Ozone Vortex V2 Ultra-X vs Edge VT: Two Approaches to Big Air

Two Ozone kites, both about height, both priced within touching distance of each other. At 10 m the gap is 10 €. And yet riders agonise over the choice, usually on the wrong criteria.

Let us look at the numbers rather than the copy.

First finding: the aspect ratios are nearly identical

The received wisdom says the Edge is the high-aspect race kite and the Vortex the low-aspect looping kite. The specifications do not support that.

• Edge VT: flat aspect ratio 5.41, projected 3.04.
• Vortex V2 Ultra-X: flat 5.35, projected 3.00.

That is under one and a half percent apart. These are the same class of geometry. Which means everything you feel on the water comes from something else. There are three somethings.

Difference one: weight

Here the gap is real.

• 10 m: Vortex 2.3 kg against Edge VT 3.1 kg.
• 12 m: Vortex 2.6 kg against Edge VT 3.5 kg.
• 15 m: Vortex 3.0 kg against Edge VT 3.8 kg.

Around 800 grams per size — close to a quarter of the mass. Part of that is the Ultra-X material, part is construction: the Edge VT runs five struts, and struts weigh something.

What it means on the water: a lighter kite responds faster and flies more willingly in light wind, because less of its lift goes into holding itself up. A heavier kite has more inertia, and with it more stability in a gust.

In fairness, the Edge VT also exists as the Edge VT Ultra-X — that one weighs 2.7 kg at 10 m, closing the gap to 400 grams. If the budget allows, that is the fairer comparison.

Difference two: the size range

An underrated signal, and one that says more about purpose than any marketing line.

• Vortex V2 Ultra-X: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 17 m².
• Edge VT: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 18 m².

The Vortex goes down to 5 m. A five-metre kite exists for one scenario: a great deal of wind. The Edge instead climbs to 18 m — a size bought for light wind and upwind performance.

The ranges diverge at the edges, and the edges give away the job: the Vortex is built to live at the top of the wind range, the Edge to pull at the bottom of it.

Difference three: area at the same nominal size

For the same number printed on the canopy, the projected area differs.

• 10 m: Vortex 6.9 m² against Edge 7.17 m².
• 12 m: Vortex 8.3 m² against Edge 8.63 m².

The Edge delivers more working area at the same label, and with it more low-end pull. The Vortex is more compact, and compact means turning speed.

What this adds up to on the water

The Vortex V2 Ultra-X is a looping kite. Light, compact, with a fast and predictable turn: it gets through the loop in time to catch you on the way out. It lifts hard, but its character is explosive rather than drawn out.

The Edge VT is about height and upwind. More area, more struts, more inertia: it takes you higher and holds you longer, but turns more slowly. And it goes upwind noticeably better — the very trait that made it a racing choice in the first place.

Put bluntly: the Vortex is a kite for loops, the Edge a kite for megaloops and for covering ground. The first forgives more, the second delivers more.

Who should buy which

Take the Vortex V2 Ultra-X if you are a confident intermediate, you loop or intend to start, you ride strong gusty wind, and you value a light feel on the bar. The stated level is intermediate and above, and that is not a formality: it is a fast kite.

Take the Edge VT if you want maximum height and hangtime, if upwind matters at your spot, and if you ride a wide range and want one kite for all of it. The standard Edge VT is rated for beginners too — unlike either Ultra-X.

Take the Edge VT Ultra-X if you want the Edge character without the Edge weight and are willing to pay for it.

Prices

Vortex V2 Ultra-X, from 2 469 € (5 m) to 3 899 € (17 m). Edge VT, from 1 889 € to 2 779 €. Edge VT Ultra-X, from 2 819 €.

Worth noting: the standard Edge VT is markedly cheaper than either Ultra-X. If weight is not critical, it is the best value for character of the three.

Common questions

Which one jumps higher?

The Edge, thanks to more area and more inertia. The Vortex is more explosive at takeoff, but the Edge holds you longer.

Which is the better first big-air kite?

The standard Edge VT: it accepts an intermediate level, costs less and forgives more. The Vortex makes sense once you understand why you want turning speed.

Is Ultra-X only about weight?

Not only, but weight is the main consequence. Lower mass changes the response, the behaviour in light wind and how tired your arms are after a session.

Can I foil with the Vortex?

Yes, and its lightness helps. Foiling is listed among the disciplines for both kites.

How many sizes do I need?

Two for a season. For big air people go slightly larger than usual: lift follows area.

Where to look

Ozone Vortex V2 Ultra-X, Ozone Edge VT and Edge VT Ultra-X — all sizes in stock. The full range is on the Ozone page.

Still unsure? Send your weight, typical wind and what you want from the kite and we will size it for you at no charge.