I honestly don't know how F-One keeps pulling this off. Just when you think they've set the bar impossibly high with the Eagle Open Ocean and that ultra-thin 12mm mast, they go and drop a new Parawing that pushes the envelope even further.

If you thought their foil game was strong, wait until you try the parawing Quest.

Eagle Open Ocean 7XX (with 12mm UHM Mast)

The Eagle with the 12mm mast is already a game-changer for me. It's a precision instrument that set a new standard for efficiency and glide.

Quest Parawing (3.5m)

This thing is mind-blowing. No BS: it actually rides better than the Frigate IMO, which in my book was the best PW on the market until now.

* Performance: Even though it's a dedicated Downwind Parawing, it's hitting 90/95% of the upwind capability and 100% of the speed of the Frigate.
*Insane Stability: The parawing is incredibly stable, almost feels like it's "cast from a single mold". There's zero fluttering, even when pushed.
*Innovative Tech: The new A-line configuration is a standout. It's different from anything else I've seen.
* User Experience: The packing is the easiest I've ever handled (and I've tested a lot of PWs). The depower is also top-tier.
* Low-End Power: The low-end is very strong, making it a "cheat code" for beginners to nail their first jibes, while still having all the performance pros are looking for.

Final Thoughts
I'm really looking forward to the technical breakdown from Hydro Gav. His analyses are usually spot on and tend to align with my on-water experience.

F-One has really hit a home run here. I'm not sure how they're going to top this with the Frigate V2, but I'm stoked to find out.

No, I'm not related to F-One!

See you out there!
C

Exciting times! I've received my sk8 750 and 12 mm UHM mast and I'm blown away by how good it is. Do you know when the Quest will be released? Same material as the Frigate? Doesn't look like there are any B lines on the bar, but I can't see a "yoke" either, is that correct?

Based on your assessment of the Quest - is there really any need for the Frigate? 90-95% as good upwind, better stashing, better range, more intuitive, etc...? Same sizes?

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Velocicraptor said..
Based on your assessment of the Quest - is there really any need for the Frigate? 90-95% as good upwind, better stashing, better range, more intuitive, etc...? Same sizes?

This is the exact question I'm asking myself.

As far as I know, the current Frigate is reaching the end of its cycle and F-One is already working on the V2. I'm curious to see what they can actually improve there, but they've always managed to surprise me in the past.

Right now, I'm seriously considering swapping my Frigates for the Quest. The only issue is that I currently own 4 of them, so it might not be a quick transition! :-)

For my needs, I think a 4.7m and the 3.5m I'm using now would be plenty, maybe with something around 2.5m for the high wind days.

But as you noticed, the new Quest basically replaces the Frigate in almost every category. It's over 100% there in terms of performance and even beats it when it comes to handling and materials.

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Jve said..
Do you know when the Quest will be released? Same material as the Frigate?

As far as I know the release to the market is just in a few days, maybe a few weeks. So watch out for it and ask your local dealer.

Interesting! Very interesting

It looks like both Fone and ozone are going in a 2 model ( or possibly more) direction. I'm thinking the v2 frigate and v2 pocket rocket will be absolute beasts upwind and probably push the speed and free ride aspects.

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Youngbreezy said..
Interesting! Very interesting

It looks like both Fone and ozone are going in a 2 model ( or possibly more) direction. I'm thinking the v2 frigate and v2 pocket rocket will be absolute beasts upwind and probably push the speed and free ride aspects.

V2 Frigate? I just got V1
Will they offer a buy back

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hilly said..

Youngbreezy said..
Interesting! Very interesting

It looks like both Fone and ozone are going in a 2 model ( or possibly more) direction. I'm thinking the v2 frigate and v2 pocket rocket will be absolute beasts upwind and probably push the speed and free ride aspects.

V2 Frigate? I just got V1
Will they offer a buy back

Why, buy back? The frigate V1 is an excellent parawing too. I've 4 of them. Like them very much. V2 you can expect maybe in July.

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czareka said..

hilly said..

Youngbreezy said..
Interesting! Very interesting

It looks like both Fone and ozone are going in a 2 model ( or possibly more) direction. I'm thinking the v2 frigate and v2 pocket rocket will be absolute beasts upwind and probably push the speed and free ride aspects.

V2 Frigate? I just got V1
Will they offer a buy back

Why, buy back? The frigate V1 is an excellent parawing too. I've 4 of them. Like them very much. V2 you can expect maybe in July.

Turn over is too quick. Devaluing previous versions. It is like they rush stuff out to get sales. Like my Frigates but if a better version comes out a premium product is not worth much.

Ordered in September arrived in Jan

V2 Frigate is coming this summer, so a completely normal cycle with yearly roduct releases, which seems very reasonable in a new sport like parawinging. It will have been like 8 months between the release of the Frigate and Quest, which hardly can be criticized for being rushed. If you bought a really good product, but further development of the sport makes you frustrated or angry, your only a victim of your own psychology. I suggest being stoked about the development and all the good products that are available for us to enjoy!

Damn that sucks Hilly, I was only aware of the v2 Frigate from this thread and what Czareka posted on FB. Probably not worth worrying about if just yet.
With things moving so quickly I kinda feel like whatever you buy will have poor resale so may as well just ride it till you've got your moneys worth.
@ Czareka do you think the Fone quest is kinda Fones answer to the ozone power pack?

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Jve said..
V2 Frigate is coming this summer, so a completely normal cycle with yearly roduct releases, which seems very reasonable in a new sport like parawinging. It will have been like 8 months between the release of the Frigate and Quest, which hardly can be criticized for being rushed. If you bought a really good product, but further development of the sport makes you frustrated or angry, you're they could not supply only a victim of your own psychology. I suggest being stoked about the development and all the good products that are available for us to enjoy!

But they could not supply in a timely fashion. Then bring out an updated model ffs.

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hilly said..

Jve said..
V2 Frigate is coming this summer, so a completely normal cycle with yearly roduct releases, which seems very reasonable in a new sport like parawinging. It will have been like 8 months between the release of the Frigate and Quest, which hardly can be criticized for being rushed. If you bought a really good product, but further development of the sport makes you frustrated or angry, you're they could not supply only a victim of your own psychology. I suggest being stoked about the development and all the good products that are available for us to enjoy!

But they could not supply in a timely fashion. Then bring out an updated model ffs.

The delayed delivery sounds very irritating, I agree. Perhaps it was a bigger success than they had planned for. I have two Frigates and I'm super happy with them, can't see there will be a need to change only because something better comes out, perhaps just expand the quiver.

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hilly said..

Jve said..
V2 Frigate is coming this summer, so a completely normal cycle with yearly roduct releases, which seems very reasonable in a new sport like parawinging. It will have been like 8 months between the release of the Frigate and Quest, which hardly can be criticized for being rushed. If you bought a really good product, but further development of the sport makes you frustrated or angry, you're they could not supply only a victim of your own psychology. I suggest being stoked about the development and all the good products that are available for us to enjoy!

But they could not supply in a timely fashion. Then bring out an updated model ffs.

But look on the bright side. The Frigate V2 will most likely be also out of stock everywhere and you won't get it till next January. So you'll have 12 months between models.

SIze range is 2.0 to 6.0 at 0.5m increments (but no 5.5). Purple and red colors. Price should be in line with the Frigate.

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hilly said..
Ordered in September arrived in Jan

Hilly, don't fall for the FOMO. F-one is famous for putting most of their $$$ into marketing, then underproducing

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hilly said..

Jve said..
V2 Frigate is coming this summer, so a completely normal cycle with yearly roduct releases, which seems very reasonable in a new sport like parawinging. It will have been like 8 months between the release of the Frigate and Quest, which hardly can be criticized for being rushed. If you bought a really good product, but further development of the sport makes you frustrated or angry, you're they could not supply only a victim of your own psychology. I suggest being stoked about the development and all the good products that are available for us to enjoy!

But they could not supply in a timely fashion. Then bring out an updated model ffs.

I think that is a pretty crap experience. Did they quote such a long delivery from the start? I guess not or you would have just grabbed a pocket rocket.
Fone will always sacrifice their Australian deliveries for European sales. When we first started winging and Fone came out with one of the first decent looking wing boards I put a deposit down and three months later they gave my money back as the Australian shipments were being sacrificed for eu sales.

i would not believe all the hype on the new quest. Fone themselves, just like ozone, believe their new offerings are inferior for sailing upwind otherwise they would have just one model. I am sure the v2 frigate will be better but I don't think the quantum gains will be there. lots of brands have now had the chance to learn and understand from the pocket rocket and yet it is still the benchmark for pure sailing performance.

It was worth the wait for the Frigate. It is a great para. Better than the Pocket Rocket imo due to the lines material and length.

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hilly said..
It was worth the wait for the Frigate. It is a great para. Better than the Pocket Rocket imo due to the lines material and length.

I'm currently using a Frigate but must admit I'm surprised you didn't end up on the Smik Parawing (a few of the locals here seem to think it's pretty good for the price)

What led you to that choice?

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drc13 said..

hilly said..
It was worth the wait for the Frigate. It is a great para. Better than the Pocket Rocket imo due to the lines material and length.

I'm currently using a Frigate but must admit I'm surprised you didn't end up on the Smik Parawing (a few of the locals here seem to think it's pretty good for the price)

What led you to that choice?

Smik was not out then. I wanted up/downwind with good pack down. At the time the Frigate was the best on the market, probably is still, for what I do. Go upwind and ride swells back in for <800m then repeat, so lots of collapse and redeploys. The Smik is great value for money, excellent downwind pack option.

The frigate is still an elite parawing mate, i wouldn't get too caught up in the hype, the improvements will be incremental, probably be similar to the strike wings were the V1 & 2 were unreal for years.

I am running the f-one frigates and I am not charging them out, they are great IMO and not looking for every percent improvement, I improve more by working harder on my technique. Maybe in 12 months but maybe the year after I think. Got my pack down and relaunch pretty sussed, been out in 15 to 30 plus knots. Loving the parawing atm. Can't see enormous changes.

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hilly said..
Ordered in September arrived in Jan

Enjoy the frigates for a year get he quest next year on a discount. Take all the (sales) hype with a pinch of salt. There are benefits in lagging with 1 season (although the concept of a season is being disrupted by guerilla sales tactics)

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samcclus said..
I am running the f-one frigates and I am not charging them out, they are great IMO and not looking for every percent improvement, I improve more by working harder on my technique. Maybe in 12 months but maybe the year after I think. Got my pack down and relaunch pretty sussed, been out in 15 to 30 plus knots. Loving the parawing atm. Can't see enormous changes.

You mean it is my skill level not the kit that means the most

yep agree the Frigates are great just wish they had waited to do a V2 well after launching the quest.

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MProject04 said..

hilly said..
Ordered in September arrived in Jan

Enjoy the frigates for a year get he quest next year on a discount. Take all the (sales) hype with a pinch of salt. There are benefits in lagging with 1 season (although the concept of a season is being disrupted by guerilla sales tactics)

Quest is not for me really. Prefer up/down runs. After decades of sup and kite downwinders the logistics of dw runs spoils it for me.