FEEDBACK: DROID UPE ARAMID

News
Wing

04 march 2024 0

Hugo discovers a new level of performance with the Droid UPE Aramid, about which he shares his feelings with us after several sessions.

Wing foiler: Julien, GONG team rider, in Droid UPE Aramid and Lethal FSP Pro.

Test conditions:

“Feedback on the Droid UPE Aramid 4m after several sessions. Test conditions: 17 to 35 knots. Choppy spots and big swell/waves shoulder-high. Setup during the tests: 4’6 55L, Mat HM 92, Ypra S-S/Veloce M-H, Fluid H38/Veloce H40 and therefore the 4m UPE Aramid.

For context, I have been a GONG wings owner for some time (RH Classic Dacron & UPE 200). I wanted to renew my quiver with a wing that would allow me to push my progression upwards in terms of speed and jumps!”

Lightness and power

“First impression, it’s visually very beautiful and handles like a lightweight wing. Much more than the UPE 200. I hadn’t had such a feeling with a GONG wing until now. The same goes for the balance, which I confirmed later in the water.

Once on the water, the pumping is rather vertical in the low (wind) range. The power of the Droid reduces the number of strokes needed to start. It pulls hard. You immediately feel a wing that just wants to go forward, but without being physical or nervous. First surprise.”

Comfort in high wind range

“Mainly used in strong wind so far, my concern was to have a wing that quickly becomes physical in its high wind range due to its power for which it is presented. This preconception is swept away from the first session, in 30 knots average. Not once did I feel out of place even though I usually use a 3.5m, or even 3m in these conditions. You quickly feel a wing that breathes, glides in the air and is never overpowering.”

Acceleration, rigidity, and jumps

“Need to accelerate? There’s constantly a power reserve in the rear hand. You have this feeling (and performance) of a race-oriented wing, plus comfort. The rigidity is another level above vs the UPE 200 for much less inflation. A block of concrete at 7 Psi.

A rigidity and power greatly appreciated in jumps. You go very high with a lot of power as soon as you pull on the rear hand. On the descent, there’s not a hint of wing twisting. It simply doesn’t move an inch. I was surprised on my first jumps, where I easily beat my record in terms of airtime!”

The Droid in the waves

“On the surfing side, the balance and maneuverability of the wing surprised me more than expected. Mostly used to Neutras, I thought I might compromise a bit on their ease with this Droid UPE Aramid. Let’s make it short: no. It follows just as well, if not better. Not once did I feel the wing lagging behind or touching the water. A big plus is this new semi-rigid freefly handle, which surely contributes a lot to maneuverability.”

Tricks with the Droid

“Finally, in terms of maneuvers, everything is a delight. Everything goes smoothly. My tacks with the Ypra-S S were risky, they now go smoothly! There would be so much to say on this point thanks to the wishbone… Ease and comfort are multiplied a hundredfold.

A beginner will have much more margin of error and ease in handling his wing. An intermediate/expert can be even more precise and subtle in his piloting. The range of possibilities is even greater in terms of maneuvers, transitions, etc. Trying it is adopting it!

It is also worth noting that it is partly responsible for the comfort of this wing in the high wind range. The rear hand can be placed much further forward than with rigid handles.

In conclusion, a high-end gem for all purposes, and especially at half the price of its competitors.

A huge thank you to Team GONG!”

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2024