FEEDBACK: WING PLUS 2023

News
Wing

19 september 2022 0

Feedback from Antoine who was able to test the new Plus 2023 in the waters of the Pacific.

“Regular user of the Plus V2 in 5m. Foil Curve XL, Stab Rise L, mast 75 v2 and HIPE 6’0. Wind 15 to 20 knots. Beginner level, 80kg, jibe 25% on my regular stance. Few feedback on the Plus 2023 model so here’s my contribution. To put in perspective of my beginner level… 45 min of session last weekend.

On the ground it is beautiful and with a tense trailing edge.

The first thing you notice when you go into the water is its lightness and its desire to fly on its own. It feels like a 4m V2 in terms of weight. The 2 handles are well placed even if the finesse is surprising.

Taking off, 1st pumping stroke, high efficiency, the flight is very fast, even in low range. Compared to the V2, I take off more easily and the tips catch less water when I pump, it’s obvious on my bad side where I had more trouble and was always hesitant about the handle to take on my V2. I haven’t changed pumping technique at all, but I think the stiffness of this model is less than on the new Neutra and Pulse.

“Going upwind is crazy”

Confident, I try my first jibe and I immediately nail them with a very smooth pivot. I am almost surprised to turn so quickly, I stay in a switched stance before a goofy fall on the change of feet. No magic happening with my level… Going upwind is crazy, it’s heading hard and I feel that I’m going much faster when the foil whistles.

This will be confirmed by the GPS with 3.5 knots over my personal top speed record with this set-up (18.5 knots) in the same wind conditions. Not bad for a first session with this gear. Second hopeless jibe on my bad side and again surprised to come out of the turn, the Wing is completely forgotten. But quickly wiping out again due to my inability to sail in a switched stance on this side. The following jibes go with a 75% success rate on my good side, I’m stoked.

On the other hand, I’m going so much faster than usual that I take big ventilated flights, my front wing pushing more than usual. Next time, I put the mast 95!

Conclusion, this Plus 2023 is amazing with the balance and lightness of a Neutra V2, the speed of a Pulse v2 and the power of my Superpower 6’5 v1. I came out of this test with a big desire of ordering a 4 and 6, but also for a new wing or stab to support its capabilities. Maybe a Fluid L-T or XL, or even a Veloce L-T or XL?”

-20%