Ozone’s Product Manager, Torrin Bright, discussed the features of Ozone's latest harnesses: the redesigned Connect Wing V2 and brand-new Wing Waist Padded Belt V1 harnesses, the benefits of the new sliding and more! Find out in this Tech Focus!

Hi Torrin, it’s great to have you here! After a massive success with the Connect Wing V1, Ozone released the V2. Can you tell us a little bit about the latest upgrades and the benefits of the new sliding hook?

For the most part, the Connect Wing V2 is a full redesign. We kept to the concept of a lightweight, comfortable harness but reworked most of the harness construction, materials and features. It is a full support harness that focuses purely on the rider's needs; nothing more.

A stretch velcro and neoprene belt hold the harness securely and comfortably in position. The harness shell is tougher and features an inner neoprene layer that locks into position on a rider’s back, providing excellent support and more comfort with the soft internal foam padding.

The webbing strap spreads the load effectively, while the new sliding hook allows your body to rotate freely. Therefore, riding toeside is much more comfortable, as there is less rotational force through the harness, and it remains centred on your body. The hook can also be moved to the side and folded down if you need to lie on your board to paddle.

There are two leash line / QR connection points for rider preference.

What are the pros and cons of riding a soft shell harness while winging, and how do the Connect Wing V2 and Wing Waist Padded Belt V1 materials provide support and comfort?

There are no cons really; they are such lightweight and unrestrictive products that you hardly notice wearing one.

The pros are being able to take a break and relieve the load on your arms to maximise your sessions. In colder weather, your arms and grip tire more quickly, so there are added benefits to using a harness in the winter, too. For riding powered and when needing to push your speed or upwind riding angles, once you've felt the benefit of a harness, you'll wonder how you managed without one. It's why they're now essential for racers.

Webbing helps to spread the loads into the harness frame. On the Connect Wing V2, soft foam and neoprene layers provide maximum comfort.

The webbed straps and buckle make both harnesses look extremely easy to wear, and above all, they pack down tiny! Was this Ozone’s main objective when designing the harnesses?

Our philosophy is always to design for what’s required and nothing more. Both harnesses are lightweight, easy to use, and comfortable for their intended purpose. They have all the required features, use high-quality materials and, as you alluded to, are fantastic for travelling too.

What are the main differences between The Connect Wing V2 and Wing Waist Padded Belt V1, and who would you recommend purchasing which?

The Wing Waist Padded Belt V1 is a very lightweight EVA product for those who occasionally hook in but want to prioritise freedom of movement without committing to a full harness feel. It's a massive upgrade in comfort and performance compared to a standard webbing belt that can dig into your back when your wing is well-powered.

The Connect Wing V2 harness is a streamlined, lightweight harness for riders looking for high levels of comfort and support who might be hooking in for longer, riding powered, racing, etc.

What are the safety features of the Connect Wing V2 and Wing Waist Padded Belt V1?

There are very handy connection points for a quick release/leash to be attached, allowing the rider to choose which side they prefer, making the leash very easy to reach. If necessary, both harnesses can be released instantly by undoing the buckle.

Wing harnesses can be a divisive topic. What are the benefits of wearing one vs not? What's it like at your local beach? It seems to be an almost tribal thing these days!

Harnesses are a great way to take the load off and cruise. They can help extend your sessions or to ride more power and reach faster speeds. They offer extra comfort and support compared to the standard webbing waist strap. It really comes down to how powered you like to ride. If you do a lot of cruising in light wind, they're unnecessary, but once you've felt the benefit they offer in stronger wind, instantly allowing you to ride for longer, they become a vital piece of equipment. As they make it possible to crank very hard upwind, if you're catching long wave rides downwind, they can also save you a lot of time and energy to get back in position to get another wave! So, in this case, you just need to choose how much support you'd prefer.

Great, thanks again, Torrin!

Thanks, Jen!

By Jen Tyler
Italian/Egyptian Jen Tyler grew up on the sandy beaches of the Red Sea and has been on the IKSURFMAG & Tonic Mag team since 2017.

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