultimate tool to take everyone’s kitesurfing skills to the next level.”