FEEDBACK: VELOCE SH

Some numbers can set a psychological barrier when choosing new gear. For instance the dimensions of the Veloce SH, 600cm², can be dissuasive for wing foiling. But as Fabien’s testimony demonstrates, you have to believe in your potential.

A well-thought-out reasoning will lead you to the right choice and we are here to help you with our technical advisers. Here is Fabien’s feedback.

“Here is my feedback on the Veloce SH 600cm2, used in wing foiling. I didn’t find any info on this wing size, so I went a little blind in my purchase. I convinced myself thinking I would easily sell if it turned out to be too technical for me. Well, I’m keeping it !!!

I wanted a front wing for big swells and solid wind conditions. To be in full control on steep slopes and have the best glide/maneuverability ratio in freefly on long and big swells stretching very far offshore… And it does exactly that. So yes it’s a small front wing, but not at all inaccessible for my size = light 62 kg.

The sensations that the foil sends back are increased tenfold!

After 5 sessions I can now give my opinion on this front wing which will be my medium to very strong wind foil. First of all I thought that for this surface the low end or taking off would be penalized, or very demanding in terms of physical commitment, but not really to my surprise, it is a relief for me. If you have a decent wind, there’s no problem. With a sketchy wind then yes you have to be energetic when pumping the wing, and both precise and tonic when pumping on the foil, but nothing insurmountable. Launching the flight is, in the end, not a problem.

At first, it’s still a bit technical to operate compared to larger wings (high aspect ratio and/or classic), but you get used to it over the session(s) and it becomes instinctive: to make it work you need speed, so quickly be at full speed, and always be attentive to the feedback of the foil.

NB: the adjustment of the position of the foil in the box is very important (I set it totally at the back). It is therefore necessary to understand what the front wing requires: to be launched and to fly with speed. It’s a bit tiring to be so energetic in the first sessions when you’re not used to it. Once you understand how it works, it’s a real treat, the sensations that the foil sends back are increased tenfold! Really very lively feeling, the potential for fun is enormous, and it’s very exciting to discover this wing… I don’t know if it’s the effect of the novelty, but for now I love this wing, my favorite with the Fluid MT.

For gliding, it remains super healthy and locked in line.

(only the front / rear balance must be managed and regulated as needed). On full speed runs or when descending a wave, it no longer flinches. You have to go for it before getting overwhelmed or lifted, and despite the worst water movements / turbulence, it cuts through all disturbances, it’s super incisive. Be careful, the tips and trailing edge are very very thin and sharp, you should not hit them.

The maneuverability is excellent for a 75cm wingspan: the responsiveness to triggering the rail to rail is instantaneous, it’s as lively and precise as you want it to be. Might sound very paradoxical but that’s one of the most pleasing characters in this front wing.

In jumping, well it goes fast so it goes high, and the receptions are soft (given the surface, few constraints, it’s perfect for the gear), the catch already mentioned…

There you have it, a very fast, lively, incisive, precision foil, all in finesse.”