GEAR: WHAT IS UPE ARAMID?

News
Wing

03 march 2026 0

Lightness. Performance. Durability.

Three words that define the innovative fabric used on the leading edges and struts of our Team and Pro Team Series wings and kites for several seasons.

A pioneer in the development and large-scale use of this material, GONG has proven its qualities at the highest level in wing foiling. Today, this technology also equips our most performance-driven kites. Same standards, same DNA: maximum rigidity, unprecedented lightness, direct feel, and increased longevity.

The results speak for themselves: victories, podiums, outstanding low-end power, and total control in strong winds. But beyond titles, it’s the consistency and long-term stability that truly impress.

Wing foiler: Benjamin, GONG team rider, on a Hyperloop FSP Pro, Droid Aramid X, HM85 mast, and Ypra Freestyle foil.

An ultra-advanced laminated construction

GONG UPE Aramid is built on a three-layer architecture which, unlike other materials on the market, and thanks to careful integration by our R&D department, can be assembled with the same efficiency as a traditional Dacron wing.

A PET film ensures bonding between components and airtightness.
Aramid fibers are oriented at a specific angle to prevent fabric stretch under load without unnecessarily increasing weight.
A thin UPE layer, lighter than UPE 200, guarantees strength. This dense Dyneema fiber weave acts as true armor.

The result:

An ultra-light, ultra-rigid fabric with extreme tear and fatigue resistance.

What upe aramid radically changes

The performance gains first seen in wing foiling are now evident in kiting, with even more pronounced benefits under high loads:

In wing foiling:

Exceptional low-end responsiveness
Unmatched profile stability when overpowered
Ultra-precise control in gusts
Drastic reduction in deformation
Flawless structural rigidity
Superior resistance to impact and mechanical fatigue
Lower inflation pressure for equivalent rigidity

The dynamic feel of an ultra-light, ultra-rigid UPE Aramid wing is unforgettable. Experienced riders immediately recognize the difference. UPE Aramid is widely praised by seasoned wing foilers.

In kitesurfing:

Better profile retention at high speed
Less deformation during kiteloops
Faster response
More stable drift
More consistent hangtime
Smoother behavior in turbulent wind

Kitesurfer: Yucel, GONG team rider, on a Steez Carbon Pro, Ayto Aramid DP, and FeelX bar.

Measurable gains: lightness, rigidity, durability

GONG’s UPE Aramid weighs 85 g/m². That’s nearly twice as light as traditional Dacron, while being significantly more rigid.

Unlike other materials on the market, UPE Aramid does not require excessive adhesive reinforcements or additional stitching for assembly. Through meticulous R&D, GONG has optimized its integration on our wings, and now on our kites.

The result: perfectly controlled construction, remarkable durability, and top-tier performance across all disciplines.

➜ Massive reduction of deformation under load in kite
➜ Up to 400 g saved on a 5 m² wing, with significantly higher rigidity

Wing foiler: Malo, GONG team rider, on a Stunt FSP Pro, Droid Aramid, HM85 mast, Ypra Freestyle front wing and stab.

Durability: the upe aramid advantage

Since its introduction on our Team Series wings, UPE Aramid has demonstrated exceptional longevity:

Proven UV resistance
Increased resistance to permanent elongation
Performance maintained over time
Reduced rigidity loss season after season

In kiting, where loads are also super high (loops, landings, high-wind tension), this structural stability translates into:

✔️ Less seam fatigue
✔️ Less leading-edge deformation
✔️ Better long-term performance retention
✔️ Significantly reduced structural stretch compared to traditional Dacron

Our exclusive assembly processes, tested on tensile benches and validated by the Pro Team, exceed market standards. UPE Aramid is not just an exceptional material, its integration is what truly makes the difference.

Wing foilers: Bastien and Francesco, GONG team riders, with their Droid SP Aramid CZ wings.

The structure is so rigid that:

8 PSI in UPE Aramid = equivalent rigidity to 15 PSI in standard construction.

This means:

Less internal mechanical stress
Less strain on seams
Reduced overall fatigue
Easier inflation

Less pressure = less tension = greater longevity.

Wing & kite: one high-performance philosophy

Originally developed to push the limits in wing foiling, UPE Aramid now equips GONG Team and Pro Team Series kites as well.

Same goal:

To deliver the most stable, lightest, and most durable structure possible.

Because at the highest level, every gram matters.
Because in high wind, every millimeter of deformation changes everything.
Because a high-performance wing or kite must remain high-performing over time.

2026 NEW