Ozone Hyperlink V4 Review: One Foil Kite for Water and Snow

All-round products usually lose to specialised ones. The Hyperlink V4 is the rare case where versatility sits in the construction rather than the marketing: the kite physically switches between two modes. Here is what that means.

The short version

• Sizes: 5, 7, 9, 11 and 13 m².
• Weight: 1 kg at 5 m up to 1.9 kg at 13 m.
• Construction: 33 cells, closed-cell on water / open-cell on snow.
• Aspect ratio: 4.98 flat, 3.63 projected.
• Level: beginner, intermediate, advanced.
• Price: from 2 299 € to 2 719 €.

Two modes: what actually changes

On water the kite runs closed-cell on four lines. Valves hold the air inside, the kite takes on no water and relaunches from the surface. Four lines is the familiar water setup.

For snow it converts to open-cell on five lines. The fifth line gives complete depower: the canopy folds entirely and the kite stops pulling. In the mountains that is not convenience but safety — in an avalanche or a fall on a slope, the ability to zero the pull instantly outweighs any specification.

Why water does not need the fifth line: there you have water and open space around you. In the mountains there is nothing to catch you.

Weight: the headline number

One kilogram at 5 m is very little. For comparison, an inflatable of similar area weighs around two and a half.

The practical effect is twofold. First: the kite flies in wind where an inflatable cannot yet stay up, because less of its lift goes into holding itself. Second: three Hyperlink sizes fit where one inflatable barely does.

For anyone who flies with their equipment, the second number sometimes matters more than the first.

Aspect ratio 4.98: where it sits in the range

Exactly midway between the simple Explore V3 at 4.45 and the racing R1 V5 at up to 7.0.

What that gives you: noticeably better upwind and speed than a single-skin, while the kite stays manageable — the spec sheet starts at beginner level. Five is the aspect ratio at which a foil kite still forgives but already carries you.

Under strengths the manufacturer lists light wind only, and that is honest. The Hyperlink is not about the top of the range; it is about riding when everyone else is not.

Who it suits

Anyone whose season splits in half. Winter on snow, summer on water, and no wish to keep two sets of kit.

Frequent travellers. Weight and pack volume decide.

Light-wind riders. In light air a foil kite objectively beats an inflatable.

Foilers. Hydrofoil is listed among the disciplines: a light kite and a foil are a natural pair.

Who it does not suit

Riders who only ride water and only in strong wind. You are paying for a mode you never use.

Complete beginners without an instructor. The level formally starts at beginner, but switching modes and a five-line setup need someone to show you once in person.

Anyone who wants one cheap kite. 2 299 € for the 5 m is the price of versatility.

Honestly about the price

The Hyperlink costs more than an Explore and an entry-level inflatable freeride kite combined. The logic here is not saving money but avoiding two sets of equipment and the choice between them on every trip.

If you ride in one environment, a specialised kite gives you more for the same money. If you ride in two, the Hyperlink covers both, and it is the only kite in the range that can.

Common questions

Is switching modes difficult?

It is done on the ground and takes a few minutes. Hard the first time, mechanical after that.

Does it relaunch from water?

Yes, in closed-cell mode. You must not take it on the water in open-cell mode.

Is it good for hydrofoil?

Yes, it is one of the stated disciplines, and the low weight helps.

Which size first?

The 9 m for a mid-weight rider. It covers light wind on water and the working range on snow.

Do I need a separate bar?

For snow mode you need a bar with a fifth line — the Contact Snow V5.

Where to buy

Ozone Hyperlink V4 — from 2 299 €, five sizes. The other foil kites are in our range overview.

Torn between one all-rounder and two kites? Tell us how many days a year you ride on snow and we will work it out with you.