Anyone tried both? I have '22 units and the xps is a lot better. Tried the sls unit today and it's definitely a lot better than the '22 but is it worth the extra above the xps?
Keen on that, too.
The XPS is almost 2 years old now and still up to date.
There are several new prototypes visible in the www.
Interested in the new boom version. Unfortunately they arestill sewing it fixed togetger. So a pain in the xxx for traveling.
A new XPS with removeable handles will be killer. No need for Duotone then....
i love my xps 4.6 - Strangely the window is one of the better things i like.. in addition to the rest of the good features.. I can see really easily all the way across horizon, which helps when teaching friends.. However i opted to go with another brand until armstrong announces a new wing.. which must be coming soon..?
Edit. my brother loves the units.. he has ridden them, briefly my armstrong, and now onto dlab 24. - he is stoked about the dlabs. i will see if i can get him to weigh in.
but for one Dlab I get two XPSs. I am sure the Dlab is not that much better what it costs more.
But of course, at the beach you are "the Dude" himself with a Dlab..... 
Select to expand quotekrixikraxi said..
but for one Dlab I get two XPSs. I am sure the Dlab is not that much better what it costs more.
But of course, at the beach you are "the Dude" himself with a Dlab.....
Ride a 6 month old dacron leading edge (XPS or similar) back to back with a new one. Dacron feels like soft bed sheet when old. Without doing this test, you will not notice it, because it's what you are used to.
This is why some people pay for D/Lab (Aluula) upgrade.
Dacron is not the right material for the job. This is why every brand is trying new materials. Materials and cost, are not good enough yet. Every manufacturer knows this.
Select to expand quoteDWF said..krixikraxi said..
but for one Dlab I get two XPSs. I am sure the Dlab is not that much better what it costs more.
But of course, at the beach you are "the Dude" himself with a Dlab.....
Ride a 6 month old dacron leading edge (XPS or similar) back to back with a new one. Dacron feels like soft bed sheet when old. Without doing this test, you will not notice it, because it's what you are used to.
This is why some people pay for D/Lab (Aluula) upgrade.
Dacron is not the right material for the job. This is why every brand is trying new materials. Materials and cost, are not good enough yet. Every manufacturer knows this.
Hmm. I changed my 6.1m XPS after 8 months of heavy use with a brand new XPS and to be honest I felt ZERO difference.
The XPS keeps its tension and shape amazingly well even after months of heavy use.
I tried also the Unit DLAB and, I am honest, I prefer 100x more my XPS. Weights only 150g more and it's just that much more fun to ride. Absors gusts better and when pumping it has that small give which just works fo me to take off.
Select to expand quoteDWF said..krixikraxi said..
but for one Dlab I get two XPSs. I am sure the Dlab is not that much better what it costs more.
But of course, at the beach you are "the Dude" himself with a Dlab.....
Ride a 6 month old dacron leading edge (XPS or similar) back to back with a new one. Dacron feels like soft bed sheet when old. Without doing this test, you will not notice it, because it's what you are used to.
This is why some people pay for D/Lab (Aluula) upgrade.
Dacron is not the right material for the job. This is why every brand is trying new materials. Materials and cost, are not good enough yet. Every manufacturer knows this.
I prefer a "soft bed sheet" over a "broken" tube.
So far there seems to be some UV and "bending" issues with the material.
Saw some Dlabs looking almost like this....
would not buy one unless they find a solution
I went from Dlabs to the XPS just over 12 months ago. They are definitely a different wing. As much as i loved my Dlabs, i just couldnt get the low end grunt needed for small board starts. I was always a metre above everyone else. Always on a 6 when everyone else was on five. I'm 80 kgs and using a 38l wing board. Once I switched to XPS I could use the 5.3 to replace my 6 Dlab comfortably. I still think the Dlab is a better wing but the versatility of the xps and the value for money makes it the winner. As others have said, The XPS is as good as half the price of a Current DLab. I have the 4, 4,6, 5.3, 6.1. The 4 can handle down to what my 3.5 unit used to. Any windier and I'm not really interested.
I haven't replaced any of my XPS yet and pretty well wing most days in summer and whenever there is wind all year round. This is the 2nd summer of use for all of them and replacing them is not on the radar yet as they are still holding up really well.
Hybrid Carbon Handles are different but once you are used to them, no problem at all.
Fully Recommend.
Select to expand quote1adsy said..
I went from Dlabs to the XPS just over 12 months ago. They are definitely a different wing. As much as i loved my Dlabs, i just couldnt get the low end grunt needed for small board starts. I was always a metre above everyone else. Always on a 6 when everyone else was on five. I'm 80 kgs and using a 38l wing board. Once I switched to XPS I could use the 5.3 to replace my 6 Dlab comfortably. I still think the Dlab is a better wing but the versatility of the xps and the value for money makes it the winner. As others have said, The XPS is as good as half the price of a Current DLab. I have the 4, 4,6, 5.3, 6.1. The 4 can handle down to what my 3.5 unit used to. Any windier and I'm not really interested.
I haven't replaced any of my XPS yet and pretty well wing most days in summer and whenever there is wind all year round. This is the 2nd summer of use for all of them and replacing them is not on the radar yet as they are still holding up really well.
Hybrid Carbon Handles are different but once you are used to them, no problem at all.
Fully Recommend.
My experience too. Quiver of 3, 4, 4.6, 5.3 and 6.1.
Recently sold the 5.3 and 6.1 as the 4.6 plus a ML board is now my low wind (-12 knots) combo - when everyone else is on a 6. Of course several years of experience also makes one much more efficient.
The wings are still in excellent condition. My friend who bought the 5.3 said it felt like a new sport compared to using his previous wing.
Armstrong maximised the materials more than any other manufacturer (cross panel design etc) and used "cheaper" materials to excellent effect. It's not as simple as a "Dacron bad and Alula good" situation.
I'll buy the 2025 XPs when they are released.
