FEEDBACK: DROID AND NEUTRA UPE ARAMID X

Check out an experienced rider's comparison of the Droid and Neutra UPE Aramid X on our GONG Galaxy group.

Wingfoiler: Malo, GONG team rider, with a Droid UPE Aramid X and Stunt FSP Pro.

Riding with a boom

“Besides the Fluid H V3, I also tested the new UPE Aramid X wings.

I’m an experienced wingfoil rider, still 54 years old, 178 cm, 68 kg.

I got my start with the very first GONG wings (Original, Plus) and then moved on to other brands. Back to the roots now. I navigated with the Droid Aramid X 5.5 m and the Neutra Aramid X 4.5 m, on the flat and big bumps, in waves for the Neutra, from 10 to 25 knots.

I've been riding with booms for 4 years, and as a former windsurfer, it's always seemed obvious to me. I don't see any point to handles (maybe for taking plane? A 2-part boom might be a smart idea in that case). At last, the brands are using it more widely! A word of warning, however: to fully exploit the boom's potential, you might as well make a wing developed exclusively for it, which allows you to greatly refine the central batten. This is the case with these two GONG wings. The market is in transition, and I imagine this will change.”

The UPE Aramid X construction

“As far as materials are concerned, UPE Aramid and code X spinnaker, I was able to ride with the most high-end wings on the market (and the most expensive...) in Aluula. A few dozen grams more on these GONGs, but it's totally imperceptible when riding. On the contrary, they're very well-balanced and offer a very similar feeling of lightness and stiffness. I haven't tried the classical UPE Aramid, but I don't really understand the X or not X debate on performance wings (apart from the price). These are Team Series. I'm already familiar with this fabric from another brand, and it's a great evolution. The X version gives us a thicker, stiffer spinnaker that will age better, while keeping the weight down. I expect a wing to deform as little as possible, apart from the deformation intended by the designer. A stiffer, stronger spinnaker means better performance and durability. It's up to the designer to make it more or less comfortable through the profile (and this is precisely one of the points that differentiates the Droid from the Neutra). When ashore, the spinnaker is well tensioned on these two wings.”

The compactness of the Droid

“The Droid is very compact, with a longer central batten and fairly voluminous struts. The Neutra is slimmer, with slender struts.

The long bag is very practical, but could be a little longer for the Droid. Inflating is easy, one pump, valves are basic but do the job properly, wish is very well maintained, nothing moves. This wishbone is very slim, and the elbows are quite long, especially the front. This gives a good distance from the wing and a pistol grip at the front, which is perfect. Note that I've been using a harness almost since I started sailing. On the water, first of all when pumping, the Droid is responsive, very stiff, very direct, no deformation (which may explain the technical aspect felt by some).This wing has a lot of power, it pulls hard forward from the first few meters, and it accelerates. It handles well in the gusts, at least in the harness, no problem for my size in 18-knot gusts. The profile is super stable, you just have to accept the forward pull 🙂 And once hooked up to the harness, with the wing close to the board, it's a blast! This power is great for downwind descents of bumps, keeping traction when needed where other wings are losing power.”

The glide of the Neutra

“The Neutra, on the other hand, is thinner and less torquey. It gives an excellent feeling when pumping, and is easier, smoother and more progressive in acceleration than the Droid. It's also a stiff and very stable wing, but you can feel the profile breathing and gliding comfortably through the wind. And when you've got the right wing size, it’s a blast. I exploded my top speed with this 4.5 m. Both wings are very maneuverable, and the zenith tacking in particular is very good, with both rocking very easily. Well powered though, relaunch can be physical with the Droid pulling hard upwards, and both slam like a windsurfing camber sail, I love it! The Neutra is great for surfing, it's very stable and forgettable, and I didn't notice any flips (I didn't really test this point for the Droid, as it seemed a little less stable when going down bumps).

The semi-rigid textile downwind handle is great, offering a good grip and allowing you to drive the kite. All in all, I like both. On my spots, strong winds are backed up by waves, so Neutra in small sizes for surfing and comfort, and Droid in large sizes in light winds for its punch and compactness. And what an evolution since the first wings!"