FEEDBACK: DROID UPE

Stéphane shares his feedback on the Droid UPE in its black color scheme, expressing concerns about overheating in the sun at his spot in the Persian Gulf.
This provides an opportunity to clarify that while it is true that a dark-colored board should not be left in the sun, the same recommendation applies to light-colored boards, preferably. However, it is a different story for an inflatable wing. Expansion will never exceed a small percentage, and contrary to what one might think, black is the color that best resists UV rays.
So, there is no need to worry, especially considering that Droid UPE can withstand much more pressure than standard constructions. This quality is highlighted in this feedback.

The materials and quality of construction
“The material and build quality fully justify the price difference… It’s a very beautiful object!!! I was worried about the black color. I’m an expatriate in a hot country (very hot right now…) in the Persian Gulf, and I was concerned that the wing might overheat in the sun. While sailing, there are no issues thanks to the relative wind cooling the surface. I also think my occasional dips in the water help cool everything down. We’ll see how it holds up over time, but I’m not too worried… Every time I put my hand on the bladder, I didn’t feel a significant temperature difference.”
With the boom, we’re in a whole different dimension of control.
“I’m already sailing with the boom on my Pulse 5, and I love it. That’s why I chose this model of Droid (at the time I bought it, the Droid UPE was the only one with handles).
So, I’m also discovering the handles on this wing, and with the boom, we’re in a whole different dimension of sail control. The actions are direct; in maneuvers, we can tilt the sail with a small wrist movement… top!!”
The pumping
“But what really blows me away with this wing is the pumping.
To be honest, I wasn’t very good technically before discovering this wing. With this Droid with handles, my actions are precise, decisive, and I finally manage to feel the effects of this characteristic ‘downward’ pumping of the latest models.
This wing is a ‘gamechanger’ for me (second one in this message…), it takes my practice to a whole new level…”