Does 3.0 + 3.5 make sense in same quiver? (90kg)

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carlosk
carlosk
10 posts
10 posts
27 May 2026 11:41am
Got 5.5 / 4.5 / 3.5 / 3.0. Wondering if 3.0 and 3.5 is too close, doing the same job basically.

chatgpt did the math :

- 3.5 -> 3.0 = only ~2 kt difference
- 3.5 -> 2.5 = ~4-5 kt difference

2 kt is less than gusts on any normal day, so it feels redundant. 3.5 + 2.5 would actually cover different wind range?

Counter argument: at low wind tight gaps make sense (underpowered = no foil, you sink). At high wind underpowered just means less fun, still riding. So maybe 3.0+3.5 is not worth it?

Does anyone actually feel a difference between 3.0 and 3.5 on water? Should I sell the 3.0 and get 2.5 for storm days?

thanks
CH3MTR4IL5
CH3MTR4IL5
WA
982 posts
WA, 982 posts
27 May 2026 11:51am
Wing? Parawing?
Floater or sinker board?
What conditions do you see in your local area?

If you already have these, then you should be able to answer your question. Try the 3.5 on days you would normally go out on the 3.

Personally, I have one 3.5m wing that covers me for any conditions. Above 35 it can be a bit squirrelly for getting up, but I don't have these conditions often enough to carry a small wing (I used to have a 2.5m and got rid of it because I didn't use it).
carlosk
carlosk
10 posts
10 posts
27 May 2026 12:07pm
Sorry, I should have been clearer. I wing on a floater board, planning to use 3 and 3.5 in Cabarete, it gets pretty windy there at times, peaking at 25+ knots

My idea is to go as small as possible on the inflatable wing size so I ride a 1300 sq cm front foil wing in any condition. For reference, I can easily fly 3.5m wing in 17 knots, so i wonder if 3m would cover the 22+ knots range or I should rather get a 2.5m
Thanks
camerongraham
camerongraham
NSW
216 posts
NSW, 216 posts
27 May 2026 2:33pm
Im 87Kg on an 85L ML and for higher wind strengths I have a 2.8 and 3.5 (different brands) and there is a noticeable difference in these. The 2.8 comes out when its really ON and gusty as its just easier to manage than the 3.5 and its usually windy enough that Im not trying to pump the wing to get on foil, its more about trying to hold the wing steady and pumping the board to get going/release. I also find that a bigger foil with more glide (CODE 860R or 680R ) is easier in super gusty conditions, as I can then focus on modulating my speed with the handwing instead of trying to keep a smaller, reactive foil under control as I get hit with big wind speed changes, wind driven chop etc
Velocicraptor
Velocicraptor
875 posts
875 posts
27 May 2026 9:18pm
I have your exact quiver and I use them all. Depends on a lot of factors, but I would generally skew towards the 3 above ~25 knots or so (on a sinker) and while I've been lit on the 3m a handful of times, I haven't really needed anything smaller. Ive been to Cabarete a handful of times and haven't ever needed anything smalller than a 3.5m, but I never go in the summer when wind is heaviest.
Stumbleweed
Stumbleweed
150 posts
150 posts
27 May 2026 9:27pm
I wing in the Columbia Gorge and have 5-4-3-2.5. I make it work but so often think how much I’d enjoy a 3.5 as I’m riding somewhat overpowered on my 4. Haven’t pulled the trigger (yet).
Velocicraptor
Velocicraptor
875 posts
875 posts
27 May 2026 10:36pm
Stumbleweed said..
I wing in the Columbia Gorge and have 5-4-3-2.5. I make it work but so often think how much I’d enjoy a 3.5 as I’m riding somewhat overpowered on my 4. Haven’t pulled the trigger (yet).


I wind up using the 3.5 a lot in the Gorge. Probably 30%/50%/20% for 4.5/3.5/3 when Im there.
BWalnut
BWalnut
WA
1165 posts
WA, 1165 posts
27 May 2026 11:06pm
My wing quiver is:
2m Strike v3
2.5m Ocean Rodeo Glide A
2.5m Ocean Rodeo Glide AA
3m Ocean Rodeo Glide AA
as an 86kg rider on a 68l or 77l midlength.

If you are looking to milk every last ounce of performance out of every single session then yes, having every size is great. I really don't think it's necessary though. Once you are riding 3.5m and smaller the gains of dropping a little bit of fabric here and there don't seem as valuable to me. If I was in your shoes I'd keep the sails you have and pick up a smaller foil for days when it's getting extra windy. That way you get the double benefit of if you trash your 3.5m one day you can probably force the 3m to work while you get a repair or replacement whereas a 2.5m will likely not save you if your 3.5 is dead.
WindMode
WindMode
811 posts
811 posts
27 May 2026 11:58pm
I used to use a 5m for all conditions. Now switched to a 4.5m. Im 100kgs. I think you'll manage with either. 4.5m gets me 12-35+ knots of range.
carlosk
carlosk
10 posts
10 posts
28 May 2026 12:59am
WindMode said..
I used to use a 5m for all conditions. Now switched to a 4.5m. Im 100kgs. I think you'll manage with either. 4.5m gets me 12-35+ knots of range.


with the same front wing?
WindMode
WindMode
811 posts
811 posts
28 May 2026 1:03am
carlosk said..

WindMode said..
I used to use a 5m for all conditions. Now switched to a 4.5m. Im 100kgs. I think you'll manage with either. 4.5m gets me 12-35+ knots of range.



with the same front wing?


Well, yes, I can do all those conditions with my F-One 1090cm2 Eagle, but above 17-18 knots or so I generally switch to a 750cm2 Sk8 because its allowed to jump with. The 1090 is quite handleable with the 4.5 in 35 knots though, not harder than the 750, maybe a little heavier on the arms but its still a fast foil.
kiter63
kiter63
57 posts
57 posts
28 May 2026 2:29am
I’m 75kg and have the exact same quiver as you. I find value in having the 3m.
Percentage wise it would be a big jump from 3.5 to 2.5.
Tony
Faff
Faff
VIC
1419 posts
VIC, 1419 posts
28 May 2026 8:10am
In general, the stronger the wind, the smaller the gaps in the wing sizes. More recent wings do have more range, both bottom and top end. So you should be able to use a 3.5 in 30 knots, especially with a harness. But it depends on your goals. If you wish to use the smallest wing possible, then you should get both a 3.0 and a 2.5.
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