Got my hands on a 4.6 XPS yesterday. Now just need some wind. Feel nice and light. I'm stoked

Question:
I have a WMFG 4.0 pump maybe 3 years old. The connection on Armstrong is the bayonet mount. You can read the wing pressure at the bottom of the down stroke briefly. Same behavior as Slingshot I had before. With the F-One wings the pressure holds in the hose so it is easier to fine tune pressure.

Curious if the Armstrong Pumps hold pressure in the hose in between pumps?

Select to expand quote

Foilnut said..
Got my hands on a 4.6 XPS yesterday. Now just need some wind. Feel nice and light. I'm stoked

Question:
I have a WMFG 4.0 pump maybe 3 years old. The connection on Armstrong is the bayonet mount. You can read the wing pressure at the bottom of the down stroke briefly. Same behavior as Slingshot I had before. With the F-One wings the pressure holds in the hose so it is easier to fine tune pressure.

Curious if the Armstrong Pumps hold pressure in the hose in between pumps?

Interesting. I have WMFG 4.0 and Armstrong A2 wing are the only ones that shows pressure and don't leak even my wing with SUP valve leaks a bit.

Select to expand quote

Foilnut said..
Got my hands on a 4.6 XPS yesterday. Now just need some wind. Feel nice and light. I'm stoked

Question:
I have a WMFG 4.0 pump maybe 3 years old. The connection on Armstrong is the bayonet mount. You can read the wing pressure at the bottom of the down stroke briefly. Same behavior as Slingshot I had before. With the F-One wings the pressure holds in the hose so it is easier to fine tune pressure.

Curious if the Armstrong Pumps hold pressure in the hose in between pumps?

Not sure if it's the same as my duotone but for me I replaced the pressure gauge per directions someone else posted - after that the gauge maintained reading better.

amazon - GAUGE Stainless Steel Liquid Filled Pressure, Back Mount 1/8" NPT, 1.5" FACE DIAL, WOG Rated (0-15 PSI) a.co/d/3NL3C51

Select to expand quote

Foilnut said..
Got my hands on a 4.6 XPS yesterday. Now just need some wind. Feel nice and light. I'm stoked

Question:
I have a WMFG 4.0 pump maybe 3 years old. The connection on Armstrong is the bayonet mount. You can read the wing pressure at the bottom of the down stroke briefly. Same behavior as Slingshot I had before. With the F-One wings the pressure holds in the hose so it is easier to fine tune pressure.

Curious if the Armstrong Pumps hold pressure in the hose in between pumps?

Sometimes it's the connection at the pump end that needs tightening. Had that valve-type on kites and wings and holds pressure jammed in, if loose with wrap some tape (ptfe plumbers tape). Kiter taught me not to depend on cheap gauges and to learn how much tip-bend is needed

Thanks for the comments. Did some testing ,the issue is the inside dia of the hose fitting onto the XPS wing. I tried a F-one pump and hose. No issue pressure held while pumping. The inside dia on the F-One was about 0.012" smaller. My F-One pump is old though so may get a new one.

Let me know any feedback on those with Armstrong pump and XPS wing ;O).

What's up foilers.

I just got a 4.6m XPS. Weighed it with battens in and leash on and it was 5.419 lbs.

I was hoping for a 1/2 pound lighter.

looks good. Hope to try it out tomorrow. long time lurker, first time poster.


instagram.com/stories/flightjunkie808/3134104903327955815?utm_source=ig_story_item_share&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Finally had some wind and took my new 4.6m XPS out on the water yesterday. The wind was a bit lighter than I expected at 12 - 15 knots (gusting 22 knots) which is usually where I'd be choosing between a 5m or more likely a 6m sized wing for my weight (63 Kg). I've only flown one other wing brand (Takoon V2 3.5m/5m/6m) and would describe myself as a competent beginner-intermediate (gybes, foot swap, toeside, waves), but not tried jumping yet as more interested in wave riding.

The rigid handles on the new XPS and tight canopy meant that pumping felt really efficient and I was up flying no problem. Initially I felt the rigid handles were a bit too responsive, compared to my previous wings' soft handles, and I seemed to feel every gust of wind. I remember thinking at the time that perhaps rigid handles weren't for me! After an hour of getting used to the new XPS wing I began to enjoy it much more, it had a very intuitive feeling and almost perfect force distribution between front and rear hands when flying. Was out on the water for 2 hours and didn't really feel any more or less hand fatigue than compared to soft handles. Probably less tiring as the load was more even between both arms and the XPS wing can be flown with both arms outstretched in what feels like an efficient riding position due to the angle of the handles.

Gybes were better with the rigid handles as they were easy to grab and help to yank you round the turn. Flagging the wing out on the pillar of the front rigid handle was quite nice too. The XPS wing generally felt very light, almost weightless, and stable when flagged out.

On the downsides, I'm not convinced about the window though as it was only usable for me at my height (1m72) when the wing was flying quite low, with the wing tip almost touching the water. It was easier - or maybe I'm more used to - just lifting the wing up to see rather than moving it down to look through the window. There was only one other person out on the water at the time so I didn't have to look too often. I'd consider replacing the windows with standard canopy ripstop for a bit more longevity as the plastic does seem a bit weaker. My other wings have one-pump inflation which is quicker to inflate as I could attach a battery operated pump with auto cut-off and leave it going while doing something else. The bag is also a very tight fit and to get the wing in requires careful and tight rolling with all air squeezed out. Armie demonstrates how to do this in the video that was posted earlier.

So far I'm glad I made the purchase, albeit this was to replace an 18 month old 5m wing which has 50 sessions and over 100 hours usage so almost any new wing would feel great in comparison! I was also considering the F-One Strike V3 which is similarly priced, I'd be interested to know how it compares to the XPS.

Yeah Flightjunkie! Nice review!!

Select to expand quote

flightjunkie said..
What's up foilers.

I just got a 4.6m XPS. Weighed it with battens in and leash on and it was 5.419 lbs.

I was hoping for a 1/2 pound lighter.

looks good. Hope to try it out tomorrow. long time lurker, first time poster.


instagram.com/stories/flightjunkie808/3134104903327955815?utm_source=ig_story_item_share&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

I'm sure weight are given for all brands without leash, since it's something that is selected based on personal preference. Just like bicycle weight doesn't include pedals.

Just ordered the 4.6 and 5.3. Wish it had been 5.5, 4.5 but the fact that there is supposedly has more top end range has me hopeful that there is enough spread here. I still need to get a 3.5 but they are not available for another month plus. Assuming I like these the way I liked my V2 A Wings I will order one. These two sizes cover 85-90 percent of my riding days.

Select to expand quote

MidAtlanticFoil said..
Yeah Flightjunkie! Nice review!!

Thx!

I'm a few sessions in, and it's a great wing. Plenty of low end and flags out great. And I love the handles and the tight canopy.
-Flightjunkie

Select to expand quote

flightjunkie said..

MidAtlanticFoil said..
Yeah Flightjunkie! Nice review!!

Thx!

I'm a few sessions in, and it's a great wing. Plenty of low end and flags out great. And I love the handles and the tight canopy.
-Flightjunkie

nice! My 4.6 arrives tomorrow. First Armstrong wingding, 5th brand I've purchased.

Armstrong XPS review from Chris at Poseidon Watersports in the UK.

How are riders setting up their harness lines? The XPS wing does have harness loops but they have a pretty small opening and were too small for the ozone harness lines I use directly. I ended up using some parachute cord that I hooked up to the ozone harness. They were pretty tight to feed through.

Got 4.6 and spend over 3h riding. I think hype is not just hype. This is amazing piece of art.

Canopy is tight and there was zero flutter. Tacking is very easy. This wing floats like it was clued to sky. I'm not a big fan of windows but from these you can easily see large area so at least they are just waste like in some wings. I'm not sure about bottom end, but I found this easy to pump on the foil and due to easy handling jibing and tacking was effortles even in lulls without dropping.

It took me an hour to get used to handles because of their square shape, which first felt strange but overall they are gentle for hands.

Only major problem is that now I want to change two other sizes to XPS

Initial run on the 4.6M in the books. Ran the light wind set up with the DW board and 1750/220 (actually was flat water practicing when I felt a breeze). Very impressed and was able to maneuver upwind out of a small estuary for the first time in the gusty 7-20mph winds. The tacks really are effortless. No pull or push up/down from the wing going through the eye of the wind. With some wings, the placement of the front hand is very critical in wing behavior during tacks. Xps seems comfy right at the front of the front handle or near that spot. Much wider margin and very little drag!

I was able to nod my cap at the police boat by flying the wing one handed, which isn't normal for a non boom wing. Made a mental note of that.
Overall this feels like a very cohesive and well thought out wing. My main gripes so far would be the width of the handles, which will be an issue come winter. I'm a harness guy in winter, so not really an issue for me. I can't comment one speed given the slow 1750.

Anyone tried out the 6m? I've got a 4.8 PPC which is great for 15knts & above however I was thinking of a 6m for those lighter days. I'm hoping it can handle the odd gust & be able to spill some wind out if needed

Select to expand quote

Microsurfer said..
Anyone tried out the 6m? I've got a 4.8 PPC which is great for 15knts & above however I was thinking of a 6m for those lighter days. I'm hoping it can handle the odd gust & be able to spill some wind out if needed

i know my son Antman was using the 6m in 30 knots (he weighs 60kg) in Nz ragland for a massive boost athon. doesn't help you but he said the wing handled the excessive wind so well.


He was out today on the 4m is quite light and gusty north easter - on an outer reef break (like 1.7km paddle type outer reef break) and had no issues. remember he's on a 4'5 34L prone board.

i was on the 4.8m PPc and a 1125 front wing and a 76 litre board and was having issues now and then..

so obviosuly the low end is pretty darn good. he was on the 1225 and 180 speed tail for reference

it looks very light and nimble - he was pulling into some hectic waves out there and throwing it around with ease. flags super well.

Nuzzo cruising the 3.5M in solid 25-30knts. I'm riding the 3M OR.

Anyone ridden the Strike v3 vs the new XPS care to feedback? These 2 i think are the reference currently for flagging out / wave riding?
(i am ignoring Smik here as they are not seen in the UK)

Select to expand quote

northy1 said..
Anyone ridden the Strike v3 vs the new XPS care to feedback? These 2 i think are the reference currently for flagging out / wave riding?
(i am ignoring Smik here as they are not seen in the UK)

I have both and if you're only looking at these two i'd probably give a very slight edge to the Armstrong on these 2 parameters.
You couldn't go wrong with either but the Armstrong feels slightly lighter and it's a lot cheaper.

That said, nighter hit home run for me and I'm going to sell both. At this point in time I think both companies are holding back.

The handles on both are inadequate compared with what's already available on the market imo and the newly designed Strike would
probably see the biggest performance boost with a proper hard handles. I might even keep it just to modify and test this.

The Armstrong feels cheap (materials wise) in comparison to the F-one and I suspect it will not hold as well.

I'm now looking at the new Ozone Flux for wave riding. That would be a comparison I'd like to read about.

hey Burchas - see this?

in one of the videos Chris comments:
Some summary points: Sheeted in/blasting - the strike is aggressive and grunty, the XPS is soft and smooth. Through the turn - the xps slices through wind and slides through the air, the Strike lifts supportively and powers out. Flagged out - the strike trails behind effortlessly, the XPS can be pushed easily to float where you want it.

Select to expand quote

MokesMax said..

Foilnut said..
Got my hands on a 4.6 XPS yesterday. Now just need some wind. Feel nice and light. I'm stoked

Question:
I have a WMFG 4.0 pump maybe 3 years old. The connection on Armstrong is the bayonet mount. You can read the wing pressure at the bottom of the down stroke briefly. Same behavior as Slingshot I had before. With the F-One wings the pressure holds in the hose so it is easier to fine tune pressure.

Curious if the Armstrong Pumps hold pressure in the hose in between pumps?

Not sure if it's the same as my duotone but for me I replaced the pressure gauge per directions someone else posted - after that the gauge maintained reading better.

amazon - GAUGE Stainless Steel Liquid Filled Pressure, Back Mount 1/8" NPT, 1.5" FACE DIAL, WOG Rated (0-15 PSI) a.co/d/3NL3C51

I would NOT recommend that gauge!

It is cold temperature sensitive, mine became every inaccurate in the winter. The digital gauges I've used have been 99% accurate year around. www.amazon.com/Pressure-Connector-Protector-Uharbour-Accuracy/dp/B07CXMBXRP/ref=sr_1_4?crid=GEF1QFZRU3ES&keywords=digital+pressure+gauge+0-15+psi&qid=1689448118&sprefix=digital+pressure+gauge+0-15+psi%2Caps%2C88&sr=8-4

Select to expand quote

northy1 said..
hey Burchas - see this?

in one of the videos Chris comments:
Some summary points: Sheeted in/blasting - the strike is aggressive and grunty, the XPS is soft and smooth. Through the turn - the xps slices through wind and slides through the air, the Strike lifts supportively and powers out. Flagged out - the strike trails behind effortlessly, the XPS can be pushed easily to float where you want it.

Thx! Seems like he's going to release a comparison video for the above wings. Should be interesting, he has some good points.

Select to expand quote

burchas said..

northy1 said..
Anyone ridden the Strike v3 vs the new XPS care to feedback? These 2 i think are the reference currently for flagging out / wave riding?
(i am ignoring Smik here as they are not seen in the UK)

I have both and if you're only looking at these two i'd probably give a very slight edge to the Armstrong on these 2 parameters.
You couldn't go wrong with either but the Armstrong feels slightly lighter and it's a lot cheaper.

That said, nighter hit home run for me and I'm going to sell both. At this point in time I think both companies are holding back.

The handles on both are inadequate compared with what's already available on the market imo and the newly designed Strike would
probably see the biggest performance boost with a proper hard handles. I might even keep it just to modify and test this.

The Armstrong feels cheap (materials wise) in comparison to the F-one and I suspect it will not hold as well.

I'm now looking at the new Ozone Flux for wave riding. That would be a comparison I'd like to read about.

"feels cheap" and "suspect" it won't hold as well.


any other amazing subjective and predictive speculations to chuck in the mix ?

Select to expand quote

eppo said..

burchas said..

northy1 said..
Anyone ridden the Strike v3 vs the new XPS care to feedback? These 2 i think are the reference currently for flagging out / wave riding?
(i am ignoring Smik here as they are not seen in the UK)

I have both and if you're only looking at these two i'd probably give a very slight edge to the Armstrong on these 2 parameters.
You couldn't go wrong with either but the Armstrong feels slightly lighter and it's a lot cheaper.

That said, nighter hit home run for me and I'm going to sell both. At this point in time I think both companies are holding back.

The handles on both are inadequate compared with what's already available on the market imo and the newly designed Strike would
probably see the biggest performance boost with a proper hard handles. I might even keep it just to modify and test this.

The Armstrong feels cheap (materials wise) in comparison to the F-one and I suspect it will not hold as well.

I'm now looking at the new Ozone Flux for wave riding. That would be a comparison I'd like to read about.

"feels cheap" and "suspect" it won't hold as well.


any other amazing subjective and predictive speculations to chuck in the mix ?

Not really speculation... Armie said it him self, he referred to it as inexpensive though, like the bag that came with the wing. Zipper broke after second use, lets just say I wan't surprised.

Just had the opportunity to run in an 8 race wing regatta over the weekend and ran the 4.6M XPS with the 725/935M/60F/140dart. Ended up getting 2nd out of 16 racers. The winger who got first was running a 7M Takoon and Lift 120 and was just a bit faster - and he was really strong to hold down that set-up! Wind was 15-20 knots and dropped off for the last two races, which hurt me.

The 4.6M felt great on the first 4 races (slalom), allowing me to hit 22.2mph and feel really comfortable. Lots of lead changes and fun ** talking with friends mid race, taking wind etc. Race committee may have missed some start violations, which is a bummer, as I know I had to come off foil on at least once to avoid a violation.

XPS feeling really comfortable pushing speeds to my max (not that fast compared to some on this forum). Next race, I'll probably size up my wing and maybe go smaller to the HA525 or MA625. I've been riding the 1750MA mostly lately, so it was fun to get on some small wings and push it!

I think the material and quality is really nice on the wings.

Select to expand quote

burchas said..

northy1 said..
Anyone ridden the Strike v3 vs the new XPS care to feedback? These 2 i think are the reference currently for flagging out / wave riding?
(i am ignoring Smik here as they are not seen in the UK)

That said, nighter hit home run for me and I'm going to sell both. At this point in time I think both companies are holding back.

Curious to ask what Wings do you rate higher / why?

PS
See F-One just released the new Swing v3 - i think for me that looks more appropriate than the Strike (and closer to the XPS) as its wave / luffing focused..i dont jump or race and i still keep hearing comments (anecdotal) about the new v3 strikes poor low end and tips hitting the water...im currently on strike v2s

Select to expand quote

northy1 said..

burchas said..

northy1 said..
Anyone ridden the Strike v3 vs the new XPS care to feedback? These 2 i think are the reference currently for flagging out / wave riding?
(i am ignoring Smik here as they are not seen in the UK)

That said, nighter hit home run for me and I'm going to sell both. At this point in time I think both companies are holding back.

Curious to ask what Wings do you rate higher / why?

PS
See F-One just released the new Swing v3 - i think for me that looks more appropriate than the Strike (and closer to the XPS) as its wave / luffing focused..i dont jump or race and i still keep hearing comments (anecdotal) about the new v3 strikes poor low end and tips hitting the water...im currently on strike v2s

The Armstrong is a better all around wing imo. Better at keeping me afloat and moving on a sinker in the lulls while hunting for gusts.
Transitions were more direct and smoother with superior pistol grip control. Both luff very well but the Strike trailed better when changing directions.

The thing with the V3 is that I have to be properly powered and very much in accordance to the company specs.
With the V2 I could get away with a full size smaller while floating around hunting for gusts, especially with on-shores.
With the Armstrong I could go more like half a size smaller than the V3. I was riding Yesterday with the 4.5 Strike v3 and the 4.6XPS.

If the Swing V3 is closer to the Strike V2 on the low end characteristics it might make a better comparison to the XPS.
Already sold the XPS now looking to sell my 4 and 4.5 V3 strikes. I don't jump or race either so no point.

for reference: I'm 90+kg average intermediate skills riding a 5'7.5" x 22" x 72L board and a 1050cm2 foil

Select to expand quote

Fishdude said..

I would NOT recommend that gauge!

It is cold temperature sensitive, mine became every inaccurate in the winter. The digital gauges I've used have been 99% accurate year around. www.amazon.com/Pressure-Connector-Protector-Uharbour-Accuracy/dp/B07CXMBXRP/ref=sr_1_4?crid=GEF1QFZRU3ES&keywords=digital+pressure+gauge+0-15+psi&qid=1689448118&sprefix=digital+pressure+gauge+0-15+psi%2Caps%2C88&sr=8-4

what's the adapter needed to make this work on a kite pump? The thread is smaller on the pump and the gauge is upright ... any pointers?