5M WING TEST 2024
5M WING TEST 2024
5M WING TEST 2024
SET YOUR WINGS AND FLY AWAY
Our Test Editor sees how a selection of the latest 5m wings fly.
TEST EDITOR: JAMES HARDY // PHOTOS: OTC // LOCATION: HAYLING ISLAND & PORTLAND HARBOUR
OVERVIEW
Now, if you aren’t sure what winging is, or you haven’t noticed its incredibly rapid growth as a sport, which attracts a hugely diverse spectrum of user, then I am not exactly sure where you have been for the last couple of years? As an early adopter of the sport, I’ve been very lucky to be a part of its growth.
I’ll openly admit that when I first saw winging in action, I thought to myself, “This is never going to take off.”. However, fast forward just a few short months and I witnessed an individual at my home spot on Hayling Island making it look smooth and balletic, which firmly grabbed my attention. I pondered a while longer, but soon found myself booked on a weekend clinic at the OTC in Weymouth. By the end of those two days, I was sold on winging,
Anyway, back to the test… why is the 5m wing such a popular size? Well, it’s not too big and it’s not too small i.e. its span – wing tip to wing tip – is manageable enough that the tip doesn’t easily catch on the water, making it easier to handle and flip over than something larger. Five metre wings tend to remain stiffer, anything above this size and you start to see brands building in new technology and including new features to hold the wings shape. Five metre wings also don’t feel as twitchy as say a 3m counterpart, but the biggest thing is that a 5m wing suits the vast majority of conditions which individuals should be learning to wing in. The 5m wing is an absolute staple within your winging weaponry. It’s reliable, dependable and it has fantastic range. In essence, it’s usually the perfect tool for the job.
A lot has happened in terms of wing development and design in the space of just a few short years, which is great, but what is really fantastic to see is that different brands are really starting to fit, and become defined in who they are for, and what attitude or riding style you need to portray in order to match the wing.
The most interesting design tweak across the wings in the line-up is the depth profile. This may have been more noticeable to myself as I like to feel nicely powered, I will happily hold my hands up and admit that I am relatively heavy handed. The profile in some of the wings on test is set forward, and then flattens off rather steeply at the trailing edge, which is an efficient profile, but it does require some feel and finesse to not oversheet when conditions aren’t fully firing. It’s a noticeable tweak, making the wings less physical, which, if that’s your cup of tea, then fill your boots. However, for the more physical among us it requires us to be a little more aware.
Testing took place in a variety of locations and conditions – ranging from fickle northwesterly offshore winds to well powered, gusty southwesterlies off the front of Hayling Island, to a classic summer seabreeze, southwesterly day in Portland Harbour. To ensure testing remained fair, the foil used was kept consistent throughout the duration of the test with a 1000cm2 mid-aspect front wing being the weapon of choice. So, after all of my wonderful waffling, let’s get down to the all important line-up.
Kicking off with an aggressive dihedral, and a makeup of performance material, we have the Naish ADX Nvision 5m, which pulls from the front and demands an assertive attitude when riding – personally it was one of my favourites on test, but it’s not for those taking their first steps into the world of winging. For standout manoeuvrability, we have the Duotone Slick 5m, which is the only wing on test with a slim grip boom, which keeps the rider comfortable, while it pulls positively from the front. The Slick’s intuitive and playful handling encourages a plethora of gybe variations. Exceptional low-end ability came from the NeilPryde Fly II 5m, with its natural pumping ability, it performed exceptionally well in the lighter airs, getting you foiling efficiently. Soft and usable power came from the GA Cross 5.2m, keeping you comfortable through gusts and lulls, while pleasing the majority of the crowd. it’s not going to push you into arenas of that little extra performance, but it will get you out there doing it. Showing its character when powered we have the Ensis Score 5.2m, its light handling, paired with its forward drive, is delivered with friendliness and demands a relaxed style from the rider. It won’t be asking to be sent into the stratosphere. That leaves us with the KT Wing Air DD 4m, looking simple on first appearance, holding one of the looser canopies in the category and with the most depth throughout the KT Wing Air DD 4m carries plenty of gusto, and always feels like there is plenty in the tank for you to work and play with. Capable of taking you from beginner to hero without any fuss.
THE LINEUP
Duotone Slick 5m
Ensis Score 5.2m
GA Cross 5.2m
KT Wing Air DD 4m
Naish ADX Nvision 5m
NeilPryde Fly II 5m
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