Ozone Review I Pyranha Kayaks

The Ozone is the newest river running playboat out from Pyranha Kayaks. It fits into the line-up between the Ripper and the Loki. With a modern playboat hull similar to that of the Jed, the Ozone carves on waves like no other slicey river running playboat. The rocker profile in the bow ensures a dry ride, and helps prevent pearling in a front surf on smaller waves.
The Pyranha Ozone will be an ideal pick for intermediate paddlers looking to make their local run more entertaining, and advanced paddlers looking to make things more sporty. However, the Ozone will not replace the Loki for grinding on rocks, cartwheels, and splats.
MountainmanOutdoors.com
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I have been testing whitewater kayaks for Mountainman Outdoor Supply - mountainmanoutdoorsupply.com - for a long time. Here is where you can find my whitewater kayak reviews. I take honest deep dives on every new design to create the best reviews which beginners and advanced paddlers will find helpful.
If there is a boat that you would like to see a review for feel free to leave a comment. However, I do my best to get reviews out as soon as I am able. If there is something I haven't done the most likely reason is because I do not have access to it. Help me help you and ask the boat maker to get me a boat to review.
We regularly carry Dagger, Pyranha, Jackson, and Liquid Logic. If I can get my hands on boats from other companies (Waka, Zet, Exo, Lettman, etc) I will do my best to put out an initial review.
Key Words: Whitewater, White Water, Kayak, Kayaking, Raft, Rafting, Canoe, River, Adventure, Extreme, Dagger Kayaks, Wavesport Kayaks, Perception Kayaks, Jackson Kayaks, Jackson Adventures, Pyranha Kayaks, Zet Kayaks, Waka Kayaks, Liquidlogic Kayaks, Liquid Logic Kayaks

[@SouthernYak]

Very well done review. Thanks. I paddle a large Loki and I love it.

[@AlexBarham]

Thanks man!

[@Nick-vs5wl]

Woah maybe dont take it out on class V 😂. Hope you're healing well and that was awesome to watch. Sweet drone shots as well. Keep em coming - this is great content while I sit at home and wait for lockdown to go away

[@AlexBarham]

Not my drone, but I am certainly tempted again to buy one. If you're dying in lockdown you can also check out the Shred Vlogs I put out. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jKTNoJhnd9ahrKs Thanks man! Stay safe!

[@Nick-vs5wl]

@@AlexBarham Thanks man I've already watched all of them :). We are allowed out the house but only short distance so at the moment the only thing I've got to keep me going is flat water freestyle in a pretty dirty lake

[@AlexBarham]

Been there when I lived on an island with long periods of no surf. Just trying to soak up knowledge from video and keep strength up. It's miserable but worth it

[@briankrueger1142]

Great review. Wishing you rapid healing.

[@AlexBarham]

Thanks Brian! I'll be fine lol

[@richardpowell1389]

Stoaked for this!

[@AlexBarham]

Awesome! Definitely a solid little boat

[@joshmcnicholl9842]

I got an Ozone recently. Love it. I wonder if they changed the seat height tho. Because I have 1 seat shim in and don't sit anywhere near as high as you appear to in your drone footage. I'm also right near the top of the weight range for the Medium and yes it's tippy but not crazily tippy. Edit: In all fairness I've just had the opportunity to paddle a homeslice, and yeah, I might have just got used to the tippiness of the ozone. It definitely lacks stability, both primary and secondary.

[@AlexBarham]

The design is certainly aggressive. A lowered seat would be a really interesting solution. Pyranha has been sneaking in a bunch of changes along the way, but not sure if that is one of them.

[@halvortorgersen8741]

Tried and loved it! Easy to do all kinds of old school moves. Cartweels so easy. I am 193cm /95kg and fit the Large perfect. I might adjust something to get 1-2 cm forward for easier front enders. I didnt recognize the narrow hull you mentioned. But I was in the LArge and you might have tested the smaller one? I consider takeing out seat pad for more knee hight. But want the comfort. So I might modify the knee braces. I missed my old WS score and found this one. Much more up to date and better.

[@AlexBarham]

Correct, I was paddling the Medium with shoes on. I would not dive into a custom outfitting project before just yanking the pad out. Keep it simple for starters. (Many people paddle the Nirvana with no seat pad for example. )

[@halvortorgersen8741]

@@AlexBarham thanks. Good advice

[@kevinhill.8]

Nice review, and cool to see you using some drone footage. Was wondering how you got banged up when I saw the Mullet video. 🤕 I’ve been enjoying my Medium Ozone, but will give moving the seat back a try. Just amazing how much space there is in this boat. I’m 6’ and still used all the provided foam to get snug...and that’s with seat in stock setting. I may try Happy Feet. Surprised to hear you say it lacked primary stability. I didn’t notice that, and 25” wide doesn’t seem that narrow to me, but I suppose it is for a Medium. I’m also at bottom end of weight range, so that will affect how it feels for me. My S Ripper, on the other hand, is very “wobbly” at just 23” wide.😬 But even that I got used to, and it sure does make edge-to-edge transitions snappy!

[@AlexBarham]

Haha yeah well play stupid games... The knee pockets are how you make boats much more roomy. The problem is then you start to have to bring the seat up, which means that you raise the center of balance. Combine that with the width of a small boat in a medium boat and you get tippy.

[@CrazySnake5000]

Fyi I tried happyfeet in my large ozone and when you press hard with your feet the front of the boat bulges just a tiny bit. I didn't like that and went back to just a fuckton of foam. 6'2" and all the provided foam wasn't enough.

[@AlexBarham]

That's normal. These are tupperware after all

[@Lonesta1980]

Hey Alex. 1st: I love your content. Any single video is so fun and full of information. I can smell your passion for this sport. Thank u!!! 2nd: I look for sth like the Ozone for tall guys. I am 192cm/120kg / 6,3/265lbd. I would love a loki but was told to be to big. The gforce 6.3 is going to fall apart soon :D and I need sth new or used. Any advices for toys? Looking forward to your answer!

[@Lonesta1980]

Maybe the new fullslice from Dagger? Nova or Supernova?

[@AlexBarham]

At 265 the large Ozone is going to be tight. It is also going to be a bit tippy either you at the top of the weight range as the seat position is high relative to the water line. Demo one before you buy, even if it is just on flat water. You may want to go find a Score or Foreplay

[@ashervorwaller4140]

Awesome vid, I have a question. I'm just getting into whitewater kayaking and I'm wondering what a good beginner boat would be, I will mostly be on a class lll river at high volume and looking for a somewhat fast and stable boat, any suggestions?

[@AlexBarham]

Hey Asher! I usually recommend the Zen, Mamba, and Remix. You said fast and bigger volume class 3 though, which makes me think maybe a Nirvana would be worth trying. Good luck!

[@ashervorwaller4140]

Thanks a ton man!

[@PALSRide]

Alex I was wondering if you could tell me the difference between the zen 3 and the delta 88 I most ride in western N.C. And I really like you boat reviews

[@AlexBarham]

Simplest difference is the Z3 is a planing hull (flat like a surf board) and the Delta is a displacement hull (traditional rounded design). If you're going to be rock bouncing a lot you should consider a displacement hull for the sake of longevity. Good luck!

[@PALSRide]

Alex Barham thanks Alex I’m riding a stomper 90 now but I really like the Jackson back band but I do hid quite a few rocks

[@lordofnothing.]

thaaaanks :) (any chance you might get your hands on some of the waka boats for a review? would love to hear your opinion)

[@AlexBarham]

Hopefully soon. Again, asking Waka will do more.

[@noahmcinturff]

Awesome video man. You think you could do a re-review of the 9r2 now that there's a large one?

[@AlexBarham]

That has been the plan all along! Hopefully soon

[@DownstreamV]

Picked up the small last week. I am 5' 10 and 130 lbs. I have the seat all the way forward and can flatwater cartwheel but it is not easy. Can still get the stern down pretty easily. My biggest disappointments are how slow the hull is downriver and on catching waves, and how hard it is to get the bow down. I feel like it should have been about 3 inches shorter. Not being able to cartwheel it at will on smaller features is a huge downside for me. It does stern stall very well like you said. I feel the old varun is a better downriver design overall. Thanks for doing all of your reviews!

[@AlexBarham]

I'm wondering if in sliding the seat forward to get the bow cartwheeling if you killed the hull speed. I really felt that the boat wanted to be stern heavy with that flat rear rocker and aggressive bow rocker that runs up at the feet. Thanks for the input Matt!

[@DownstreamV]

Alex Barham I think you may be right but if I did that there definitely would not be any cartwheels just like you explained in your video. Good input though.

[@AlexBarham]

Yeah... I guess they decided to focus on rover running over full slice. Which will be great for some, and leave other wanting more.

[@Christgoldberg]

I would be very interested to hear your views on the Large vs the medium. I have heard good things about the large, that its less tippy than the large Loki but way more comfortable. Any chance you'll be doing a comparison or sharing your thoughts on the large?

[@AlexBarham]

I hear you, but I just can't justify making a Large a demo to paddle it once. If I get access to one I'll follow up.

[@Christgoldberg]

That'll work too.

[@masonaune2947]

I recently bought an 97 wavesport kinetic and was wondering what your thoughts as it being used as a beginner boat?

[@AlexBarham]

Looks like an RPM style river-runner. It won't be the best, but it will get you started

[@danehauser8675]

Thanks for the review! In Bren's review he was saying that 175 lbs is about the heaviest he'd recommend for the medium so I'm curious what your experience would have been in the Large, especially given the legit stuff you're paddling it in. A buddy of mine who is also 200 lbs just got the Large and is loving the Ozone and how easy and balanced it is to stern squirt. I'd also love to hear your comparison to the Homeslice. I loved mine except I feel a bit more rocker would have made it a better surfer. It's the same width as the Ozone at 26" but I have a feeling I'm going to like the Ozone better in several areas and plan to get one soon. I appreciate all your reviews.

[@AlexBarham]

So I was paddling this at just under the 200lb cut-off on the Pyranha website. I chose the medium over the large because that is honestly what I expect most people to do given the choice between slicey boats. The large would have been a solid river runner, and probably fine to get the stern down on eddy lines, but it would not have been as slicey and fun.

[@AlexBarham]

I haven't gotten seat time in a Homeslice. When I do I would be happy to circle back and compare. Just from eyeballing the Ozone has less volume in the ends and will be a much better surfer. However, the Homeslice will take many times the abuse before deforming.

[@danehauser8675]

@@AlexBarham Thanks for the comments! I agree the Ozone looks like it should surf smaller waves without pearling as easy. Regarding plastic, I've never owned a Pyranha but did find that the LL plastic seemed fairly soft in my Party Braaap and Homeslice so that's interesting that you feel the HS would hold up better than the Ozone as those suckers aren't cheap.

[@AlexBarham]

Prices vary depending on tarrifs and shipping logistics. For us Logic is pretty cheap. Both LL and Dagger being southeast companies that expect rock abuse leads to them making boats with much more robust hulls and making their outfitting a lot more beefy. That has lead to very noticeable differences in how they wear in my experience. I don't have to worry about boats from those companies like I do the softer, thinner boats.

[@AnonymousOtters]

Rad, thanks. I have the same problem with the ratchets in my Ripper, it has been super disappointing. Actually, genuinely disappointed in the entire outfitting. I ordered a Jackson backband setup to replace it

[@AlexBarham]

I'd order a Dagger backband and ratchet before Jackson

[@AnonymousOtters]

@@AlexBarham Thanks for the suggestion, I'll take a look. What is reasoning behind switching to the Dagger instead? I think Dagger contour backband is more comfortable. But because my issue seems to be with the ratchet mechanism itself, I was wary of going to another ratchet system. And Dagger's full replacement kits with ratchets are rather expensive. I've never had any issue with the Jackson outfitting in my other boat, so that was my reasoning

[@AlexBarham]

I'm a firm believer in consistancy. My gripe about the Jackson stuff is your outfitting is 5-15% different every time you get in. The Dagger system will drop right on with little effort. Might only actually need the ratchets themselves

[@AnonymousOtters]

@@AlexBarham Interesting, I hadn't noticed that, but I don't paddle as much as you. I'll give it a try. Thanks!

[@danielgelinas7141]

Same problem with my ripper ratchet system. I kind of tip forward (bow forward) before loosening the ratchet. It takes the pressure off of the system and you will not have to fish it back in again. Funny because my machno does not have this issue. Love the drone footage in this review!!

[@TheWoodyworker]

Drone footy at double drop is awesome

[@AlexBarham]

Right after a crazy rain storm. The mist was wild!

[@afitpacklife8591]

Looking for a boat to develop into a solid grade for paddler, and get to a point where I'm confident in grade 5. (A boat to supplement a phantom). I was hoping to get a ripper, but I need to get in on a plane. Could this be the boat for me? Thinking a large. I'm about 90kg.

[@AlexBarham]

I would not go this route. The Antix 2.0 M is 8ft which is usually the size limit.

[@zachtom3132]

I paddle a small ripper and find the narrowness quite nice at 23", would you recommend a small ozone for something between the ripper and a Jed?

[@AlexBarham]

It's not really a "Small" but yes, the smaller of the two sizes would fit exactly into that space.

[@zachtom3132]

@@AlexBarham I thought that there were 3 sizes right?

[@AlexBarham]

Ah! So looks like there will be a Small Ozone, but it isn't out yet. I think that is where the issue was. This is going to be one of those times where I am annoying and tell you to go demo. There will be a significant amount of personal preference at play

[@sbaldwin21]

Nice review. Surprised to hear you say the ozone is tippy and narrow compared to a Loki. I’ve got a Loki and ozone both large. I found the ozone way more stable, and it’s way wider at 26 inches to the Loki’s 24.75, plus the extra length. Mind you I have to have the seat all the way back in the Loki, but there is so much room in the ozone I was rattling around in the mid position prior to lots of outfitting, where as I can barely fit in the Loki. Hard to believe Pyranha say there’s only 4L difference in volume (223 v 227) for these boats in the large which I think must be an error. Ozone feels like it has a good bit more volume than the Loki in the cockpit and the bow. I do like the Loki, but hate pyranha ratchets though, they either won’t release or shoot all the way out, unlike daggers

[@AlexBarham]

I chose to paddle the Medium over the Large. I assume that most people will be choosing the more aggressive option. Even though that put me at the upper end of the weight range, I try to do real world testing. I paddle small old school slice boats so apples to apples. That does seem hard to believe. Maybe a little mix-up between liters and gallons? 4 gallons would make more sense. Hopefully they take the hint and make the minor change to better hardware!

[@sbaldwin21]

True, but the medium ozone is wider, longer and 17L more volume than the medium Loki so would have thought it’s more stable. At 107kg, the large ozone might be similar feel to the medium for a smaller paddler

[@AlexBarham]

Understood, but if I put an inch of foam under you that would paddle like a whole new boat right?

[@kaiheltola921]

@@sbaldwin21 I have had the large Loki and now I have a large Ozone. Loki is a lot easier to do verticals, and more forgiving. Ozone feels tippier, because of its very sharp edges. Ozone is faster on the waves and tons more comfortable to sit in. Ozone needs more aggressive paddling, or the edges start to make surprises for you. I liked Loki a lot, but it was too tight fit for me, 190 cm, 45 feet. With an Ozone, I have to rise the seat very much and put padding everywhere to get a enough tight fit, so, the Large Ozone can handle much bigger/taller paddlers than Loki.

[@kaiheltola921]

The Ozone has so much sharper edges, and also very (Too?) straight side walls on the knee area. Also, I am 191 cm tall, over 95 kgs, and I need at lest two cm, so one inch, raising for my seat! With my Loki, the seat so low as possible.

[@zacsav4ge100]

Hey Alex, I'm coming from a mobius and want to make this my new river runner up to 4+. Of course I want to keep that slicey goodness in play, but maintain down river capability. Im used to being on my edges, was wondering what would be better for me at 5"6 165lbs a small or medium?

[@AlexBarham]

Hey Zac, If you're looking to get into 4-4+ I would skip over the Ozone and go to the Medium Ripper.

[@zacsav4ge100]

@@AlexBarham may I ask why the ozone wouldn't be sufficient?

[@AlexBarham]

@@zacsav4ge100 I covered this in the review. I think that the Ozone is great for general river running, but especially if you are just getting into Class 4 you will want more boat.

[@zacsav4ge100]

@@AlexBarham okay fair enough. Thank you so much. Please keep posting awesome content

[@AlexBarham]

@@zacsav4ge100 Thanks man! I'll try

[@kaiheltola921]

Hello! Where do you have the seat in your Ozone? I have played a lot with the seat in my Ozone Large.

[@AlexBarham]

I set it all the way to the back and put as much foam up front as I could

[@kaiheltola921]

@@AlexBarham Thanks a lot for your answer!

[@AlexBarham]

Sure thing!

[@pbuehner]

4:20 your stern is really buried. What was your weight when you paddled this? I love your reviews!

[@AlexBarham]

200 which puts me at the top for this boat. I didn't feel too heavy for it though. Did everything just fine once I buried the stern and treated it like a full slice

[@pbuehner]

@@AlexBarham Thanks for the reply! Keep up the work. Due to your KZbin channel, I will be giving MountainmanOutdoors a shout if I need a new boat.

[@AlexBarham]

Glad to help and thanks a lot Peter! I know it will be very appreciated by them as well as myself.

[@12345Flipside]

Weight 200 lb in the Ozone size M? And how tall are you and shoe size? Thanks!

[@jeffbrosi2538]

Any possibility of a homeslice review/comparison? Thanks!

[@AlexBarham]

Maybe if I stumble into one, but at this point I am not going to make a Homeslice into a demo.

[@JasonGreene74]

@@AlexBarham I'd like to see that as well!

[@AlexBarham]

Alright I'll see if I can wrangle some seat time in one.

[@joeypardella4123]

I would give anything for someone to do a detailed video about fitting this boat. After paddling nothing but Jackson, the piranha outfitting seems clunky, uncomfortable, and ineffective. I'm open to there idea that I have simply not fitted it correctly, but Pyranha has zero information on their site about this particular outfitting.

[@AlexBarham]

You're the second or third person to ask for outfitting help, but I think the first whom I am fully understanding. Looks like there is a lot of information on how different brand's outfitting works, but not what the outfitting process actually is. Water is low, so maybe now is a good time for this.

[@AndrewMoizer]

This would still be very relevant. There was very little info available this spring when I was trying to set up my ScorchX. Big fail on Pyranha’s part

[@CrazySnake5000]

I feel like I'm the only one who doesn't have that issue with the back band popping all the way out. I think it's happened 2-3 times in the last 3 years or so if pyranha boats. (Also not a pyranha fanboy as much as the only shop within 4-5 hours drive is a pyranha one. Living in South Jersey sucks for whitewater)

[@AlexBarham]

If you live in S-NJ you may as well come up to my area to boat. At that point we could get you in demos

[@CrazySnake5000]

@@AlexBarham Thanks but for now I'm happy going to StarrkMoons as we usaually plan it out so that the Holtwood play park is running. Gives a good excuse to go down with 2 boats and come back with 3 especially as he does trade ins and used boat sales. That being said I would like to try Northern water at some point but for now we are kinda limited on range due to ongoing concerns with covid-19.

[@Matkatamiba]

Did you ever do a rewind review?

[@AlexBarham]

It has taken forever for the boats to get shipped out. Hoping to start getting into one this week.

[@AngusRobins]

Interested to hear what you're take on why the MixMaster was discontinued; as you say, it set the bar at pretty decent height

[@AlexBarham]

Used market is the main thing. The team really didn't go out of their way to promote this one as well. Didn't see the usual big push that the JK crew is known for when something new comes out.

[@calebeyl5127]

Talked to dane Jackson at the ocoee about two weeks ago and asked why they discontinued the mixmaster (I have one and I love it to death). Dane said that it didn’t really sell that well because boaters in the west don’t really like full slices (tighter rivers, bigger water). It’s a shame because in my opinion it’s the best modern full slice

[@AngusRobins]

Caleb Eyl totally, I’m getting so much out of my MM 7.0, like you say...love it to bits man ✊🏻

[@AlexBarham]

@@calebeyl5127 I think blaming it on the West coast crew is silly. They ship these boats around the world. One region, no matter how important, isn't going to make or break a boat. They also weren't big fans of the Newmad, but that didn't stop it from being a success.

[@danehauser8675]

With a fused ankle, I can hardly get into a Loki and honestly, even the largest MM was equally uncomfortable for me with the really low deck height so I think that's part of the reason they didn't sell well. The Homeslice and Ozone are just so much more roomy even if throwing ends is not as smooth with that additional knee volume. I suck at kayaking so take this with a grain a salt but my thoughts are that if someone is flexible enough to fit in a Loki, that's just a sicker boat than the MM in the "uncomfortable" boat lines but probably a lot of people like me prefer a HS or or something like the Ozone with a higher deck for the comfort factor. Damn, I wish I fit better in a Loki.

[@chattanoogatex3491]

What size did you demo/review?

[@AlexBarham]

I was using the Medium. I assume most people are going to go for the more sporty option.

[@billyb3689]

Did you get a chance to try and loop it?

[@AlexBarham]

I did and it does loop and do some hole moves. You'll need a very deep spot. Seems like the last reason to buy this boat though.

[@DownstreamV]

Ho much foam do you have under the seat. The dag on cockpit is so huge its ridiculous

[@AlexBarham]

None. I would consider taking the stock pad off to get lower if anything

[@DownstreamV]

@@AlexBarham lower? Good grief. My thighs are 4 inches from the thigh braces with nothing. I have the 2 shims and a sweet cheeks and can reach them still. I am 5 10 and 130lbs

[@AlexBarham]

What size are you in? That would have been an issue in the Large for me I would guess

[@briankrueger1142]

May I ask your weight? I’m 160 lbs and considering a medium. Thanks

[@AlexBarham]

I'm sitting at a post-Covid 200. At 160 this will be a great river-runner, but not a super sporty slice boat

[@briankrueger1142]

@@AlexBarham Thanks. I was hoping to be on the river running side of things.

[@AlexBarham]

Great you'll be all set, but you won't see the slice of the Loki or an old school boat.

[@Realjameshayes]

Rewind!

[@AlexBarham]

Think it shows up in a few days

[@Realjameshayes]

Sweet 👌 you need to take that ozone out on some ocean waves it absolutely rips!

[@AlexBarham]

I have the Fluid Element with a Contour conversion for that ;)

[@wjennin1]

Pyranha hulls are awesome. Their outfitting is crap and I really don't get it. I'm considering putting dagger ratchets or a Jackson rope system in my Machno.

[@AlexBarham]

If it were my personal boat I would start by swapping the ratchets and go from there. A super stiff track system like in the Dagger and Logic boats would cause premature failure in the more flexible Pyranha hulls though.

[@conormatthews8921]

@@AlexBarham Sorry if I just don't understand, but what is your issue with the Pyranha ratchets? I have just bought an Ozone and would love to know which parts to replace to make it more solid.

[@AlexBarham]

They just don't mate well with the backband's ladder strap. When you try to release them they don't, once they do release it is usually only on one side causing it to fly put of the thigh brace and need to be re-set which is a pain, and they have a habit of stripping the last few gears where you're getting nice and tight.

[@colemanmacdonagh5277]

@@AlexBarham Had that problem so this is what I do .If you look at the ratchet there is a small bit of play where the spring is ,if you push in with your thumb there as you pull back the red release tab with your finger of the same hand with pressure of the backband it releases without flying back or sticking.

[@AlexBarham]

I'll play with it, but again it should not be an issue to find a ladder strap and ratchet that mate properly. Especially when getting out fast is so crucial in this sport

[@michaela564]

Why don't you ever review any Waka kayaks? Do your shop not stock them?

[@AlexBarham]

They are distributed directly from Waka/EG on the opposite side of the country from us. We have tried to establish a relationship and start selling Waka, but no dice.

[@michaela564]

@@AlexBarham you wouldn't do the review unless mountain man sold them?

[@AlexBarham]

No. That isn't why. I reviewed Zet and Fluid boats even though we don't stock those brands. Waka are just very hard to get a hold of in the Eastern US. I am currently working with a Waka Team member to get boats for reviews later this year.

[@michaela564]

@@AlexBarham Fair do, good luck! Your getting a proper catalogue of reviews! Might have to branch out to reviewing sea kayaks on white water soon 😉.

[@AlexBarham]

@@michaela564 bahaha nope, I am not touching those things

[@crackerbat]

I know its old, but are 100% that wasnt a large? I thought only the large had that graphic

[@AlexBarham]

1000%

[@crackerbat]

5'11 220lbs no gear, used mostly for running 2 and 3 with some play to make it interesting.. Think a L is going to be impossible to bow stall?

[@MOA0831]

Send me?an Ozone...a JED..and Loki

[@AlexBarham]

Ask Santa?

[@kayakjunkie7807]

I like almost all of your reviews. But this one kinda misses the mark. You used an undersized boat on harder water than it was intended to run. Those facts were kinda buried in the review. And that kind of review doesn't compare to the typical user or intended user (bold assumption that people will want the smallest one they can fit in) and therefore does little for many who will want to know what this boat is all about. The market for full slice to run on class V is very, very small. The market for full slice to run the local runs and spice up class II, III and IV is much larger, but that group would want to know about surfing, catching eddies, how it performs in rapids, etc. At least I do and I'm in that group of potential purchasers. So I would have preferred a review of the boat as to what it is intended to do, on the types of rivers it was designed for and at a size that matches the test paddler's dimensions. Just food for thought.

[@AlexBarham]

I very specifically said that boat does all those things well, and although it wasn't on camera I spent more time in this on Class 2-3 than I have for any other review. Trust me when I say no one wants to watch that footage. That said, the trendline for the sport is to take smaller and smaller boats out on bigger stuff. Half the people interested in this boat want to take it on waterfall runs. I think I covered both sides.

[@kaiheltola921]

Back in the good old days, 20 years ago, people were used to paddle everything with playboats. Now, many of us have huge, enormous creekers, and when or if they can float and wobble down some class 4 rapids with their gigantic ships, they think they are solid class 4 paddlers. Not. Those big creekers are for class V. If and when we do paddle easier rapids, we should get some sports kayaks. Otherwise we are just floating down the rivers and never learn to paddle.

[@AlexBarham]

I think that the 2010 era big drop race, followed by the huge water craze has subsided and people are learning how to get the most out of their weekend trips again. Hopefully that means more time in class fun with more sporty boats!

[@TverangerTrent]

Sounds like a Loki review to me lol

[@AlexBarham]

A lot of people are trying to figure out which one they want, and what the difference will be. When the Ozone was first released the going assumption was that the Loki was being discontinued.

[@TverangerTrent]

@@AlexBarham as someone who has the Loki or an old I:3 (Ripper gets in laps as well) as their go to boat, I very much would like to try the Ozone out as well. I would have too if Covid didn't kill our local festival this year. Keep doing these reviews they are great!

[@AlexBarham]

@@TverangerTrent Thanks man! Like I said the edge for this one will be surfing and more speed down river.