FEEDBACK: DROID ARAMID X 2026
Detailed feedback from Hugo about the wing, which he considers the most refined one he’s ever had the pleasure of handling.
Wing Foiler: Malo, GONG team rider, riding a Stunt FSP Pro, Droid Aramid X, HM mast, and Ypra Freestyle foil.
“Several days on the water with this new Droid Aramid X 2026. Spoiler: it blew me away.
Profile: 80 kg, advanced level.
Mostly riding Ypra Surf V3 S and Veloce V3 S foils with their respective stabilizers.
Conditions: 17 to 35 knots, Mediterranean swell and heavy bumps.
First impressions: 2026 ≠ 2025. Not even close!
Right out of the bag, the difference is obvious. The colors are almost identical to the 2025 model, yes, but that’s where the similarities end.
The segmentation work on the tips stands out: tiny sections on the rounded tips, leading to very straight extremities.
The leading edge shows a more generous curve, and most notably, the canopy tension is perfect. Not a single square centimeter of slack, this thing feels like sheet metal in your hands.
The boom grip has been redesigned: discreet yet effective, and the whole setup exudes premium quality.
First rides: power without compromise
From the first gusts, the Droid 2026 shows its teeth. It’s stiff and incredibly powerful. Compared to the previous versions, it’s a leap forward, more direct than the 2025, more balanced than the 2024.
I feel the pull now comes slightly more forward rather than upward. You get that raw, unfiltered feeling that defines the Droid. Forget the softness of the 2025, this one is all about tension, reaction, and precision.
Low end: it just keeps gliding
No lag, no dead spots, the 2026 glides and locks in power effortlessly.
You keep a steady pull even when underpowered. Ideal for those who like to ride “light and technical” with large surfaces or in lighter wind? Probably.
Either way, it’s a wing that rewards skill: demanding, yet ultra-efficient. It lifts off early, always with that very vertical pumping style to get going.
High end: stability like never before
This is where it impresses me the most (spoiler: especially its lift). The power stays locked in the center of the wing, with zero deformation. You can feel the canopy working, solid, steady, confident. The wing tracks like it’s on rails.
It accelerates cleanly, upwind performance is phenomenal, and it remains perfectly stable. It keeps pulling and pulling, but never feels out of control. Another standout point: zero flutter, even in 35 knots on the 4m. The tradeoff? That stiffness and power do come at a cost: long sessions require strong arms, or a harness!
Handling: one, two, three levels up
This is where the 2026 truly changes the game.
During tacks, as soon as the wing passes overhead, it naturally flips to the other side. You need precision and quick reflexes. The wing’s behavior is razor-sharp, almost instinctive, likely thanks to the rounder leading edge. In transitions, it turns effortlessly, clearly showing great freestyle potential.
Jumps: a true glider
Where the 2025 gave you a dry, explosive pop, the 2026 delivers a smoother, more natural and controlled lift, taking you higher every time. Even on a missed impulse, you’re in an elevator: it pulls you up gently, predictably, confidently.
The lift is incredible: it floats, stays stable, and you remain in control right through the landing. A real glider, smooth, precise, and seriously impressive, especially for heavier riders.
Surfing: neutral, light, and supportive
It’s not a pure surf wing, but it disappears when it should. Balanced, reactive, light, it follows the wave without fighting you. You place it wherever you want, and it responds accurately.
Verdict: the most refined GONG wing yet—pure performance DNA
The Droid Aramid X 2026 is, without question, the most refined wing GONG has ever built in its category.
A physical, demanding wing, but with unprecedented precision and power. This is not a wing for casual freeride cruising. It won’t please everyone. It’s built for riders chasing absolute, uncompromising performance.
For them: the grail is here.
Well done, Team!”
Discover the Droid Aramid X and all the new features of the 2026 range.
