Gear test · Hike-fly

Ozone Ultralite 5 : the complete guide to choosing your wing random act of kindness

+0.8 glide ratio, +7 km/h, and 100 g lighter than the 4 version: at 1.76 kg for 17 m², this is the lightest certified double-surface wing per square metre. See our full review and size guide, from Gréolières.

  • The lightest on the market
  • 7 sizes · 13 to 25 m²
  • New SharkNose
  • Tested at Gréolières
Review of the Ozone Ultralite 5 paraglider, an ultra-light touring wing Ozone Ultralite 5
  • CategoryRando-vol · double surface light
  • Weight1.76 kg in 17 m²
  • Sizes7 · 13 to 25 m²
  • Gain vs V4+0.8 finesse · +7 km/h
  • Certified from17 m² (EN/LTF)

The Ozone Ultralite series has been a benchmark in hike-and-fly for nearly twenty years. With its fifth version, the manufacturer is taking a leap forward: the Ultralite 5 boasts a gain of 0.8 point fineness and 7 km/h additional speed, while being 100g lighter than its predecessor. At 1.76kg for 17m², it is the lightest certified double-surface wing per square metre.

Beyond the numbers, what difference does it make in flight? With a wide range of 13 to 25 m², a new SharkNose developed for inflation and takeoff sequence, and a modified twist which reduces drag, this version promises more intuitive and direct handling, without compromising safety.

At Accessories, our qualified instructors fly daily since Gréolières. This guide gives you all the keys to know if this wing is suitable for your practice and your build: real performance, size choice, behaviour in alpine conditions, positioning against the competition.

Ozone Ultralite 5 wing worn on ascent, ultra-light hike-and-fly kit
Developments

What's really different about the Ultralite 4

The advertised gains aren't just marketing: they translate concretely into flight, from takeoff climb right through transitions between thermals.

Performance

Measurable gains in flight

Le +0.8 finesse points maintains several tens of metres of altitude over a glide of 1,000 m — as many opportunities to hook into a thermal. The +7 km/h in fast-forward (largest improvement ever made to this Ozone category) improving wind penetration and transitions, without degrading glide. And 100g lighter: under 1.76 kg in a 17 m².

Take-off

The SharkNose Ultralite

The SharkNose, specifically developed for the Ultralite, redefines the leading edge and changes the take-off sequence: the wing rises more cleanly., stabilises more quickly and requires less correction. In the mountains, on steep slopes with little space, this is crucial – it launches in fewer steps than any lightweight wing tested by Ozone to date.

Pilotage

Compactness and new vault

The new panel layout and a modified twist reduce drag with no compromise on safety. The canopy makes the wing more compact in flight, with more intuitive and direct handling than the V4: precise controls, zero-lag response. The wing compresses better when folding – an advantage for paragliding expeditions. Anticipate the weather with our guide. Meteoblue.

Template selection

Weight, sizes and frame size choice: the complete guide

The range spans from 13 to 25 m², offering 7 sizes for all body types and all types of use. The weight can vary by up to 50 g for the same size (fabric weight) – normal for an ultra-lightweight item, with no effect on performance.

XXS & XS

The 13 and 15 m²: who are they aimed at?

The 13 m² (XXS) and 15 m² (XS) sizes are tested under load only They have not undergone classic EN/LTF homologation with a pilot in flight, but structural strength tests. Reserved for experienced and light pilots in parascending or committed trail-flying. To start mountain flying, choose the 17 m² (S) and above, certified models.

Options

Light or standard lifts?

By default, elevators Dyneema light, ultra-light and compact. Optional (17 to 25 m²) standard risers (12 mm webbing, maillons rapides, +180 g). The light version is for speedflying and hike-and-fly where every gram counts; the standard version is for versatile use (soaring, regular thermal flying, occasional cross-country) where comfort is paramount.

In real-world conditions

On-field behaviour: what it looks like in practice

From steep mountain take-offs to rapid transitions, here's what the Ultralite 5 delivers once it's on your back and in the air.

Take-off

Mountain inflation

The most noticeable improvement on a daily basis: the take-off sequence is the shortest ever observed On a lightweight wing of this category. On a steep take-off, with little space and gusty wind, the wing inflates smoothly, rises without excess speed, and stabilises almost instantly. When taking off after an hour's hike, this reliability is a safety feature.

In the air

Thermal, soaring, transition

Not just a descent wing: it exploits thermals with efficiency and manoeuvrability to climb effectively. Intuitive and precise handling., excellent stability at full throttle (you can steer using the rear between B and C). It filters out turbulence without extraneous movements – you remain focused on navigation.

First kit

As a first ultra-light kit

Probably the best choice Accessible and pleasant market: reassuring inflation, intuitive piloting, tolerance in varied conditions. With a lightweight harness and a compression bag, it makes a complete kit under 4 kg, ideal for paragliding and hiking.

Positioning

How does the Ultralite 5 stack up against the competition?

In the ultra-light dual-surface market, the Ultralite 5 holds a benchmark position — but like all light wings, it has its trade-offs to be aware of before buying.

Strengths

The strengths that make the difference

Range of 7 sizes (13-25 m²), the largest in the segment, ... from paragliding to bikepacking. Best weight/performance ratio in its class: at equal surface area, lighter than the Supair Eiko, Advance Pi 3 or Niviuk Skin 4, with comparable or superior performance. 20 years of Ozone development (X-Alps, flight-bivouac records) and SharkNose technology make the difference from the very first inflation.

What you need to know

Things to keep in mind

Fabric and rigging shorter lifespan 300 to 400 flight hours before a Revision in-depth, compared to 500+ hours on a classic wing. For 100 hours/year of hike-and-fly, this is sufficient; for a single all-rounder wing (including intensive thermalling), standard fabric will be more durable. The price has also increased, which needs to be considered against your usage volume.

With Ailéments

The Ultralite 5 and rando-vol in the Alpes-Maritimes

Nestled between the Mercantour massif and the Mediterranean, the Alpes-Maritimes offer exceptional terrain for mountain flying — exactly the kind of place where a wing like the Ultralite 5 really comes into its own.

Cross-country flight at Gréolières: high-altitude take-off in the Cheiron massif

The cross-country flight from Gréolières

The massif of Cheiron offers routes for walking and flying easily accessible, with take-offs at altitude and views of the Mediterranean at Mercantour. The ideal starting point for cross-country flying.

Walking and flying
Advice on choosing an Ozone Ultralite 5 kite from the Aerotech workshop to Gréolières

Advice & wing choice

For the choice of size and options (risers, certification), please contact our partner Aerotech — Ozone review and sale at Gréolières. And for comparison: our tests Ozone Alta and Delta 5.

Ask for advice
Field test Ailéments

A genuine leap in generation for hike and fly

The Ultralite 5 is not a simple update: the gain in lightness and speed extends its range, the dedicated SharkNose transforms mountain take-offs, and the weight under 1.76 kg in 17 m² confirms its status as a wing lightest certified double surface of the market.

Whether you’re looking for your first ultra-light kit or a replacement for an Ultralite 4, choosing the right size and understanding the options remain key. And to combine the best of both worlds, Ailéments offers the only paragliding and canyoning combo from the region.

Ask for advice
Mountain flying with an Ozone Ultralite 5 wing over the Maritime Alps
On video

The Ultralite 5 in video

The Ozone Ultralite 5 is available from Ailéments, your Ozone dealer in the Alpes-Maritimes.

Frequently asked questions

All you need to know about the Ozone Ultralite 5

Developments, size choices, certification, lifespan, trial: concrete answers for confident decisions.

What are the differences between the Ultralite 5 and the Ultralite 4?

The Ultralite 5 wins 0.8 point fineness and 7 km/h at accelerated speed, while being 100 g lighter (1.76 kg in 17 m²). The +7 km/h is the biggest improvement ever made on this Ozone category, without degrading the glide. Added are a new dedicated SharkNose, a twist that reduces drag and a more compact sail for more direct piloting.

What size of Ultralite 5 should I choose based on my build?

The range spans from 13 to 25 m² (7 sizes), the widest in its segment. The choice depends on your total flying weight and your practice. To begin mountain flying, opt for the 17 m² (S) or beyond, who benefit from full certification. Our partner Aerotech recommends.

Are the 13 and 15 m² sizes approved?

Not in the classic sense: the 13 m² (XXS) and 15 m² (XS) are tested under load only (structural strength), without EN/LTF certification for piloted flight. They are designed for experienced, lightweight pilots engaged in paragliding or challenging trail flying. To start out, choose the 17 m² model or larger.

Light or standard elevators on the Ultralite 5?

By default, elevators Dyneema light. Optional (17–25 m²): standard risers (+180 g). The ‘light’ version is designed for trail flying and cross-country flying, where every gram counts; the ‘standard’ version is for all-round use (soaring, regular thermalling, occasional cross-country flying), where comfort takes precedence over weight.

Is the Ultralite 5 suitable for a first ultralight kit?

It’s probably the most accessible and enjoyable option on the market: reliable inflation, intuitive handling, and good performance in a variety of conditions. Together with a lightweight harness and a compression bag, it makes for a complete flying kit under 4 kg which opens up opportunities for cross-country flying that are not possible with standard equipment.

What is the lifespan of an Ultralite 5?

Like any ultra-light wing: approximately 300 to 400 hours Vol avant une Revision extensive use, compared to over 500 hours on a standard canopy. For 100 hours a year of cross-country flying, this is more than enough; for a single all-purpose wing (including intensive thermal flying), a standard fabric will be more durable.

Does the Ultralite 5 thermic or is it a descent wing?

This isn't just a descent wing: it harnesses thermals with sufficient efficiency and manoeuvrability to climb effectively. Intuitive and precise handling, excellent stability at full throttle (rear steering possible between B and C). It filters out turbulence — ideal for ridge soaring and transitions in alpine valleys.

Where to try and buy the Ozone Ultralite 5?

For personalised advice (size, options, small size certification), please contact our partner Aerotech — paraglider servicing and sales at Gréolières. The Alpes-Maritimes, situated between Mercantour and the Mediterranean, is an ideal area for cross-country flying, and our courses Moving towards autonomy in mountain flight.

Test carried out by Ailéments — FFVL instructors, Gréolières school

Our state-certified instructors have been flying on a daily basis since Gréolières, in the heart of the Alpes-Maritimes — an exceptional paragliding area between Mercantour and the Mediterranean. This review of the Ultralite 5 is based on field experience and our in-depth knowledge of local Alpine aerology.

DEJEPS Tutors Hiking and flying specialists Partner Aerotech +1070 5/5 reviews
The essentials

Ozone Ultralite 5: key takeaways

A real leap forward for cross-country flying and mountain flying.

1

The lightest and most powerful

1.76 kg in 17 m² (the lightest per square metre), with a 0.8-point reduction in aspect ratio and a 7 km/h increase in speed compared to the V4: greater range without compromising glide performance.

2

A transformed take-off

Le Dedicated SharkNose offers the shortest take-off sequence in its class: clean inflation, rapid stabilisation, minimal correction. Genuine safety in the mountains.

3

Choosing the right size and options

7 sizes (13–25 m²): the 13/15 m² models have been load-tested for light-weight users; certification applies from 17 m². Lightweight (standard) or standard hoists, depending on use.

4

A lightweight wing, with its pros and cons

The benchmark in its category (ahead of the Supair Eiko, Advance Pi 3 and Niviuk Skin 4), but in terms of durability 300-400 hours perfect for hike-and-fly, less suited for a versatile all-rounder.

Looking for more adventure in the Alpes-Maritimes?