EVENT: HIPE PRO TOUR

News
Wing

10 may 2022 0

The HIPE Pro Tour paid a visit to our GONG ambassador Patrick ! With his previous experience on the HIPE V1 we were keen to have his feedback on the HIPE Pro 5’3. Here’s his full review :

“I was delighted that GONG contacted me to participate in the HIPE Pro tour as I had experience with the HIPE V1 and was already really impressed with this model. Finish, quality and design of the V1 was already top off the bill. After using the V1 for a season, made the switch to a Flint and sold the HIPE V1 to a friend and he now uses it to his full satisfaction. Always had the feeling that maybe I had made the switch too early or completely unnecessary at the time…. Anyway I had the V1 during a gearswap session at the end of last year again briefly underfoot. That felt so good that I immediately ordered a HIPE Pro when it became available online for pre-order. And am now awaiting delivery of a HIPE Pro 5’6.

First impression

On April 1st I received the HIPE Pro 5’3 from France and at the moment of unpacking I immediately saw why I was already very charmed by the V1 at the time. Board looks great, finish, form factor everything is right. What I noticed is that where the carbon plate on the bottom passes towards the nose it all seems to be even smoother and the entire design of the carbon plate towards the round tail is completely in sync with each other. Very well done!

The plan was to be able to do at least a few sessions to get a complete picture of the HIPE Pro, but that went a little differently. Lack of time due to work and the weather that turned to winter again screwed this up.

Rigidity

In the session that I was able to do with the HIPE Pro 5’3 I noticed that I had to get used to the feeling of the inflatable compared to hard Flint. It feels a bit corky. Where you have to pay close attention to the position on the board while climbing on the board and getting on the knees otherwise it will shoot out from under you . It took some getting used to and after a few attempts this was solved. Once you stand, it all feels fine again. Rigidity of the construction is great. Comfortable underfoot (press 15psi) and if you are on the foil no difference at all with a hard variant. I had the impression that I got away earlier than with the Flint on foil. Was with a V2 Neutra 4 meters and had a Fluid front wing, X-Over stab (Love it) in combination with the 85cm alu V2 mast and wind was between 17 and 28 knots. Gusts!

The whole combo felt nice, direct and balanced. Without any habituation immediately good. Touchdowns while sailing and turning feel smooth and easy to control because the board is softer. After this session the board went to the next ambassador, the time was too short for more. Unfortunately.

I’m looking forward to my 5’6 which will hopefully come soon. Expect this to be my go to board for the coming period. Rock solid. Insensitive to bumps and dings both in the water and on the shore. Travel proof. Blow up and go. Great concept without down sides.

Thanks GONG for letting me try it. Let the waiting game be as short as possible…”

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