Is it worth getting a 7m over a 6m to gain that extra low end knot? Or should I just work on better pumping skills. Are big wings more for bigger guys. 83kgs on a 1050hps. 6' tall. Cheers.
I am the same size as you and need all the help I can get with size Given the **** wind where I live. Given the choice of two of the same model wings I would take the larger size any day as my light wind wing. That said, in some a good stiff 6m beats a bad, floppy 7m.
Get the 7m... you'll have more fun... and you'll go out in even lighter winds that will make you work on pumping skills and then you'll post asking if you should get an 8m :-)
I am heavier,88kg, and went the other way. Don't use the 6 anymore. I go with 5 and a large front foil, 1850.
gets up with no wind, and the 5 m wing it's a lot more comfortable than a 6
I am heavier,88kg, and went the other way. Don't use the 6 anymore. I go with 5 and a large front foil, 1850.
gets up with no wind, and the 5 m wing it's a lot more comfortable than a 6
I had a 6m and had sessions where others riding 7+ were flying, while I was pumping like a dog for no result ( probably 9-10kn ). I ended up getting a 7.5m and it immediately increased sessions and saved a whole lot of energy.
Not only do you get more time on the water, you can use a smaller foil with the bigger wing. I've used my 7.5m at 8-12kn and been able to use a HA1040 foil.
So...yep, I reckon it's worth it.
Size is one indicator but certain wings have more grunt for the factory given size, my SIC maui 6.0 gets me up and busts through lulls better than other wings I have used, its larger wingspan wouldn't be a problem for a taller person
My friends and I have the F1 CWC 8 meter and we are out there flying before almost everyone else except a few really light wingers.
I wanted a big wing for the light days and so went for a Gong Superpower 9mtr, it certainly was a big jump in size. I have since learn't how to pump properly and my go to wing is a Cabrinha Mantis 6.2.
Despite the size difference I feel that the Cab can be pumped better, the wingspan is similar and so the issues are not brought on by size, I find the 9 is heavier and so needs a stronger breeze to get it flying, defeating the purpose of the larger wing.
I have considered using Hydrogen or Helium to try to overcome the weight issues but so far that is a day dream.
I agree with Redman weight is an important factor, a smaller but lighter stiffer gruntier wing will usually outperform the bigger heavier floppier wing - I guess it comes down to the wings themselves and the users personal preferences
Select to expand quotergmacca said..
Is it worth getting a 7m over a 6m to gain that extra low end knot? Or should I just work on better pumping skills. Are big wings more for bigger guys. 83kgs on a 1050hps. 6' tall. Cheers.
I picked up an Allula 7m Glide and it has replaced my 6m for winds below 15knots. Its a bit of an anomoly in that its feather light but really stiff. I have way more fun in light winds w this good 7m that my 6m.
The Glide in Particular has oustanding range too-i can have it going in up to 19-20knot. If you do decide to go w a large wing, make sure its a lower aspect-dragging wingtips is a show stopper.
Select to expand quotebolocom said..
I am heavier,88kg, and went the other way. Don't use the 6 anymore. I go with 5 and a large front foil, 1850.
gets up with no wind, and the 5 m wing it's a lot more comfortable than a 6
Sort of the same thing for me (78kg) but I'm happy with a 6m as my light wind wing combined with a performance oriented mid aspect 1900 sq cm foil. My emphasis is always flat water strapless freestyle so constantly flinging the wing around in heel and toeside tacks, handle pass tacks, backwinded 360's, drag behind luffed for 360's, blah, blah. A 7m and up just becomes too cumbersome for me to push around quickly enough to have any fun with these moves. Even the 6m is kinda huge for practicing stuff like a "starfish" or handle-pass-jibe. ....Personal preference
I'm 84kg, my 7m Slick is my favourite wing. Light wind, glassy water, great combination.
Depend on brand and front wing. I think a good 7 or 8m (f-one is very goof) for your weight and a smaller front wing is where everything become next level. You never stop gliding in lulls and just keep going while other barely moves!
Select to expand quotergmacca said..
Is it worth getting a 7m over a 6m to gain that extra low end knot? Or should I just work on better pumping skills. Are big wings more for bigger guys. 83kgs on a 1050hps. 6' tall. Cheers.
I guess it depends a lot on what you want and how you want to achieve it.
I'm about your size and weight and have never sailed anything bigger than a 5,2. We rarely have constant winds below 10 knots, which I would consider the realm of big wings. But then, I don't mind seeing a session full of frantic pumping a good workout and the best way to hone my pumping skills and I consider overpowered winging a nuisance.
A friend of mine has given his 6 away and now sails a 4,5 as his biggest wing. He's 95 kilos and gets on the foil earlier than me with my 5,2. Pumping skills can make a big difference.
Can you try other wingers' wings? If I were to make your decision, I would like to try a 6 and a 7 back to back, maybe even in different conditions.
Select to expand quoteNov8 said..
I'm 84kg, my 7m Slick is my favourite wing. Light wind, glassy water, great combination.
second on the 7 M Slick, fun and controlled with some good power!
DC
I just bought a 7m with my previous largest as a 5.5m
Too many days with 10-12kts where I could almost get going in the gusts.
I think for me I'd rather be using a bigger wing and smaller foil. Also I'd rather use just one board.
Select to expand quotesultanofwing said..I agree with Redman weight is an important factor, a smaller but lighter stiffer gruntier wing will usually outperform the bigger heavier floppier wing - I guess it comes down to the wings themselves and the users personal preferences
which are the lighter stiffer gruntier wings and which are the bigger heavier floppier wings? (putting aside how worn they are)
Select to expand quotergmacca said..
Is it worth getting a 7m over a 6m to gain that extra low end knot? Or should I just work on better pumping skills. Are big wings more for bigger guys. 83kgs on a 1050hps. 6' tall. Cheers.
75kg + gear here. Usually navigating in 10-16kn. I have owned and tested quite a number of 6m wings. I would not get another one.
My biggest wing is currently a 5.5 with good low-end (similar to other 6m wings).
Swapping back and forth with a friend's 7m on a ~10kn day, I had to admit that it was pleasantly easy to get going with the 7m while I had to work to take off on the 5.5.
Once flying I was happy with both but in transitions the 5.5 feels much better. The session took 2h and the wind stayed marginal throughout.
My conclusion: For sessions where the wind is unlikely to pick up, I would consider getting a 7m...
I ride 7m CWC Strike with Axis HPS1050 in light winds - 10-14mph - with good success.
I then gap done to 4.5m Mantis.
For me at 175#'s, the 7m is a session saver.
