9 posts
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
WA
982 posts
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).
9 posts
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
NSW
216 posts
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
874 posts
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.
150 posts
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).
