Perf Series

Perf Series

The Perf Series collection represents our wings in the durable and affordable Dacron construction. They include our 5 benchmark models, the Plus, Superpower, Pulse, Droid and Neutra, for the following types of sessions : allround, lightwind, freerace, freestyle and wave riding. They are released yearly on two occasions, the “Spring Line” with the SuperPower and the Pulse, coming out before springtime, and the “Fall Line” with the Plus, Droid and Neutra before autumn.

Perf Series – Spring line

The typical “summer” wings, the SuperPower and Pulse, which were refreshed last March, namely with the introduction of the boom, are a part of the Perf Series that will be updated next spring. In time to deliver ever more performance in light wind and flatwater conditions for the summer of 2024.

SuperPower Boom

At some point, we all have to face wind conditions that simply require more power than what a “traditional” wing can deliver. Light wind conditions, obviously, but also conditions made tricky by unstable winds, strong currents or simply long lulls.

The SuperPower, world best seller of this program, comes in this latest edition with a 100% carbon boom for both handling finesse and a big boost in power and control.

Equipped with an innovative and high-end boom, we immediately feel that this design by our R&D is the real deal. The boom is fixed with two screws on US nuts: the same as those of your foil! Our system leaves no play to the boom. It is perfectly rigid and impossible to untighten while sailing. No hook and loop, no rope, no fragile parts, no plastic parts that fail after a year, nothing that can ruin your session. On the contrary, our parts enclose the straps which encircle the entire central strut, as on wings with handles: total reliability proven for years.

Pulse Boom

An hyper rigid wing, with a firmly set draft shape and a dynamic twisting of the tips, that acts as a true racing sail. We go fast and without effort, similar to a camber sail in windsurfing, and let ourselves be taken along for long speedy glides.

Our new generation of profiles develops performance comparable to strut kites and windsurfing sails. It is completely stable to evolve at high speed. The edge of the profile has been reworked as well as its morphing to offer more air to the wing. The upwind gain is amazing. At beam reach, the profile accepts much more wind speed and continues to pull forward. The top speed and the accelerations are boosted. We are really full power and full speed!!!

Perf Series – Fall line

The Fall Line made of the Plus, the Droid and the Neutra, is renewed before the fall to anticipate more diverse and stronger conditions. These two wings designed for pumped up riders inherit from proven R&D on the UPE Limited Edition. We find on these two shapes the huge performance leap demonstrated in the World Championship, here in a more affordable construction and a more tolerant shape.

The Plus

The Plus will make you progress faster than any wing. But it is much more than a beginner’s wing: it is the most versatile wing out there.

On this version of the Plus the aspect ratio has been decreased and the cutouts have been totally reviewed. This is explained by :

• A more torquey wing thanks to a draft shape, which pulls more when stationary and makes the most of every little gust. Take-off is really easy.
• A reduced wingspan to facilitate pumping and limit the risk of touching the water during navigation.
• A more manageable wing for smoother maneuvers
  Tips that limit mistakes.
• An all-new panel layout for total power control at low speeds and when overpowered.
• Maximum comfort in navigation and endless possibilities.

The Droid

The Droid is the freestyle wing par excellence: maximum compactness, impressive acceleration, lightness, extreme maneuverability and ON/OFF power. Qualities that made it a World Champion wing in the hands of Clément in Surf/Freestyle.

Its shape is 100% new. Its very curved leading edge is inspired by the Neutra in an ultra-compact version. With a central strut only 5cm longer than a Neutra, we remove 25cm of wingspan on a Droid. The virtual elimination of the negative roach also makes it possible to maximize the surface area for a reduced wingspan.

Its new multi-axial canopy cutouts which take up forces at +/-45° in the canopy, in addition to the dynamic triple ripstop weave which takes up forces at 0/90°, optimize the tension of the entire profile. And the four large leech battens guarantee total efficiency of the Droid, even overpowered. The feeling in navigation is firm, precise, powerful, and as soon as you shock it goes to neutral, as a pure wave wing.

The Neutra

With a Surf-Freestyle World Champion title and a Big Air World Champion title, the Neutra is the best performing wing in the waves.

This new edition of the Neutra benefits from shape changes tested, proven and validated by our Pro Team, meeting their expectations and those of the most demanding riders.

Surfing is the name of the game with the Neutra thanks to its neutrality on demand, as its name suggests, which makes it the perfect wing for committed surfing, freeflying and even freestyle. Its ability to get off your mind when held by the downwind handle is fabulous for a fluid style.

The Neutra‘s very curved architecture centers its power for maximum maneuverability. It really does feel like it’s pivoting around a point just behind your front hand. It delivers precise and instinctive piloting.

Programs in the Perf Series

To choose your wing, choose your program: Allround, Light wind, Freerace, Freestyle or Wave riding.

Plus: Allround!

• Its role is to make your first year of winging super easy 😉 It has no limits with its highly performant shape, but it is not specialized, contrary to other wings of the range.
• Light, easy to handle and powerful, its qualities also make it the most versatile wing in the range for experienced riders.

SuperPower Boom: Full Power!

• Is your spot unpredictable and irregular? The Superpower is the best wing for light wind conditions or heavier riders. It offers great power and amazing accelerations.

Pulse Boom: FreeRace attitude!

• It outperforms its siblings in speed and upwind capability, being super stable in gusts and performing perfect accelerations.
• It excels in all aspects of Race and brings this sport to a whole new level.

Droïd: Freestyle machine!

• Maximum compactness for seamless tricks and rotations.
• Its concave shape delivers incredible responsiveness for even more pop.
• In wave riding, it is highly performant thanks to its extreme maneuverability and power, which get you out of any situation and allow you to use a smaller wing size to gain control.

Neutra: Ultimate wave riding !

• Absolute fluidity with this wing, 100% dedicated to surfing, jumps, and smooth transitions.
• It takes us back to the essence of what made us dream in the last century, elevating it to a whole new level with winging.
• It is both light on the scale and in your hands.

Perf Series technology

The technology used in our Perf Series collection benefits from the most reliable and proven construction in the market while remaining at an affordable price.

The materials have stood the test of time. They are reliable, efficient, and easily repairable. The seams are optimized with each collection, always with the goal of increasing the longevity of your wings. This is a crucial aspect in wing foiling, which prompted us to develop the most complex seams in our sports. Additionally, the reinforcements are strategically positioned to ensure the wing withstands stress while remaining lightweight. Often hidden in the bladders, these reinforcements are essential for the wing’s durability.

At GONG, we are the opposite of basic wing technologies from low-cost brands. Our low prices are only possible due to the absence of intermediaries. Our wings are built with craftsmanship to last and withstand the demands of this sport.

Furthermore, our wings are perfectly repairable with components that we keep in stock for your preferred repair shop.

The structure of our wings is composed of a leading edge and a central strut in Dacron DIMENSION POLYANT DP175LL which form a rigid skeleton when the internal TPU bladders are inflated.

Dacron DP175LL is a very durable and very rigid polyester fabric, and this particular variant is also light. A true world reference for Dacron, it is the most proven material on the market. It is perfect for giving excellent performance for as long as possible. It is also easy to find for discreet repairs.
The rigidity of the structure is ensured by bladders in the leading edge and in the central batten. Our bladders are made of 80 microns thick TPU for added strength. The tubes themselves and all the accessories are heat-sealed to withstand significant pressures.

Find even more information on our technologies on our product pages!

Our 3-in-1 game changer handle system.

The Plus, Droid and Neutra of the Perf Series benefit from remarkable innovations such as our modular 3-in-1 gripping system which allows you to set textile handles, rigid handles or a boom. It also displays important shape developments validated by our team riders. The tensions are perfect. The twist is fine-tuned for each program. The power / control couple is cleverly balanced… Nothing has been left to chance. These wings are the result of a year of work, hundreds of prototypes, tests in all directions, research on assemblies and components, in short, we are really very proud of them 😉

The Plus, Droid and Neutra of the Perf Series are equipped with textile handles as standard on our modular system for their tolerance, their lightness, their non-aggressive material and their affordable price.

Our modular gripping system is a patented GONG innovation at the service of your sensations. Adapt your wing to your level, to your feelings, and even to the type of session you wanna have because nothing prevents you from mounting the rigid handles for freestyle, the boom for speed runs and the textile handles for freefly rides.

Which wing style?

You probably have a style of ride in mind that speaks to you, maybe even several styles?

At GONG, we have developed specific responses to each style, so that everyone can not only find performance but also something that resonates with them or something they want to identify with.

If you want to surf with a Droïd because you love its style, compactness, and power? Nothing is stopping you, on the contrary.

And if you are a beginner and love the look of the Neutra? Let’s go! It will be perfect for your early stages.

What matters is not buying the wing that will suit you in a year from now. Choose the one that fits your current situation. That’s how you’ll have fun and progress.

Which boards quiver?

The Plus wing matches perfectly with a HIPE, Zuma, Lance, Flint or Mint board, and our Allvator Aluminum Foil. It’s the magical combo for beginners and laid-back sessions.

The Droïd and Neutra wings pair perfectly with a HIPE Pro, Mint, Kube, Lemon or Lethal board, along with our carbon or HM masts and fast wings. It’s the high-performance combo.

You can add a SUP for windless days and probably a surfboard as well. But if you’re getting into winging, you might already have these toys in your garage.

Which leash for your wing?

Take a 5′ to 6′ wing leash for light winds and an 8′ leash for strong winds. Preferably choose a leash specifically designed for wing foiling, like a coiled leash, for example. A shorter leash allows for quick retrieval of the wing, while a longer leash protects the wing from foil crashes and allows it to drift further away.

Always check the leash’s condition before each session and replace it every year. It is your life jacket.

Do not let your wing flap in the wind at the end of the leash; it is not unbreakable! Similarly, in waves, do not hold onto the wing by the leash, as it can cause the wing to explode or result in injury.

For the board, choose a leash slightly longer than the board. It can be straight, coiled, worn as a belt, on your knee, or ankle – it’s up to personal preferences.

With or without a harness?

Riding without a harness can feel sexy because you have a sense of freedom and it’s trendy. You can move in all directions, and it’s really enjoyable.

However, you need to be careful not to over-sheet the wing to avoid straining your arms. This means you may have to pump the wing frequently to get it off the water. Ideally, you’ll prefer shorter runs when riding without a harness.

All our wings have harness line attachments, so you have the choice.

On the other hand, if you enjoy riding with more power, using a harness is almost mandatory if you don’t want to have short sessions that tire you out quickly. In this case, attaching harness lines is straightforward (check our tutorials on the forum). We recommend using a harness that is as flexible and non-restrictive as possible, with a windsurf-style hook.

It’s essential to note that modern wings generate a lot of power, and that’s what we ask of them: we want to go fast, high, and have a very rigid wing, etc.
All of this makes wings increasingly challenging to handle without a harness. Pros may not use harnesses in freestyle or wave riding because the runs are short and less intense. However, in races, they always wear harnesses.

So, it’s up to you to decide whether the sensation and aesthetics outweigh the performance. But it’s likely that, in the near future, more riders will start using harnesses as wing technology evolves towards more powerful and high-performance wings.

Window or Full Canopy ?

Wings without windows are cheaper, 200g lighter, and easier to store.

Wings with windows are safer and therefore dedicated to “group” practices.
Typically, windows are placed on wings used for buoy turning in races or high-speed riding. The goal is to see under the wind to avoid accidents.

For beginners, a wing with windows is necessary because safety comes before the few grams you might save. They are not meant for admiring the landscape; they are meant for seeing a silhouette to abort a dangerous curve that could cause a collision.

How to dry your wing ?

Unless you finish your session with a long downwind ride under the sun and finish on a dock, it is quite rare to get out of the water with a completely dry wing. You should know that there is no need to dry your wing if it is regularly used in saltwater, as the salt protects the materials from mold.

However, if you still want to dry your wing for transport or storage reasons, you must absolutely avoid hanging the deflated wing by the leading edge handle. It may seem convenient, but it is the best way to create a bulge on the central strut at the junction with the leading edge due to the bladder collapsing inside. The bladders are movable within the strut and leading edge, so if you hang it for drying while deflated, the bladder can shift or even wrinkle inside the strut pocket.

Ideally, you should dry your wing inflated and in the shade. In the worst case, lay it flat or at least inflate only the central strut. You can find all our instructions on how to dry your wing in our “How To” guide.

Good to know :

Indeed, wings are lightweight inflatable structures, and that’s what makes them efficient. Therefore, you must take great care of them.

A common mistake is to accidentally puncture the wing with the foil. It’s almost unavoidable, but the good news is that it is straightforward to repair. Our fabrics are designed to limit tears and contain them at the impact point.

The inflation pressure of your wing significantly affects its power, tolerance, and performance in high wind conditions. Too much pressure can put your wing at risk. It’s essential to have a well-inflated wing, but not to the point of overinflation, as that can lead to it bursting. Learning the optimal inflation level is something that comes with experience because pressure gauges are not always reliable.

By caring for your wing and avoiding unnecessary damage, you can ensure its longevity and get the best performance out of it.

NOTICE OF VIGILANCE

For the Wings equipped with windows, to bring you more visibility and safety in your maneuvers, it is imperative that you roll it from the tips to the central strut, then fold it up, taking care not to pinch the PVC of the window. If you store your wet wing in its bag without drying it, there is a risk of color transfer between fabrics and PVC windows

MAINTENANCE

1- Always inspect the condition of your Wing. Look for any holes or snags and get them fixed before they get worse.
2- Avoid rinsing your equipment with fresh water. The chlorine present in tap water can alter treatments applied to the surface of the Wing.
3-Take care not to allow water or sand to enter the Bladders during inflation/deflation.
4-Let your Wing dry in a flat position. If you hang your Wing to dry it, the bladder can move in the sheath and cause a fold, potentially causing a hernia/explosion during the next inflation. Never shake a deflated Wing.
5 -Remove any excess sand before folding and storing.
6-Outside of your sessions, keep your Wing out of the sun and the moon.
7-In case of a blown leading edge or strut, use your repair kit, or consult the site order the replacement part.

HANDLING AND PRECAUTIONS FOR USE

1- When you move your inflated Wing, turn it extrado face down and avoid as much as possible to let the leading edge or the SPI touch on the ground.
2- Always put your Wing on a clean, unobstructed surface, without seashells, objects or plants that may cut or perforate.
3- Secure your Wing on the beach at all times (use your leash, sand, or a bag filled with sand).
4- IFollow the inflation instructions. The risk of exploding the Wing is real, especially if handling it violently or in the waves.
5- Use your Wing equipped with a leash. The leash allows you not to lose your Wing in case of gusts, but it is not made to yank your Wing violently, especially in the waves.
6- Do not allow your Wing to get carried away by a wave, and if this happens, do not pull on the leash. The weight and power of the water is phenomenal, if you generate extra traction in the opposite direction, you increase the risk of tearing open your Wing.
7- Do not let the Wing get stuck on the water when you pump or when you launch. Do not bend it.
8- In case of fall in foil, do not fall on the Foil and do not let your Wing fall on it. A stab, or a front wing of foil will inevitably pierce your Wing.
9- Do not let a board equipped with a foil or fins, drag across your Wing. Failure to do so will definitely result in damage to the Wing.
10- When you need to pass the white water, keep the Wing out of the water 100% of the time. Never put your wing in the waves, keep it in the air as much as possible. Hold the downwind handle and the front strap

1- Always inspect the condition of your Wing. Look for any holes or snags and get them fixed before they get worse.
2- Avoid rinsing your equipment with fresh water. The chlorine present in tap water can alter treatments applied to the surface of the Wing.
3- Take care not to allow water or sand to enter the Bladders during inflation/deflation.
4- Let your Wing dry in a flat position. If you hang your Wing to dry it, the bladder can move in the sheath and cause a fold, potentially causing a hernia/explosion during the next inflation. Never shake a deflated Wing.
5- Remove any excess sand before folding and storing.
6- Outside of your sessions, keep your Wing out of the sun and the moon.
7- In case of a blown leading edge or strut, use your repair kit, or consult the site
8- In case of fall in foil, do not fall on the Foil and do not let your Wing fall on it. A stab, or a front wing of foil will inevitably pierce your Wing.
9- Do not let a board equipped with a foil or fins, drag across your Wing. Failure to do so will definitely result in damage to the Wing.
10- When you need to pass the white water, keep the Wing out of the water 100% of the time. Never put your Wing in the waves, keep it in the air as much as possible. Hold the downwind handle and the front strap to get through the waves
11- Inspect your leash before and after each session and change it regularly. Even a small notch can lead to a break.
12- Your wing is an ultra-versatile product that could be used on land with skateboards, rollerblades, mountainboards, etc… It is not intended to be rubbed on hard or abrasive surfaces though. GONG SUP 1 cannot be held responsible for wear related to land use.

SAFETY AND COMMON WATER SENSE

1- You must check the wind range of your wing and adapt it to your actual and real abilities. Never underestimate the pulling force of your Wing. Even a beginner’s wing can develop a significant and non controllable pulling force by the user.
2- When practicing, be aware of weather forecasts. Avoid strong winds and do not sail if there are heavy gusts. Do not use your Wing with offshore winds unless you have a security back-up plan on the water. The perfect conditions to practice are a crosswind against the shore and a steady 15-25 knots force.
3- For the first sessions, and when you do not yet read well wind ranges and forecasts: be alert on high wind range and do not sail if you do not have the adapted Wing. You take risks for you but also for your gear.
4- Use your Wing in a safe environment. Take the necessary time to learn how to handle the equipment under optimum safety conditions.
5- Do not overestimate your abilities. Make sure you are in a good physical condition and do not have medical contraindications. Misuse can cause serious injury or death to the practitioner or others.
6- Do not use your Wing in a shorebreak or waves that are too powerful.
7- When sailing, constantly check the water in front of you to avoid any collision or non-respect for the rules of priority at sea. Keep in mind that you are potentially dangerous for yourself and for others.
8- Be extremely careful if you sail with your Wing and a board equipped with a foil. GONG SUP 1 declines any responsibility in the event of damages caused by the improper use of the wing or by imprudence.
9- GONG strongly advises you to subscribe to an insurance covering the practice of Wing foil.
10- Equip yourself with protections: helmet, leash, impact vest… Too much is better than not enough!
11- The use of the Wing outside the marine environment is your responsibility (skate, ski, snow…)
12- The Wing is not a parachute or a hang glider!
13- When using your wing, always have common sense, respect nature, and try to help others with caution when they are in trouble.
14- All our wings are equipped with an identification label to fill in your details in accordance with the legislation in force.

This list of recommendations is not exhaustive and does not replace knowledge and a serious study of the rules of safety and navigation at sea. The foil in particular is a dangerous sport which cannot be improvised.

GENERAL RULES CONCERNING THE PRACTICE OF FOIL

For your safety, do not use this product until you have read and understood these warnings and instructions and, above all, follow them. The practice of Foil involves the risk of serious accidents. Improper handling of the Foil can result in cuts, serious injury or death to you or others.

• A FOIL SHOULD BE USED WITH ALL THE PRECAUTIONS THAT ARE COMMON IN SURFING, KITING, OR WING RIDING, in addition to those related to the Foil. Remember that the Foil is long, sharp, and can reach high speeds. Getting hit by a Foil, or hitting a third party can have dramatic consequences. These are not toys. GONG strongly recommends that you take a course for each of the Foil practices, in a school specializing in Foil learning, in order to be responsible and careful before using this product alone. Make sure you have insurance covering the practice of Foil. The manufacturers and suppliers of this product are not responsible for property damage or personal injury due to either simple or improper use, or excessive, competitive, or irresponsible use, of the product by the user.
• RESPECT THE RULES OF PRIORITY AND SAFETY. Find out about the local legislation in force concerning the practice of Foil sports on the spot you are targeting. When you practice, do not forget to keep a safe distance from all obstacles, other people and boats. Stay away from swimmers and other people, including your friends, even when you consider that you have reached a sufficient level to do so.
• USE THIS PRODUCT ONLY IF YOU ARE IN GOOD PHYSICAL CONDITION AND CAN SWIM PROFICIANTLY. Don’t overestimate your strength: never go further than you can swim in the present and forecasted weather conditions. Swimming in the sea in a distress situation is much more difficult than swimming in a pool. Minors must not practice without the agreement and supervision of their legal guardian.
• KEEP UP TO DATE WITH THE WEATHER FORECAST. It is up to you to make the decision to go out on the water or not, depending on the weather conditions observed and announced. Never Foil in stormy weather, in threatening or changing conditions.
• OBSERVE THE CURRENTS. TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE HEIGHT OF YOUR MAST: unlike surfing, SUP or Kitesurfing, it is imperative to start navigating on a body of water deep enough so that the Foil does not touch the bottom or hit a rocky area.
•  PROTECT YOURSELF! You must wear a helmet, an impact vest and ideally thick booties and a wetsuit to practice this sport.