Fusion V1 – Ozone Kites

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

WHO IS IT FOR?

The Fusion Wing is for those who are ready to experience a new realm of winging where previously unreachable performance is now achievable. It is suitable for experienced intermediate riders and beyond who are proficient at tacking and gybing, sending and landing airs confidently and who have reached a level where they don’t regularly have major, out of control wipeouts.

The efficiency of the Fusion’s double surface wing design is notable at all times. It’s exceptionally fast, can be raced to the podium places easily and of course its speed transfers to incredible jumping height.

WHAT IS THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT BENEFIT?

All performance areas are improved by the fact that the ride is incredibly smooth and predictable. The double-surface absorbs gusty winds with unrecognisable ease and the wing generates so much more power with less need to sheet in hard. You can hold more wind and power than a single surface design while riding closer to the wind, which means you can go faster with incredible control.

Fusion’s speed and stability also means it’s a powerful weapon for sending it big. Due to the way the Fusion powers up, an adapted jumping and landing technique is needed to discover its true flight potential.

HOW WILL MY RIDING TECHNIQUE NEED TO CHANGE?

The Fusion handling does initially feel different, but only subtle changes to your technique are needed to get in tune and start feeling performance gains.

The simplest rule to keep in mind is: just let the wing fly!

• When pumping the wing to generate speed you don’t need to crank the rear handle excessively. Keep the pump swings short. The more you crank the rear handle, the less you’re allowing it to fly! Until you’re used to the technique, make sure you have plenty of wind for your first sessions. This will help you come up on the foil and allow you to feel the wing flying properly.

• Once you’re up and riding, focus more on the front handle which will promote greater acceleration. You will immediately notice how the Fusion likes to shoot straight upwind without the twitchiness of single surface wings. Achieving a good trim is everything for this wing; the Fusion will do the rest.

• If you’re used to riding a single surface wing, the biggest change is (as repeated in the first point): you need to become less reliant on cranking the rear handle for power. You’ll soon appreciate the Fusion’s positive, dart-like drive through tacks. Carrying more inertia due to the volume of air inside the wing makes it handle differently to a single surface wing, but once you’re dialled in, the added benefits of increased range and power are also undeniable.

When entering a tack or gybe, try to avoid doing one final big pump for some extra power, as this will kill the Fusion’s flow (which is where its power comes from). Once you’re used to the Fusion’s riding style, you will generally be riding with more speed anyway, so learn to go with the wing; let it fly and feel that flutter-free experience. Look after its trajectory and you’ll find it’s possible to make incredibly fast and fluid tacks. Carrying a higher angle into wind and with more speed means that you have less angle to complete for your tack, so for upwind gains, the Fusion is remarkable.

IS IT HEAVY?

No. In fact the Fusion 5m weighs just 100 grams more than our Flux 5m wing!

The Fusion has a unique internal structure and uses more material than our single surface wings, but all our wings are always born as light as possible. The Fusion’s leading edge and strut are built with the same stiff and lighter weight (125g) performance dacron as used on our Flux wing.

The lower surface and internal ribs are also made with a lighter weight canopy cloth for maximum aerodynamic performance and the air intakes have been developed to offer the ideal relationship between rigidity and streamlined weight. The EVA covered carbon handles are also designed to maximise control and feel while keeping weight to a minimum.

We build integrated strength into our products through high quality material placements and the careful sewing techniques developed in our in-house production facility, so have no need to add extra reinforcements or unnecessary cosmetics, which only increase weight.

DOES IT TAKE ON WATER?

The air intakes have been optimally designed to allow air in while preventing water entry. In the event that water enters the wing, there are four drainage holes located at the trailing edge; two near the strut and two at the wingtips.

We don’t recommend regularly submitting the wing to heavy, submerged wipeouts. We don’t advise it to be used as a wave wing in case a wipeout water logs it.

CAN IT BE REPAIRED?

Yes it can. Although there are two layers of canopy to deal with, the leading edge closing seam is positioned on the outside, so if you somehow manage to pierce the leading edge this can easily be accessed.

Zips next to the inflation valves on the leading edge and strut also allow for easy bladder replacement.

Repairing damaged sail cloth can be more complex than for a single surface wing as multiple seams may need to be opened if you damage more than one canopy surface. If you somehow manage to damage part of the internal rib structure it would require more intricate work by a sail repairer, but the ribs are not attached to the leading edge, so the stitching can be unpicked and replaced without needing to unpick the leading edge.

IS IT FOR ME?

If you are an experienced and solid rider who knows how to handle a wing carefully and is looking for max speed, radical riding angles, overhead drive and the sensation of riding a precision aerofoil you have to check it out!

Until you’re able to recognise how to adjust your technique to the different sensations that come from the expansive range, power and efficiency, you won’t benefit from the Fusion’s potential.

To access all the performance potential the Fusion has to offer, we recommend using higher performance foils such as the MA800 or other race foils. Simply put, the faster you go the more performance advantages come alive.

The Fusion has no windows so it takes an experienced, vigilant rider who is fully aware of their surroundings and other riders.