I ordered the harness shortly after its announcement in 2023 and was one of the first proud owners when I flew it for the first time in spring 2024. Previously, I flew the Advance Lightness 2 (♥️), but for competitions and cross-country (XC) flights, I decided to go back to a fully equipped, therefore heavier, harness.
A simulator for hanging – for example, in the living room – is highly recommended. While the Lightness 2 was a “plug & play” experience for me, I spent several seasons of “The Witcher” getting used to the Forza 2. It was worth it.
As mentioned earlier, I received one of the first delivered harnesses. These tended to tilt further back when the accelerator was fully pressed. Ozone responded quickly and offered a free harness geometry exchange – effectively a new seat. This solved the problem. Kudos to Sacher Thomas (paradealer.at) for organizing and helping me to install it!
But now to the insights from the simulator test.
Organization of Flight Instruments
Since the update, the cockpit has a significant Velcro surface. On it, I attach my mobile phone, which serves as a backup during the flight and provides a second view of Naviter Navigator. In the middle of the cockpit sits the Naviter Oudie N as the main instrument. Finally, my Sony camera is always within reach to capture special moments.
A gadget I don’t want to miss anymore is the ParaPen from Paradealer – a mini touchscreen pen for easy operation of the Oudie. The magnetic holder is particularly clever: it ensures that the pen is safely stowed at the start and quickly accessible during the flight.
Anti-G Brake Chute
Initially, I tried to stow the Anti-G brake chute in the side pockets of the Forza 2. But the resulting bulge on the right side bothered me. After several packing attempts, I found a better solution: I now stow the brake chute in the middle compartment behind the “glove compartment.” From there, I run the attachment line through an almost closed zipper to the right main carabiner. The result is a clean integration – at the expense of storage space in the glove compartment.
The Glove Compartment
When I fold the cockpit forward, I have easy access to a generous storage space. However, this is limited by the Anti-G brake chute compartment. Nevertheless, there is still enough space for a large power bank (for mobile phone and GoPro Max), a rescue line, and a rope saw to be better prepared for unexpected tree landings.
Provisions and Communication
The two side pockets on the left and right offer space for provisions (perfect for baguettes!), gloves, and a Garmin Explorer for emergency satellite communication.
I initially stowed my radio there as well, but the exposed cables of the helmet headset bothered me. So I replaced the antenna with a thinner, flexible version and now stow the radio directly in the side pocket of my jacket. The antenna and the cables to the helmet and the push-to-talk button on the wrist run under the speed arms along the chest and hands. This keeps everything neatly stowed, and I have full freedom of movement – with the small disadvantage that the volume control is now a bit harder to reach.
Storage Space
To make my entire equipment – consisting of an Ozone Photon L, the Ozone Forza 2, a full-face helmet, and electronic accessories – transportable, I needed the large Ozone pack sack. But this became unpleasant during the start preparations: trying to stuff it into the rear storage space often resulted in tightly stretched zippers, pressure points on the back during the flight, and beads of sweat while packing.
Until one day, while packing a suitcase, I had an idea: I quickly ordered one of those fancy compression sacks. In no time, I was able to stow and compress the Ozone pack sack in it – and suddenly it fit easily into the storage space of the Forza 2. Almost too easy.
Rescue Devices
Yes, plural. This was one of the main reasons for my choice of harness for competitions and XC flights. The Forza 2 is equipped with two containers for rescue devices, allowing a rescue to be thrown to the left or right depending on the situation. This additional safety feature was my personal contribution to risk management. So a Beamer 2 Light and an AirVuisa 125 add extra weight – but in the air, the wing carries them.
Conclusion
To outsiders, this material battle may seem strange. Yes, my “I’m just going for a quick flight” gear consists of a different, lighter harness (which also serves as a backpack), the phone, a rescue device, the wing, and a helmet. Done and flying.
But as mentioned at the beginning, this was a conscious decision: more comfort, safety, and stability for extended flights.
And thus, the circle closes: the simulator allowed me to familiarize myself with the material in the living room – and it paid off more than expected.
Dot in the sky 