New Armstrong A-Wings..

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5 years ago

Wing Foiling

HubDekkers

49 posts

HubDekkers

49 posts

10 Sep 2020 10:01pm

I personally do not have any experience with the 6m wasp. I own a 5. I would consider it equal to that for sure, but have not done any back to back testing.

What I tried to say is someone else was on a 6m wasp and we were both getting on foil at the same time.

I have seen comments that people compare a 4.5 to a 7. This to me seems unrealistic. Yes, there is better low end compared to what I used before, but for me not to that extend. I would mostly be using it in the same windrange as I would use my wasps, but now have the ability to use a sinker board instead of a floaty one. For me the deep waterstarts still require quite some pull from the wing.

Hope this clarifies.

MidTide

QLD

28 posts

MidTide

QLD, 28 posts

13 Sep 2020 12:07pm

Comparing the Armstrong 4.5 to the 5.4 sling wing, Visually the Armstrong 4.5 seems to have allot more material than the 5.4 sling wing. Is the Armstrong 4.5 Actually 4.5 square meters ?

warwickl

NSW

2360 posts

warwickl

NSW, 2360 posts

13 Sep 2020 2:42pm

MidTide said..
Comparing the Armstrong 4.5 to the 5.4 sling wing, Visually the Armstrong 4.5 seems to have allot more material than the 5.4 sling wing. Is the Armstrong 4.5 Actually 4.5 square meters ?

I have compared a few different brands and there is significant difference in some eg a 4 in one is almost the same as another 5m. Not sure which is correct.

FOILSLEEVE

NSW

85 posts

FOILSLEEVE

NSW, 85 posts

13 Sep 2020 6:31pm

emmafoils said..

HubDekkers said..
Of course I can. :)

I compare it to the Wasps I have. I have had tons on sessions on those.

The Awing is much stiffer and much more direct than the wasp. When pumping you feel all the energy is translated into forward motion instead of the wing absorbing it. This means that the wing is much more powerful. This allows me to, either use a size smaller, or use a small board. I have been learning to wingfoil with a 33 liter board. The more tucked in wingtips help with deep water starts as they are less likely to catch while you are deep in the water.

Over the weekend I have been comparing it to others on the water. I was on the 4.5 Awing. Other on a 6m wasp, 5.4 sling, 5.3 naish and 5 duotone. Of course skills matter here as well. Not saying the others were not good or that I am brilliant (joke), but I was able to get up on foil same as the 6/5.4 and much much earlier compared to the 5.3/5. So safe to say low-end if pretty good.

I also enjoy the lack of flutter. It is more silent compared to the wasp. I also like the handles. They are stiffer compared to the wasp. They take a bit of getting used to as the positioning is slightly different. I am not a window hater. They are in the wing but I hardly use/notice them. Actually only riding switch I'm able to look through them (due to the position of the wing). Beyond that I have been moving the wing up to look around as I have been doing with the wasps. Maybe I'll use them more in the future. One thing to bear in mind when inflating is that the valves are positioned properly and are solid in the wing. They attach with velcro so if they are not in the right place, the bladder might come out. I haven't yet do a weight compare, so do not know which one is heavier/lighter.

To summarize, I consider it to really be in another league compared to the v1 wasp, but I am sure the v2 wasp will be a significant step forward as well.

Thanks for the detailed information. Just to be clear, are you saying you find low end of the AWing 4.5 comparable to the Wasp 6? Do you have any conflicts of interest to disclose? Thanks again.

I have an A-wing 5.5 and it is easily as powerful as the 6m WASP.... and much more powerful than my 5.3 Naish. Not sure how they have done it, but the A-wing is bloody amazing!

mcrt

643 posts

mcrt

643 posts

13 Sep 2020 7:34pm

Well, if they are in fact oversized i think it is kind of cheating no?.
Being more powerful than the Naish is not that hard,many wings are.
More powerful than the Wasp with .5m less is an achievement,if the sizes are true...

FOILSLEEVE

NSW

85 posts

FOILSLEEVE

NSW, 85 posts

14 Sep 2020 8:54am

mcrt said..
Well, if they are in fact oversized i think it is kind of cheating no?.
Being more powerful than the Naish is not that hard,many wings are.
More powerful than the Wasp with .5m less is an achievement,if the sizes are true...

The A-wing 5.5 does not feel any where near as big in your hands as the 6m WASP. It feels like a 5m to handle. I have a 7m airush as well, which is an altogether bigger beast in every way.

dejavu

825 posts

dejavu

825 posts

14 Sep 2020 7:10am

StampnSteer said..

The A-wing 5.5 does not feel any where near as big in your hands as the 6m WASP. It feels like a 5m to handle. I have a 7m airush as well, which is an altogether bigger beast in every way.

How does the 5.5 Armstrong compare power wise to the 7 metre Air Rush? Is it close or is there a substantial difference? On a light wind day which wing will you be on?

Main

QLD

2338 posts

Main

QLD, 2338 posts

19 Sep 2020 7:57pm

Anyone know any shops in Aus that have these in stock ????

northy1

500 posts

northy1

500 posts

20 Sep 2020 2:32am

Are they connected with ozone...will the wasp v2 be the same?

Alysum

NSW

1030 posts

Alysum

NSW, 1030 posts

20 Sep 2020 11:27am

northy1 said..
Are they connected with ozone...will the wasp v2 be the same?

both designers live in the same NZ city so I think they will be quite similar.

northy1

500 posts

northy1

500 posts

21 Sep 2020 4:27pm

Thanks Asylum - keen to hear details of the new Wasp (Armstrong are too expensive for me, in UK)

ps
do people tend to stick to 1 brand or mix in the different sizes?
i have a 6m unit and will need a smaller (i guess a 4m?) but might contemplate a Wasp V2 4m when it comes out

DB2

101 posts

DB2

101 posts

21 Sep 2020 5:13pm

Hi Asylum,

do you have any first-hand info, or is it just guessing? That would be very stupid from Ozone. And who would by an Armstrong wing in the future, when you can probably get the Ozone V2 for less. I can get a Wasp V1 (new) for half the price of an A-Wing!

DB2

101 posts

DB2

101 posts

21 Sep 2020 5:13pm

Alysum

NSW

1030 posts

Alysum

NSW, 1030 posts

21 Sep 2020 9:37pm

northy1 said..
Thanks Asylum - keen to hear details of the new Wasp (Armstrong are too expensive for me, in UK)

ps
do people tend to stick to 1 brand or mix in the different sizes?
i have a 6m unit and will need a smaller (i guess a 4m?) but might contemplate a Wasp V2 4m when it comes out

I don't have any details sorry.

In your case I would get a 4m unit. It's good to have a quiver of 2 from the same model for consistency plus the unit looks great... I have a 6+4m from the same model but thinking of using a different brand for the 5m sweet spot

hilly

8120 posts

hilly

WA, 8120 posts

21 Sep 2020 7:44pm

DB2 said..
Hi Asylum,

do you have any first-hand info, or is it just guessing? That would be very stupid from Ozone. And who would by an Armstrong wing in the future, when you can probably get the Ozone V2 for less. I can get a Wasp V1 (new) for half the price of an A-Wing!

Where? They are a similar price here. Half price wasp would be awesome.

DB2

101 posts

DB2

101 posts

21 Sep 2020 9:15pm

Hi Hilly,

I got my 5m Wasp for ?600,-, the 6m retails for around ?900,-. The A-Wing retails for ?1200,-

hilly

8120 posts

hilly

WA, 8120 posts

22 Sep 2020 4:58am

DB2 said..
Hi Hilly,

I got my 5m Wasp for ?600,-, the 6m retails for around ?900,-. The A-Wing retails for ?1200,-

Totally different prices here both about 1400. Can you post a link for the wasp @ 600 bucks. At Real Kiteboarding the 4.5 is a 100 more than the wasp 5 at 995 so certainly not double.

FrothAddict

10 posts

FrothAddict

10 posts

13 Oct 2020 4:35pm

MidAtlanticFoil said..

hilly said..
Good info from horses mouth www.instagram.com/tv/CEZAafgDldc/?igshid=d86zqozflaxa

DWF pointed out the HA prototype wing in the background. Talk about a blade! I heard that Armie was saying that most 'HA' wings on the market today are not true HA. I think he's going for the true HA, which probably comes with all kinds of challenges, hence the amount or R&D.

Look what I spied...quickly snuck back to the depths of Armie's van after the session

Goofcat

271 posts

Goofcat

271 posts

14 Oct 2020 1:55pm

dejavu said..

StampnSteer said..

The A-wing 5.5 does not feel any where near as big in your hands as the 6m WASP. It feels like a 5m to handle. I have a 7m airush as well, which is an altogether bigger beast in every way.

How does the 5.5 Armstrong compare power wise to the 7 metre Air Rush? Is it close or is there a substantial difference? On a light wind day which wing will you be on?

I have an Armstrong 3.5, it is way more powerful than the Airush 4M I was using. Wing span is 108 inches for the Armstrong, 115 inches for the Airush.

Also rode the Airush 3M and the Wasp 3M. Ozone's handles were floppy and loose, feeling disconnected. Airush was well thought out and executed.

warwickl

NSW

2360 posts

warwickl

NSW, 2360 posts

14 Oct 2020 6:48pm

FrothAddict said..

MidAtlanticFoil said..

hilly said..
Good info from horses mouth www.instagram.com/tv/CEZAafgDldc/?igshid=d86zqozflaxa

Look what I spied...quickly snuck back to the depths of Armie's van after the session

Looks like this

stroppo

748 posts

stroppo

WA, 748 posts

14 Oct 2020 8:30pm

I had my first look at a A wing today and was very impressed by the window material that can be crinkled up with out damage so can be packed up easily sort off a latexe what is anybody thoughts about the material it's made off.

Main

QLD

2338 posts

Main

QLD, 2338 posts

18 Oct 2020 7:14pm

913pepper said..
Have seen a 4.5 and have heard of another locally that has had the strut bladder burst during inflation/deflation. Has anyone else heard that this might be a problem with the A Wing

Just got a new 5.5m. used it 3 times.

strut bladder burst today when pumping it up.
been pumping up kites for 10 years and never had a bladder burst !

wasnt even close to what I'd call "pumped up hard".

anders884

54 posts

anders884

54 posts

18 Oct 2020 5:35pm

Main said..

Sadly I had a leak on the inside below the valve. This was discovered on my 5th session. I also don't pump it close to the recommended pressure.
Pack my wing in a large bag so I don't have to stuff it into the rather small supplied backpack. Just goes quicker

longboard

180 posts

longboard

180 posts

20 Oct 2020 3:53pm

I'm hearing more & more issues with the A-wing...
One dealer states that 9/15 they had sold have been returned.
Mostly bladders popping.

I'm bummed - I was keen to order a 5.5m!

In fairness I should add that Armstrong are apparently sorting out the customers who experienced issues...it's just taking a while. As is everything with a supply chain nowadays...

emmafoils

307 posts

emmafoils

307 posts

21 Oct 2020 3:08am

longboard said..
I'm hearing more & more issues with the A-wing...
One dealer states that 9/15 they had sold have been returned.
Mostly bladders popping.

I'm bummed - I was keen to order a 5.5m!

In fairness I should add that Armstrong are apparently sorting out the customers who experienced issues...it's just taking a while. As is everything with a supply chain nowadays...

Do you know what the number are like as far as strut vs leading edge bladder problems? From what I read it seems all strut bladders. There is apparently a fix that involves anchoring the strut bladder.

FrothAddict

10 posts

FrothAddict

10 posts

21 Oct 2020 8:38am

Got the 5.5 A wing and used it first time in 8, gusting 13 knots. It is significantly more powerful than a 5m Wasp despite a very similar size to the Wasp ( non pumped up overlay on the grass). The Strut & LE material appears heavier duty & stiffer than the Wasp which gives the A wing a more solid feel to it. I also tried an Ensis 5.2 in 9 - 15 knots. The Ensis is certainly more powerful than the wasp but not in the same league as the Armstrong. Ensis holds its profile in the tacks, but I do notice it's not as forgiving as the Wasp or Armstrong, both of which feel more comfortable in the tack. I found the handles of the Armstrong to be in the perfect spots and they felt really comfortable. Ensis by comparison felt weird and on a knee start, felt they could of put a another front handle so I didn't have to reach under the strut so far in. Maybe I'm just use to using the y handles on the Wasp. I didn't like the bag on the A wing: too small & didn't notice the windows so I'd like to see these left out in v2. Overall impression of Armstrong : powerful, well built, easy to handle due to small size vs power. A very nice product. N.b, This has been used 3 times and no bladder issues to report.

longboard

180 posts

longboard

180 posts

21 Oct 2020 3:28pm

emmafoils said..

Apparently - as far as I've heard it's been the strut bladder popping.
Just heard back form a very reputable dealer who acknowledged that issue with the A Wing and says it's been addressed by anchoring the strut bladder as you mention.

Also got an email from Armstrong saying the burst bladder issues have been resolved by this modification...

So it sounds like it's all good now...

Maybe time for me to pull the trigger on an A Wing...

Would be keen to keep hearing from current owners on how the wing is holding up.

longboard

180 posts

longboard

180 posts

21 Oct 2020 3:30pm

And to current A Wing owners...

I'm looking for a wing that is super grungy in low wind Conditions...
I have a Naish S25 6m which has worked well but feels a tad heavy and cumbersome - to me.

I'm hoping the A Wing is as light as I've heard and as powerful & stiff as it seems...?

emmafoils

307 posts

emmafoils

307 posts

21 Oct 2020 3:37pm

longboard said..
And to current A Wing owners...

I'm looking for a wing that is super grungy in low wind Conditions...
I have a Naish S25 6m which has worked well but feels a tad heavy and cumbersome - to me.

I'm hoping the A Wing is as light as I've heard and as powerful & stiff as it seems...?

I have used both and can tell you that the A-wing 5.5 vs the S25 6m is like a motorcycle (A-wing) vs. a bicycle (Naish) in terms of power. You will be shocked at the difference.

longboard

180 posts

longboard

180 posts

21 Oct 2020 6:43pm

emmafoils said..

I have used both and can tell you that the A-wing 5.5 vs the S25 6m is like a motorcycle (A-wing) vs. a bicycle (Naish) in terms of power. You will be shocked at the difference.

NICE!
that's what I want to hear...
damn this sport is Draining my $...

i wonder if it's worth waiting for the WASP V2...who knows?!

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