FEEDBACK: DROID SP ARAMID CZ
A look at the Droid SP, which features a new Code Zero canopy fabric with unmatched stiffness, and an inflatable UPE Aramid structure that delivers impressively precise feedback — as Sam describes below.
Wing foiler: Bastien, GONG team rider, riding the Racer FSP Pro, Droid SP Aramid CZ, and a full Ypra Race foil.
Pumping, Power, Upwind Performance, and Control
“So to give you some context: I'm an intermediate-level rider, 82kg, 48 years old, in good shape but not an Olympic athlete. We're talking about the Droid SP Aramid CZ in 6.5m.
First session:
I used it for the first time in 5.5 knots (with gusts up to 12) according to a fixed anemometer. I loved it.
Some say it's harder to pump than an Aramid X or a Dacron wing, but honestly, I didn’t notice a major difference. For example, if you compare it to last year’s Pulse DP, you'd feel a change — but here, it's very similar. I’m still flying in almost no wind.
In pumping, the only difference is how it slams — seriously loud, like jibing with a cambered windsurf sail — I personally like that.
Power-wise, it pulls really well without being brutal (though it wasn’t a storm either to say the least). It glides beautifully. The upwind performance is honestly incredible.
As for maneuverability, I felt no difference — this, or any other (like the Droid UPE200 or Aramid X), it's the same.
However, the control is much sharper. You can handle it like any wing, but then you realize how precise it gets when you lean on the boom — and it reacts. Maybe I’m imagining things, but it feels like a latency disappears. That might be due to the new boom connection, or maybe the fabric itself… No idea who’s responsible — but the performance gain is real.”
Comfort in High Wind
“Second session:
Started with stronger wind than the day before (12 knots average, gusts up to 25) — it was a real pleasure.
For the first time this year, I really felt I could push and go hard on my gear, with a level of comfort. I know that sounds a bit vague and I’m not a high-level rider, but I truly appreciate the difference this wing makes.
The wind climbed to 20–25 knots, pretty steady — super enjoyable to ride.
Then it turned gnarly with gusts spiking up to 32 knots — I rode in that mess, fully overpowered, for about 30 minutes. It wasn’t exactly fun at that point, but it was still manageable.
Honestly, for now, I’m sold.
Oh, and one last thing: I really love the windows — super useful and perfectly placed.”
