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Wing Droid
The ultimate wing for freestyle and wave riding!
See Description
Regular Price
565€
Sale Price
565€Regular Price
759€
-25%
ref : GON24SAIWINDROV02NAV-60
Description
PROGRAM
The ultimate wing for freestyle and wave riding!
PRESENTATION
The Droïd is the ultimate Surf-Freestyle wing: compact, fast-accelerating, and extremely maneuverable.
These qualities earned it the World Champion title with Clément in Surf-Freestyle, and even World Champion in racing with Malo!!! Regularly at the forefront in the World Cup, the Droïd is dedicated to performance.
This new shape, inherited from the Team Series range, offers more power, lift, and rotation, making it the king of maneuvers.
It is also a highly versatile wing. Freestyle, Freeride, Wave riding, Freefly, Race: it can do it all.
Its DNA: performing combos, landing 1080s, and executing huge front flips or backflips, all while remaining light and compact for surfing.
It has significantly more torque than most wings. You truly feel pulled forward! A real catapult. It’s fantastic for front loops, but also for instant acceleration and jumping higher than ever before!
It has an important sail draft and is very taut, making it very powerful and dynamic. It’s perfect for relaunching instantly after a trick or a fall. This quality allows you to use a smaller wing, making your moves more radical.
In addition to being highly effective in big air, it’s also an excellent wing for light wind thanks to a formidable pumping efficiency, and tips that stay away from the water.
A perfect wing for flying early, attempting new moves, and progressing without constraints.
Z-shaped central strut
The Droid retains its magical Z-shaped central strut but with a slimmer diameter.
The panels are cut perpendicularly to the strut to be more robust under high pressure.
The connection with the new central segments of the leading edge is firm.
The central third is designed not to flex between the hands, as this is where much of the flex that opens the trailing edge would form, which is now even more taut for increased power and precision of the wing.
Finally, the rear third of the strut is sewn onto the canopy without any draft on the panel, which increases the strut's section at the rear hand and gives it greater resistance to deformation in the wind. The strut is therefore twice as rigid, ensuring a consistent shape during jumps or gusts.
The rear hand acts directly on closing the trailing edge thanks to the placement of the back handle's rear point after the beginning of this wide cone: by pulling on the rear hand, you close the strut instead of letting it open like on classic struts.
Overall, this reduces flapping and offers impressive power. The increased rigidity allows for fine control of the wing and brings consistency to its behavior.
Low Aspect Ratio
The outline of the Droid is compact. Its low aspect ratio provides increased maneuverability and formidable performance. It takes off and accelerates immediately with strong forward traction. It is extremely radical in moves with its compact format that minimizes bulk.
This low wingspan makes pumping very easy and intuitive by keeping the tips away from the water.
Rounded Leading Edge
The curved leading edge promotes maneuverability.
The arc of the leading edge frees the Droid. It can change orientation easily, especially when piloting it by the downwind/surf handle.
This wing is free to be reoriented with the slightest pressure. It offers smooth and precise handling. This is true on all reaches, namely upwind, but especially in surfing with the wing in hand. It positions exactly as you request, in a fraction of a second.
This curve adds tolerance to this energetic shape by enhancing its rotational capabilities.
Dynamic Twisting of Tips
The twist of the tips is low but sufficient to release any excess power and convert it into glide. The gradual tapering of the leading edge allows the Droid to breathe.
Highly Segmented Leading Edge
The distribution of the leading edge is very uniform and maintains its short section in the center, making the wing very rigid in this area. This consistency provides perfect control of the twisting, which increases gradually towards the tips. The central part of the wing pulls while the tips absorb gusts, offering total control.
Pronounced draft shape
The sail draft is optimized for maximum acceleration and lift during jumps.
You immediately feel pulled forward. No need to be overpowered to accelerate sharply. With the Droid, going from zero to one hundred takes just two seconds!
It remains balanced and particularly well-positioned to create no limits on maneuverability and responsiveness. It perfectly complements a robust DNA that concentrates energy to enhance your rides.
Technical sheet
Wing Droid 6 m2 / Navy / Green
- GFS system of interchangeable handles to switch from textile handles to rigid handles or carbon boom.
- Leading edge in Dacron DP175LL 160g/m2.
- Central strut in Dacron DP175LL 160g/m2.
- Triple ripstop canopy 54g/m2.
- Insigna reinforcements on the seams for better durability.
- Tip saver in 1680D Nylon to protect against friction on the tips.
- Kevlar reinforcements under the handle/boom attachments on the central strut.
- A semi-rigid downwind textile handle on the leading edge.
- Two removable semi-rigid textile handles delivered as standard on the central strut.
- Integrated harness line fixing system.
- Anti-flap micro fiberglass battens.
- One pump system for rapid inflation.
- An inflation valve and a quick deflation valve.
- Camera safety loop at tips.
- Leash attachment under the downwind handle.
Buying guide
For whom?
Regardless of your level, the Droid is accessible because it is powerful and compact. This is even more true with this model, which allows you to change the handles according to your preferences and skill level. It enables you to perform the most committed maneuvers, yet it is not technically demanding.
Physically, it is suitable either for trained practitioners or for the bigger riders, as it pulls hard. With a harness, it's great for everyone.
For what?
The surf/freestyle competition program is increasingly evolving towards flatwater practice, which requires insane pop, acceleration, and extreme maneuverability for increasingly complex tricks. The Droid is perfectly in its element in freestyle, with its traction that catapults you and its maneuverability that allows for all moves. The title of Freestyle World Champion speaks volumes about its ability to bring you joy.
Understanding our range of wings:
Plus: the wing for progression.
SuperPower: the powerful wing.
Pulse: the wing for racing and long distance.
Droïd: the wing for surf / freestyle.
Neutra: the perfect wing for waves and free-flying.
Which size?
Don’t overestimate the power of wings. The reality is that for a 85kg winger, you need 15/20 knots with a 5m² to fly to get flying the first few times. After about 15 sessions, you will fly at 15 knots with a 5m². And if you’re athletic, pumping hard can make you take off at 12 knots in 5m² and hold the flight through 8 knots lulls. All this can be learned and requires practice.
Which materials?
The best material for the leading edge depends above all on your program and your ambitions. If you like cool freeride sessions, if you’re only doing your first tricks or if surfing and freeflying is all that matters, a Dacron leading edge and central strut will be perfect.
If, on the other hand, you like to push the limits, with a wing that pulls very hard and flies sky high, don’t hesitate! An UPE wing will bring you undeniable advantages, the gap is very large in terms of performance, it goes faster, higher and it turns incredibly well since the diameters are thinner.
Best quiver choices?
The Droid works with everything but especially with a compact and light board. Obviously it will be more in phase with a foil dedicated to performance, with a mast around 85cm for example.
You can (should) add to this combo a SUP and a surf foil for windless days, a kite to launch sky high, and surely a board dedicated to surfing good waves. But if you’re heading towards wing foiling, you may already have these toys in the garage ;)
Which leash?
A 5’5 to 8’ wing leash will be ideal. Preferably a model dedicated to wing foiling and of the coiled type. A short leash allows you to get back on the board quickly. By letting the board go further, a long leash prevents contacts between the foil and the wing.
Check its condition before each session and change it every year. It’s your life jacket.
Don’t let your wing flap in the wind at the end of the leash, it’s not unbreakable! Ditto in the waves, do not hold your Wing by the leash, it will explode and/or you will get hurt.
With or without a harness?
The Droid does not require a harness for surf-freestyle because the reaches are short. However, it is a powerful and responsive wing that will be much more effective with a harness in a race program for those who utilize all its features.
Riding without a harness is sexy because you feel free. You can move in all directions, it’s really nice.
But it is necessary to be slightly underpowered or to do short reaches if you do not want your arms to burn too quickly. This also means more pumping to take off.
All our wings have harness line attachments. So, the choice is yours.
So, if on the other hand, you like to ride with power, using a harness is almost mandatory if you don't want your sessions limited to one hour. In this case, attaching harness lines is super simple (see our tutorials on the forum). We recommend using a harness that is as flexible and non-restrictive as possible, with a minimalist hook or a windsurf-style hook for comfort.
Lines measuring 24 to 28 cm from the batten to the bottom of the V will be perfect. A length of 30 to 32 cm makes it easier for beginners. Thin diameter cordage and a fine sheath are essential because windsurf lines, for example, are too heavy and stiff, making them dangerous during turns and other tricks.
So, it's up to you to decide if sensation and aesthetics take precedence over performance. However, more and more riders are using a harness as the trend moves towards more powerful wings and better performance.
Textile handles, semi-rigid handles, rigid handles, or boom?
It's your choice :
- Soft textile handles for beginners, for surfing, for freeflying, to protect yourself and the board, and for a very light wing.
- Semi-rigid textile handles for a good level of performance thanks to precise and lively steering, but also better energy transmission when pumping for example.
- Rigid carbon handles to stay light and develop stronger traction. We are very precise in piloting. The pistol grip on the front handle is very pleasant and practical.
- Boom for maximum power and a very “windsurf” feeling. We are free to hold the wing as we want. More trick possibilities and a wider range of use for a very light weight contrary to popular belief.
The handles allow very compact storage in a backpack. The boom is stored lengthwise. But it should be noted that you can put as many boom wings as handle wings in a board bag for example. The boom does not take up more space. It takes it differently.
Windows or full canopy?
Windowless wings are cheaper, 200g lighter and easier to store.
Wings with windows are safer, stiffer and more responsive.
For beginners, a wing with windows is essential because safety comes before the few grams you could save. They are not meant to admire the landscape: they allow you to see a silhouette leeward and to abort your turn to prevent a collision.
Prices
Equipments
Integrated harness line fixing system
Two discreet harness loops ideally placed on the central strut allow you to attach your
GONG harness line to sail for long hours without getting tired.
New downwind textile handle
Almost rigid, it significantly improves the piloting of the wing in freeflying and surfing.
The new oval seams and reinforcements on the downwind handle anchors better distribute the forces on the leading edge, always with a view to durability.
The dyneema leash attachment is now on the lower side of the DW handle. The leash is no longer caught in the hands when freeflying.
A pair of textile handles
A set of textile handles is delivered with your wing. The rear handle is larger to adjust your hand placement. Their new longitudinal seams give them the rigidity that has made our downwind handles so successful.
The integrated GFS system allows you to upgrade your wing with carbon handles or a boom to make your wing evolve according to your level or your program.
Gonflage rapide avec le système One Pump
The leading edge and central strut are connected by the One Pump for rapid inflation in one go. The clamp then blocks the air circulation between the bladders to guarantee the flotation of the wing in the event of damage to the central strut or leading edge. Essential for safety.
The inflation valve on the leading edge is doubled on the central strut for immediate deflation and compact storage. Still in one pump, you inflate from the leading edge only in a few seconds and deflate just as quickly by unscrewing the two valves.
Micro fiberglass battens
Micro fiberglass battens on the trailing edge: light and very effective against flapping. They perfectly maintain the profile up to the trailing edge to allow optimal flow.
Light and durable, they are easily replaceable if necessary to maintain your wing year after year.
Camera safety loops
To capture the best moments of your wing sessions, we have added a very discreet nylon leash loop to each tip to secure your camera mounted on the Flymount leading edge attachment and navigate without stress. The position of the loop is carefully chosen so that the leash does not come into the camera's view! You will be able to create amazing shots and share them with no risk of losing your camera in the process!
Repair Kit
A repair kit including bladder and tissue repair patches is delivered with your wing.
Transport bag
A solid and efficient backpack is offered with your wing.
Perfectly designed with a wide U-shaped zipper for easy storage, ventilation grill, comfortable padding, compression straps and pump straps (not included).
Remember to bring a pump ;-)
10 years of spare parts
GONG makes durable wings: it's the basis of our foundation. Never disappoint.
GONG makes its durable wings last: offering you all the components of our products for 10 years is a challenge that we gladly accept. Because we are convinced that a good wing today is a good wing in 5 years if well maintained. And this maintenance is good for the planet because it will allow many young people to equip themselves second-hand at very affordable prices.
To ensure a long life for your wing, it will need maintenance.
1/ We can do it for you in our workshop. Our teams of experts are at your disposal to diagnose and solve your problems.
2/ We stock the necessary spare parts, including fabric. Just place an order online, or ask your favorite repairer to do it.
If unfortunately, the part is not in stock, we will order it to have it as soon as possible.
Delivery
Delivery delay
We indicate a preparation and shipping time of 3 working days. In reality, the majority of orders are shipped within 24/48 hours.
The delivery time, i.e. delivery time of the package to your home, then depends on the delivery location and the carrier.
We work with reliable and efficient carriers. 99% of shipments go perfectly and quickly. In the case of the remaining 1%, rest assured that we will do what is necessary with the carrier.
Shipping fees
Unlike other sites, shipping costs are not hidden behind the price of our products. You know exactly what shipping costs you, and you are not disadvantaged if you choose to collect your order at our GONG Space Center.
Shipping costs are calculated based on the weight and volume of each package, and your delivery address.
Tracking your package
Delivery tracking is managed directly by the carriers to whom we have entrusted your packages. They will contact you by email or SMS to allow you to choose delivery methods and follow the route of your package.
Carriers
We work with the best transport societies to deliver to you throughout Europe and the world within very short deadlines. We chose them for their quality of service and their compliance with deadlines.
For mainland France, 80% of your orders arrive at their destination in less than 48 hours of processing.
For Europe, delivery times vary from 3 to 6 working days, depending on the country of destination.
For the rest of the world, delivery times depend on transit time and customs clearance time. This delay depends on customs and can last from a few days to a few weeks depending on the destination and seasonality.
Please note, transport time is added to preparation/shipping time. Two companies collaborate on your order (GONG and the carrier). Each one masters its activity and is committed to optimizing its deadlines so that you are delivered as quickly as possible and at a reasonable price.
Eco-responsible packaging
Preserving the environment is an absolute priority. This is why we do everything possible to reduce our ecological footprint.
The most important thing is to sell quality, durable products that will be repairable and will please you for a long time.
For our shipments, we use:
Scotch craft paper.
Final packaging in high-end cardboard.
For rigid boards: Flexi-Hex, very high resistance ecological packaging.
This means:
Reusable and recyclable packaging.
An almost total reduction in single-use plastic.
Maximum protection and impact resistance for rigid boards thanks to the innovative Flexi-Hex honeycomb design (35mm thick).
Receipt of your product
Upon delivery, check the condition of your package in the presence of the carrier. A complete explanation email on the procedure to follow will be sent to you when your order is shipped.
Despite our requirements and all the care we take in the packaging and protection of your product, transport hazards may occur, and your product may suffer more or less significant transport damage.
Note that the products are protected in their carton. If you have any doubts, simply refuse delivery and contact us.
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Protective Helmet
A well thought out and adjusted protective helmet.
Regular Price
29,95€
Sale Price
29,95€Regular Price
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Impact Vest
The premium impact vest for winging and towing.
Regular Price
89,95€
Sale Price
89,95€Regular Price
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Microfiber Poncho
The essential accessory for changing without catching a cold and avoiding any...
Regular Price
29€
Sale Price
29€Regular Price
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Wrist Leash Dyneema
Ultra light and minimalist wrist leash in Dyneema designed for winging.
Regular Price
19,90€
Sale Price
19,90€Regular Price
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Leash Coiled 6mm Wrist
The “coiled” wrist leash specifically designed for the Wing.
Regular Price
19,90€
Sale Price
19,90€Regular Price
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Leash Coiled Big Wave 7mm Wrist
The wrist leash that’s specifically designed for wing foiling in big waves.
Regular Price
19,90€
Sale Price
19,90€Regular Price
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Leash Quick Release Coiled
The perfect leash with a harness.
Regular Price
25€
Sale Price
25€Regular Price
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Leash Belt Adjustable Coiled 7mm
The ideal coiled and adjustable belt leash for foil boards.
Regular Price
39€
Sale Price
39€Regular Price
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Leash Belt Adjustable Perf 7mm
The adjustable Belt Leash for Foil Boards.
Regular Price
39€
Sale Price
39€Regular Price
Is the Droid a beginner's wing?
The Droid allows you to get started thanks to its compactness and power. A beginner needs traction to take off, and to have compact tips to pump without catching water. Exactly what a Droid offers. It is a wing that heavier people really like in progression phases, especially in large sizes because they maintain a very small wingspan that is easy to pump.
Is the Droid a light wing?
Light on land, light in neutral when freeflying and surfing, the Droid offers great traction when sailing. What we will like is not defined as lightness but rather as the ON / OFF power of the Droid. It can really go from everything to nothing in presence and traction.
Which wave wing to choose?
In our ultra complete range, we have different wings adapted to wave riding. Depending on your conditions and your level, you should choose one model rather than another.
- Plus: Perfect progression wing, it is also the most versatile wing in the range. Very comfortable in all programs, it will be really pleasant in waves with good power to go upwind and a perfect balance in freefly / surfing.
- Droid: Surfing/freestyle at the highest level with this wing which is both a real catapult and extremely discreet when surfing. Powerful, you can ride very underpowered and therefore use the smallest wing possible in the waves. Its small wingspan makes surfing easier, especially with handles in your hands.
- Neutra: 100% waves, it is the most effective wing in surfing and freeflying. Light, ultra-manageable, soft, it has all the qualities of a pure surfer.
What is the difference in pumping between a Neutra and a Droid?
The sail draft and the aspect ratio are almost opposite on these two wave wings.
The Neutra is very classic when pumping, with a soft and progressive take-off, supported by a sensation of moderate traction. You can feel the tips working when pumping, which makes it very pleasant and classic.
The Droid is a catapult that pulls you forward with a pronounced sail draft but a very small wingspan. It pulls clearly, without any hesitation and from the slightest breath, and it accelerates instantly without catching the water.
Before the flight, underpowered, the Neutra will offer very fine traction which will need to be stimulated by a few pumping strokes, while the Droid will always give strong support to initiate the pumping.
A Droid will give more performance with a sub-liter board in light wind. Conversely, we might like the smooth glide of a Neutra more on a board that glides easily like a Cruzader.
So, Neutra or Droid?
- If you primarily want to surf and also be able to throw tricks in the waves, go for the Neutra.
- If you primarily want to perform freestyle but also enjoy wave riding when the conditions are right, choose the Droid.
Both do everything very well, but they each have their preferred program ;)
What inflation pressure?
The recommended pressure is shown in the table below:
Certain elements must be taken into account:
- An underinflated wing will be unstable and difficult to control in gusty winds.
- An overinflated wing will increase the risk of explosion during a crash and will fatigue the seams and materials of your wing more quickly.
- If you keep your wing inflated in the sun for a long period of time, we recommend deflating it slightly to reduce the risk of seam fatigue.
- The larger the leading edge diameter, the greater the risk of explosion. Do not overinflate a very large wing.
How to maintain my wing equipment?
To increase the longevity of your equipment, the way you use it and regular maintenance are very important.
A key point during use is not to leave your wing inflated for long periods without being used! The flapping of the fabric in the wind can cause premature wear of the materials, as well as prolonged exposure to UV rays.
Frequent rinsing of your wing with running water is also not recommended. The chlorine present in tap water can alter the surface treatments of your wing. However, it is important to store your wing dry and remove any excess sand.
In case of a broken batten or leading edge, use your repair kit, or consult our spare parts catalog to order the replacement part.
Systematically inspect the condition of your wing. Identify any holes or cuts and have them repaired before they worsen.
If you have damaged your wing, you can have it repaired directly at the GONG workshop by contacting our sail loft: Here.
For more information on how to maintain your wing, visit the Forum.