Understanding winging reviews

Many brands are currently entering the market and the number of different shapes is also increasing within the manufacturers. In addition, it turns out that some wings are more suitable for freeride, freestyle or wave. How are you supposed to keep track of that?

Of course there are also test reports. But how, for example, does Wingsurfers Magazine actually test? Today's entry explains how such a test works so that you can better understand test reports in the future.

Such a test runs for quite a long time before you even get to read it in the finished issue. A few months can also go by. All this serves to ensure that the wings can be extensively tested against each other by different drivers in different conditions. The boards and foils remain the same so that differences can be traced back to the wing. The test team also covers a wide range of weight and skill levels.

According to which criteria is a wing tested?

handling and weight

The easiest way to determine the weight of your wing is objectively. You just have to weigh him. Since weight and handling can be related, this should not be neglected. But they don't necessarily have to be related. A lighter wing is often easier to handle. But the shape is just as important and its influence only becomes apparent during use. The wing with the lowest weight does not automatically have the best handling.

When buying your next wing, you should not only pay attention to the weight, but also to the shape. Which one suits me, my preferences and my area of ​​application?

pump on

How much energy do I have to invest to get my foil out of the water when winging? There are big differences here. Softer wings will lift you out of the water faster and require less activity from you. With harder wings you have to do a lot more to get out of the water. At the same time you can achieve a much higher top speed, as these wings harmonize better with fast foils.

speed

Your speed depends not only on the wing but also on the foil. Depending on the shape of the foil, higher speeds are possible. The HA series from Naish achieves a significantly higher speed than the MA series. Your wing has to fit and provide enough pressure.

behavior while gliding

Not only is it important how fast your wing gets you planing, but also how it behaves as soon as you are planing. Windsurfers are already familiar with the concept that the pressure point moves. This can also happen to you with your wing.

Equally important is the wind range covered by your wing. Current wings cover a significantly higher range than their predecessors. A larger wind range of your wing means that you have to take significantly less material with you to the beach, as you can still use your wing in higher or lower wind speeds. So you get even more time on the water and have more fun without having to set up another wing.

Flight stability in waves

This is also tested, because at the latest when you want to go into the waves with your wing, it is crucial that your wing also cuts a good figure there. It is important that you can let your wing fly with you. It should have as little resistance as possible and be calm in the air so that you can fully concentrate on the wave and are not slowed down much.

You can see if your wing is still in the air when you pick it up on the beach.

In the Wing Surfers Magazine 1/22 you will not only find the test of all wings but also a short recommendation at the end of each report as to which rider this wing could best suit. Of course you can find the Naish and Cabrinha wings discussed there in our shop.

I hope I was able to explain some of the background of product testing to you. If you have any questions, please send us a message or give us a call.

Hang loose

Anya