I have been using an F-one Strike v2 2.5m for winging with a downwind board. In 18-20kn it goes very well, but in a lull I need to work pretty hard to get onto foil. It feels like it might be tuned for the top end rather than the bottom end.
Am I right in this feeling? Are there any small wings that are not designed for high wind stability? What do lighter riders do?
I'm a light rider and 3.5 is my go to size from 15knts , when it's howling I jump down to a 3m I know it's close but when I've used a 2.5m I've found it very twitchy and on off feeling so prefer the 3m being over powered .
Are you using the wing to get back upwind or to supplement the swell energy downwind?
I've been testing the following this winter:
Strike v3 2m and 3m
OR Glide A 2.5m and 3m
The ocean rodeos had much better low end than the strikes and their upwind drive was something to be admired for sure.
BRM 2.2 is a grunty small wing. I also had an old Duotone 2.5m Slick that was super grunty.
I have a 2.5 North Nova and surprisingly use it a lot . and loving it. Can use it from 22kts but needs gusts of around 25kts to be perfect. It's not twitchy, super stable and locked in . and fast. A joy to flag out, can't fault it.
my next one up is a 3.5 and I find I don't need anything in between.
I'm 75KGs and riding a 58L board and 680 front foil
Select to expand quoteGrantmac said..
Are you using the wing to get back upwind or to supplement the swell energy downwind?
Upwind and then flag downwind where possible. Getting going is tricky and needs a gust, but once up to speed the wing has plenty of pull and can pump the foil through lulls. Getting going without a gust is about as much effort as a SUP paddle up, and mostly about timing a bump.
Consider looking at a 3m compact wing with lots of top end designed for flagging stability. Like a BRM or similar.
Not sure where you are located, but I have a 3m OR Glide (HL series) I'd sell for cheap in the US. Its an excellent wing for what you are looking for. PM if interested.
