So after months of pestering the fine folk at Ocean Rodeo I managed to procure possibly the 1st 7m glide in North America(lol)
First off-the idea of light wind winging has been good in theory but bad in Practice. Usually the larger wings are too big, flappy and heavy. However, I have see the light!- as follows:
The aspect ratio is much lower than the normal glides. I think it may be the same width as the 6m, with more draft. Nice tight canopy, stiff like...well... real stiff Allula feel and feather light. It flagged out in 5knots.
Sadly it did not come with Carbon Handles or a Boom and I had to choke down another wi g with dacron foam handles. I hear the Carbon handles are weeks away.

The session today was between 9&14 knots of wind. There was a swell running in the strait of Juna de Fuca,


and I was hoping to get onto some and glide down the line. With all my other 6m/big wings the problem I had in these conditions, was not enough wind in the wing when flying at it on a wave. Today-No problems, the wing flagged our terrifically. I put it overhead and it didn't try to roll on me, like the regular glides can do.
It was nicely powered in 10-12 knots. When doing handwork it pivotted on a central axis. similar to how a wave kite turns, which made it really easy to control this giant wing lol. In fact, it just felts really balanced and refined. At 14 knots it started pulling pretty good but didn't have heavy...bar pressure(?). It didn't feel like a Mac truck like some other large wings have felt or used
Im a fan of Ocean Rodeo, but i use all sorts of wings and kites etc. I currently have Konrad v4 , Duotone Unit and Neo, Roams & Glides. The Unit gives the glide a good run, but the glides are the flagship of my fleet no question. This 7m exceeded all expectations. I can't wait till our wave season when we often have 10-14 knots wave days. Days that were kind of unusable...untill now. It doesn't work in no wind- I had a 30 minute paddle back in today lol.

I'd personally like to see some kind of handle or grab system right at the interface of the strut and LE so I can manhandle this huge LE in stronger winds. It's in no way lacking, just what I'd like to see(i might have to get fabricating)

Anyways just my experience, thought it deserved its own topic. I think this is a big Win for OR and I can't wait to get on it again! I'll throw some photos up tomorrow.

Is their 7m a different aspect ratio or design than their 6m or 5m?

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Fishdude said..
Is their 7m a different aspect ratio or design than their 6m or 5m?

"The aspect ratio is much lower than the normal glides. I think it may be the same width as the 6m, with more draft..."

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Fishdude said..
Is their 7m a different aspect ratio or design than their 6m or 5m?

"The aspect ratio is much lower than the normal glides. I think it may be the same width as the 6m, with more draft..."

Got a few details from the Guys at OR.
Asoect Ratio 1.7
wing span 3.4m
center chord 2.4m

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martyman said..
Got a few details from the Guys at OR.
Asoect Ratio 1.7
wing span 3.4m
center chord 2.4m

5.05 pds

So I sprang for a 7M Glide and just had my first session.
You might ask: Why would I buy a 7M when I weigh 65kgs? Well I love my 5M Glide and have success winging with my 1325 in 10.5kts, but I want to be able to ride smaller wings in similar wind or drop my wind range. We have a lot of days in the summer that are 5-11 KT range.

So first session... Wind picked up from 5-11 knts to 9-16knts right as I pulled up to the spot. I left my prone setup intact and threw it on my 60L wing board, so 925 and 72cm mast. Despite the short mast, I didn't have any wingtip drag! I was worried the wind would be too strong for me at my weight, but I had no problems at all. Pretty much a flat water spot, so no wave action. Weeds were a everywhere, but the wing gave me plenty of pull to shake free and pull a few airs. I wanted to test the low end, but ended up on the upper end. I've never been bummed for the wind to pick up ha! So for the first session, I give the wing a 10 out of 10. It really rides much smaller than it is. I nailed all of my toeside tacks and Heineken gybes no problem. Super solid frame, as to be expected. Two light pulls and I was up on the 925. Probably would have rigged the 1125 if I had the 5M out.

On the shore practicing tacks, it did seem to backwind/dive on the tacks into the stronger gusts, by I didn't notice it on the water. The wing flags level in barely any wind. Very impressive.

What do you guys feel is the upper wind limit for the 7m?

At 100kg and using a 1550v2 foil, I'm looking at the 7m for the approx. 8-13kn light wind days, and during those sessions I normally also get the occasional sustained 15-20kn periods for 10+ minutes.

You think it can be powered up in gusts up to 20kn without having to spill too much air? (although i can imagine the power would be a lot!).

Hard to say how it would go up toward 20 knts. The owners manual says 8-12 knts range. The wind meter during my session had a gust just over 17knts and I never felt out of control or anything. On the beach practicing tacks the wind picked up slightly and the wing did tend to dive / backwind a bit when passing through the eye of the wind overhead. I didn't notice it on the water.

Looks like a great wing. And at 5lbs for a 7m I'd guess it's pumps pretty good also.

Do they have a price for the full length carbon boom yet? That boom looks very nice.

The price will be holding me back for this year. Thier is another 7m wing that I like that's in my budget but it probably 7lbs but almost the same dimensions. It would be nice to see some side by side. Comparison of the light wind wings. CWC, A Glide, 2023 SuperPower...

I bet a retailer will be doing a comparison of the big wings soon. I haven't come across any yet.

(posted this on Standupzone, figured I'd repost here):

I just got to test the low end limit. Rigged the HA 1325 and paddled out into a measly 5mph breeze hoping for a puff (it had been blowing for an hour before I got there around 12mph). The wing was barely staying up from the LE handle sitting on my board. After 10 minutes or so, I felt a bit of breeze in my ear and did a Stinkbug and up to my feet. The 60L sank to my knees before I was able to pump and few times and get some speed on the board. To my surprise I was able to get up in what must have been 7-10mph after 6-8 strong pumps. It was messy too, with wing tips dragging and all. The damn floppy handles are a joke, as I was literally punching the strut with my back hand on the recoil. I can't wait for the boom or carbon handles.

Once up I was home free. Comfortably cruising with the ability to do some power carves with wingtips out. I'm still preferring to do Heineken gybes over standard gybes. It's amazing how the wing will just come around, full of air and ready to keep trucking in the new tack. Standard gybes in that light air requires some coercion with the free hand and results in a moment of apprehension coupled with arm and leg pumps. The racing gybe is another better alternative to the standard gybe. Toeside tacks felt amazing, although the carbon handles will make them so much cleaner.

25 minutes later, after running a few slalom laps along a string of crab pots in some stronger 14mph gusts, a botched heelside tack coincided with the dreaded drop of the wind. I was up river and the tide was flooding. Luckily my nice neighbor waved me in to his dock, saving me a 30-45 minute paddle, and shared a few cold ones with me as the sun set.

Will be interesting to see what the market is for a super premium "big wing". I'm willing to bet its extremely small, but who knows.

In my mind, I'm willing to pay a premium for my sweet spot wings to maximize the "good days". Ive got a 5m A Series Glide and would also consider a 4m if I rebuilt my quiver. That said, a 7m wing is a session saver / novelty wing for me and is not going to see that much use. I have a CWC and its great for what it is, but I don't think I'm ever going to have a super stoked day in 12 knots of wind - regardless of the wing I use. As such, I wouldn't pay super premium prices for that end of my quiver.

That said, 7m is probably the sweet spot for someone (and that someone is the target audience for this wing), but I bet that market is teeny tiny.

--Tangentially Related Divergences-->

Re: Aluula: I was recently in a situation where I used my Glide with the strut not fully inflated (user error). It wasn't soft - probably ~8 psi, consistent with many other conventional wings. Obviously this isn't how the wing was intended to be used, but its unbelievably revealing as to how much difference the strut stiffness makes! Makes me wonder if the HL wings are 99% as good, since the strut is full Aluula. Other than weight I wonder how much different the A series and HL series are.

Re: large wings: Flipping these big wings over when you are on a negative volume board is brutal. Usually there isn't much wind to help you flip it, and you cant get the leverage unless you are elevated above the water surface. Doesn't happen often, but I found myself way offshore recently and had a real struggle. The solution is not to let it flip, but anybody else have this issue? No issues on a positive volume board.

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Velocicraptor said..
Will be interesting to see what the market is for a super premium "big wing". I'm willing to bet its extremely small, but who knows.

In my mind, I'm willing to pay a premium for my sweet spot wings to maximize the "good days". Ive got a 5m A Series Glide and would also consider a 4m if I rebuilt my quiver. That said, a 7m wing is a session saver / novelty wing for me and is not going to see that much use. I have a CWC and its great for what it is, but I don't think I'm ever going to have a super stoked day in 12 knots of wind - regardless of the wing I use. As such, I wouldn't pay super premium prices for that end of my quiver.

That said, 7m is probably the sweet spot for someone (and that someone is the target audience for this wing), but I bet that market is teeny tiny.

--Tangentially Related Divergences-->

Re: Aluula: I was recently in a situation where I used my Glide with the strut not fully inflated (user error). It wasn't soft - probably ~8 psi, consistent with many other conventional wings. Obviously this isn't how the wing was intended to be used, but its unbelievably revealing as to how much difference the strut stiffness makes! Makes me wonder if the HL wings are 99% as good, since the strut is full Aluula. Other than weight I wonder how much different the A series and HL series are.

Re: large wings: Flipping these big wings over when you are on a negative volume board is brutal. Usually there isn't much wind to help you flip it, and you cant get the leverage unless you are elevated above the water surface. Doesn't happen often, but I found myself way offshore recently and had a real struggle. The solution is not to let it flip, but anybody else have this issue?

Yeah, I'm with ya on the tiny market for a premium wing this size, but who knows. I'm hoping to score some fun surfing with it when the 5M wouldn't cut it, especially when the sea breeze is just picking up, before the chop gets on it! I would rather use the 7M and a 725 or 925 than the 5M and a 1325 in waves waist high or bigger.

Another case use would be for downwind racing. Robert S. from blue planet won the recent DW Wing race on Oahu with a 7M Alien Wing. 2nd place with to another 7M alien wing. Our DW Seabreeze runs are often times up and down from 18 kts with lots of spots in the 10-12 kt range. Might be fun to try the 7M.

I will be using mine in some races in the future i'm sure. Our local crew is talking about some not so serious racing so it will be fun to have a wing with this much pull.

Regarding the wing flip, i had to flip mine twice and the only way is to get beside the wing and use the wingtip to flip the LE of the wing into the wind so it catches and flips over...granted with hardly any wind it is tricky with a wing this size.

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MidAtlanticFoil said..
The damn floppy handles are a joke, as I was literally punching the strut with my back hand on the recoil. I can't wait for the boom or carbon handles.

Curious if you took off the middle handle to take out some of the slack from the front/back handle? (and they were still loose)

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kiwiupover said..

MidAtlanticFoil said..
The damn floppy handles are a joke, as I was literally punching the strut with my back hand on the recoil. I can't wait for the boom or carbon handles.

Curious if you took off the middle handle to take out some of the slack from the front/back handle? (and they were still loose)

I have removed the 5M's middle handle, but have not on the 7M. I keep forgetting to take it off to lengthen the two handles until i'm on the water. The slack in the handles mainly bug me when pumping like a mad man (underpowered) or when I'm tacking. Other than that, they are fine - very comfortable. These wings are so well designed, but it feels like I'm driving a sports car with loose steering wheel or under-inflated tires. The carbon handles are going to make it much more responsive, which may or may not be a good thing, depending on the rider. I'm also wondering how the neutral angle of the front handle will feel.

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Velocicraptor said..
Re: Aluula: I was recently in a situation where I used my Glide with the strut not fully inflated (user error). It wasn't soft - probably ~8 psi, consistent with many other conventional wings. Obviously this isn't how the wing was intended to be used, but its unbelievably revealing as to how much difference the strut stiffness makes! Makes me wonder if the HL wings are 99% as good, since the strut is full Aluula. Other than weight I wonder how much different the A series and HL series are.

Full Aluula makes a big difference on the big wings! I've tested the HL 6M against the CWC 6M on a very light day. Had the 5.5M Strike V2 on hand as well. Long story short. Couldn't fly with the HL, did fly with both Strikes (barley though). 5.5 was my favorite but I suspect it's because the CWC 6 is heavily used and less ergonomic than the 5.5.

The OR Glide wing could benefit from the Strike V2 handles but for 6M and up I really think rigid handles/booms is the way to go.

Regarding the wing flip, what MidAtlanticFoil said works for me as well.

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MidAtlanticFoil said..

I have removed the 5M's middle handle, but have not on the 7M. I keep forgetting to take it off to lengthen the two handles until i'm on the water. The slack in the handles mainly bug me when pumping like a mad man (underpowered) or when I'm tacking. Other than that, they are fine - very comfortable. These wings are so well designed, but it feels like I'm driving a sports car with loose steering wheel or under-inflated tires. The carbon handles are going to make it much more responsive, which may or may not be a good thing, depending on the rider. I'm also wondering how the neutral angle of the front handle will feel.

I tried my friend's Aluula 7M yesterday with his custom carbon front handle. Conditions were terrible (6-12 knots) but I got flying on my 72L and HA1125 and was really impressed despite only riding it for a short session. The frame is rock solid for pumping and the canopy tension felt right as well. This wing will be insane for 10-12 knot marginal wind wave riding as it flags out so nicely for a big wing. This is where the lightweight shines for sure in the larger sizes. Under 5m I'm not sure the price is worth it. The stock handles are really comfy but the sports car with a loose steering wheel analogy is what sprung to mind when I tested the earlier protos as well. The carbon handle my friend built was perfectly stiff and makes a huge difference for pumping. The 7m was the most impressive OR wing I've tried so far.

3rd 7M session today. Our club planned on a morning of races, but the forecasted 17knts outta the N turned out to be a meager breeze from the E at around 10-12knts going with the 1knot flood tide.

The fleet had wings ranging from 5-7M, with mine being the only 7. Needless to say I took the W. The wind at the outside mark on the slightly upwind/close reach got really light and I was able to tack and take the perfect line around the solo mark, while the 6 and 5m continued out past the mark searching for a puff to make the transition. On the broad reach to the finish, the wind picked up and I was struggling to keep the 1325 and 7M in check. Hit about 16mph, without really punching it at all.
After that, the flood tide ate the threshold needed to get up and we were done.

My buddy on a 5M nearly took the win after an insane start, so I'm not sure the 7M is the reason I won, but it sure didn't hurt!

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burchas said..

Velocicraptor said..
Re: Aluula: I was recently in a situation where I used my Glide with the strut not fully inflated (user error). It wasn't soft - probably ~8 psi, consistent with many other conventional wings. Obviously this isn't how the wing was intended to be used, but its unbelievably revealing as to how much difference the strut stiffness makes! Makes me wonder if the HL wings are 99% as good, since the strut is full Aluula. Other than weight I wonder how much different the A series and HL series are.

Full Aluula makes a big difference on the big wings! I've tested the HL 6M against the CWC 6M on a very light day. Had the 5.5M Strike V2 on hand as well. Long story short. Couldn't fly with the HL, did fly with both Strikes (barley though). 5.5 was my favorite but I suspect it's because the CWC 6 is heavily used and less ergonomic than the 5.5.

The OR Glide wing could benefit from the Strike V2 handles but for 6M and up I really think rigid handles/booms is the way to go.

Regarding the wing flip, what MidAtlanticFoil said works for me as well.

Im now using the full length carbon bar/boom and what an amazing add on to these OR wings
I'm using it all the way down to 4m, instead of the carbon handles. With the boom my winging took an instant upswing. It's great when a piece of gear actually makes you better!

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martyman said..

burchas said..

Velocicraptor said..
Re: Aluula: I was recently in a situation where I used my Glide with the strut not fully inflated (user error). It wasn't soft - probably ~8 psi, consistent with many other conventional wings. Obviously this isn't how the wing was intended to be used, but its unbelievably revealing as to how much difference the strut stiffness makes! Makes me wonder if the HL wings are 99% as good, since the strut is full Aluula. Other than weight I wonder how much different the A series and HL series are.

Full Aluula makes a big difference on the big wings! I've tested the HL 6M against the CWC 6M on a very light day. Had the 5.5M Strike V2 on hand as well. Long story short. Couldn't fly with the HL, did fly with both Strikes (barley though). 5.5 was my favorite but I suspect it's because the CWC 6 is heavily used and less ergonomic than the 5.5.

The OR Glide wing could benefit from the Strike V2 handles but for 6M and up I really think rigid handles/booms is the way to go.

Regarding the wing flip, what MidAtlanticFoil said works for me as well.

Im now using the full length carbon bar/boom and what an amazing add on to these OR wings
I'm using it all the way down to 4m, instead of the carbon handles. With the boom my winging took an instant upswing. It's great when a piece of gear actually makes you better!

Not specific to the 7m (I haven't tried it), but on the 4 and 5m Glide A series wings, Ive found that I MUCH prefer the carbon handle in front with an original soft handle in back. The precision of the carbon handle in front is night and day vs the original soft handle, but the carbon handle in back was just too direct and jerky for me. I get the best of both worlds with the precision of the hard handle in front, but having a little more forgiveness for gusts and timing (and forgiveness on my shoulders) with the soft handle in back. The only benefit I have found to having the carbon handle in back is adding another knot or so of pumping on the low end.

Also - credit where due to OR, but I just processed a warranty claim through them and they were super easy to deal with. They stood behind the product and went above and beyond my expectations.

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Velocicraptor said..

martyman said..

burchas said..

Velocicraptor said..
Re: Aluula: I was recently in a situation where I used my Glide with the strut not fully inflated (user error). It wasn't soft - probably ~8 psi, consistent with many other conventional wings. Obviously this isn't how the wing was intended to be used, but its unbelievably revealing as to how much difference the strut stiffness makes! Makes me wonder if the HL wings are 99% as good, since the strut is full Aluula. Other than weight I wonder how much different the A series and HL series are.

Full Aluula makes a big difference on the big wings! I've tested the HL 6M against the CWC 6M on a very light day. Had the 5.5M Strike V2 on hand as well. Long story short. Couldn't fly with the HL, did fly with both Strikes (barley though). 5.5 was my favorite but I suspect it's because the CWC 6 is heavily used and less ergonomic than the 5.5.

The OR Glide wing could benefit from the Strike V2 handles but for 6M and up I really think rigid handles/booms is the way to go.

Regarding the wing flip, what MidAtlanticFoil said works for me as well.

Im now using the full length carbon bar/boom and what an amazing add on to these OR wings
I'm using it all the way down to 4m, instead of the carbon handles. With the boom my winging took an instant upswing. It's great when a piece of gear actually makes you better!

Not specific to the 7m (I haven't tried it), but on the 4 and 5m Glide A series wings, Ive found that I MUCH prefer the carbon handle in front with an original soft handle in back. The precision of the carbon handle in front is night and day vs the original soft handle, but the carbon handle in back was just too direct and jerky for me. I get the best of both worlds with the precision of the hard handle in front, but having a little more forgiveness for gusts and timing (and forgiveness on my shoulders) with the soft handle in back. The only benefit I have found to having the carbon handle in back is adding another knot or so of pumping on the low end.

Also - credit where due to OR, but I just processed a warranty claim through them and they were super easy to deal with. They stood behind the product and went above and beyond my expectations.

Beauty