FEEDBACK : NEUTRA 2023

Here’s a first feedback on the Neutra 2023 by Julien who had the opportunity to test it on our home spot. Several 2023 wings are currently touring among our GONG ambassadors. So follow the action on our Facebook group, you might see an ambassador with new GONG gear to share on your spot.

Wing foiler: Malo, GONG team rider, with the Lemon FSP Pro and Neutra 2023.

“Hello, I will give you my first impressions of Neutra 2023.

I have already ordered a 2023 Neutra 5.5 and 4 and although I was not an ambassador, I was lucky enough to have these same 2 wings on loan before receiving them. The goal is mainly to compare them with the V2 that I have in 4 and 5m.

To start with, the bag, personally I really like the colors, it seems to be of a better quality than the previous ones (though this impression might be led by the different colors). On the side of the bag, the pump attachment system has been improved to be faster and more practical, a nice little upgrade. On the other hand, I find it a shame not to have the size of the wing on the front side anymore. Well, it’s not as if I had to choose my wings in the garage because I always take them all with me but you know…

First inflation

I had started by inflating the 5.5 and was surprised at the size of the leading edge. I found it very big. So I inflated the 4m 2023 next to my 4m v2 to compare. It looks bigger on the 2023 but the different colors don’t help to compare. Black makes it slimmer, so it might just be an optical effect again.

Then on the general shape, obviously it has changed a lot. I’m not going to go over all the changes, but we can see that the placement of all the panels has evolved, as has the segmentation and shape of the leading edge. The absence of a window surely made it possible to position the seams more freely in order to be more efficient. The trailing edge is very tense.The central strut has obviously changed a lot with its new shape and the new rear handle, but also its tips which are very progressive and thin at the end.The wingspan on the 4m has also been reduced a bit.

Each mini batten has been replaced by 2 lighter fiber rods…? Small detail on the inflation valves, 3 holes have been added to the caps. I find it practical because each time I deflate, I put the valve cap back over the valve to avoid damaging the Wing when packing, and that makes deflation more difficult. With these holes, this will no longer be the case. Small detail on the inflation valves, 3 holes have been added to the caps. I find it practical because each time I deflate, I put the valve cap back over the valve to avoid damaging the Wing when packing, and that makes deflation more difficult. With these holes, this will no longer be the case.

Finally, a big change that cannot be seen but which must be felt a lot on the water is the weight. To be able to compare I used the V2 4m again. My scale is not perfect but I could notice a big difference. So I weighed my 4m V2 (with a harness line) at 2.6kg, and the 2023 (I added a harness line to be precise) at 2.05kg. Let’s say 500g difference, which is more than 20% less, it’s huge, can’t wait to see what it looks like on the water.

First test on the water

So far I have only had the opportunity to test the 5.5. The first session was done in its very high range because there must have been a little over 20 knots. I am 72kg.

Inevitably, with a 5.5 in more than 20 knots it is not the best, but I did not feel in difficulty. I had trouble with the tacks (I’m not 100% comfortable with them yet) but on my 5m V2 I think it would have been the same. On the other hand, the sail is propulsive and stable. In freefly, you don’t feel it at all, despite being overpowered. I did a few good speed runs, which shows that the bigger leading edge doesn’t generate too much drag.

The second session was done in lighter winds, around 10/12 knots at the start to finish with just under 20 knots. Here I felt an even bigger difference with the V2. The tacks pass much more easily, the wing is very stable.

For the start, stiffness makes pumping different. The feeling that I can explain is a wing that stays in place and allows you to launch the board with your feet. I think that once well mastered, the take off will be very early.

I can’t wait to test the 4m in stronger winds but very happy with these first tests. On the other hand I think that my initial choice of 4m + 5.5m is a bit ambitious and I will stay on 4m +5m to complete my 3m.”