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gorgesailor said..

Icebergmansion said..
Main improvements we should be seeing in this next generation of wings are in the materials and the handles. I would not purchase this wing for that reason; it's already out of date. I would expect this from a 2020 or 2021 wing but we are evolving so fast in winging, F-one is going to be left behind even if the wing flies awesome.

For example: Duotone is going to extend their market lead with their upcoming Aluula wing combined with the Mantis-type handles, the two most requested features of the next generation of wings.

Nice hype video though!

Yeah hard handles the future...

What would be really good is an industry standard and spacing for attaching handles, that way you could use the handles that you like with your favourite wing...

What's the feedback on the Takuma RS wing? What's that big funny shaped front handle like?

To solve the handle issue i was considering wrapping them in neoprene sleeves, like those used for cable management. They come in rolls of couple meters, already have a velcro on them and could be stacked up or stitched up. Has any one ever tried them?

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Mokuleia said..
To solve the handle issue i was considering wrapping them in neoprene sleeves, like those used for cable management. They come in rolls of couple meters, already have a velcro on them and could be stacked up or stitched up. Has any one ever tried them?

This could work. We almost need the equivalent of the neoprene/velcro that we have for our footstraps. My batting tape is working but could definitely use some improvement.

What is it about the F-One handles that people seem to hate? Genuinely curious, as I've only ever used F-One wings and never had the opportunity to try something else.

The "soft" handles haven't bothered me at all, and I struggle to see what the benefits would be of rigid handles, in terms of more control? If a wing is powered up, the soft handles are under tension anyways, no?

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greg87foil said..
What is it about the F-One handles that people seem to hate? Genuinely curious, as I've only ever used F-One wings and never had the opportunity to try something else.

The "soft" handles haven't bothered me at all, and I struggle to see what the benefits would be of rigid handles, in terms of more control? If a wing is powered up, the soft handles are under tension anyways, no?

We could tell you, but honestly it won't make sense until you experience it. Trying the new Unit will give you the best hard handle experience to see if it's for you or not.

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greg87foil said..
What is it about the F-One handles that people seem to hate? Genuinely curious, as I've only ever used F-One wings and never had the opportunity to try something else.

The "soft" handles haven't bothered me at all, and I struggle to see what the benefits would be of rigid handles, in terms of more control? If a wing is powered up, the soft handles are under tension anyways, no?

I own 2 strikes and definitely wished they were stiffer to make handling and especially tacks easier.

Finally got to use my Strike v2 5.5m today. In short - absolutely brilliant.

Compared to the v1 it has a shorter wingspan, and is a bit stiffer, hence the low end is improved. The boom strut is wider and feels stiffer. It's still nice and light, and easy to throw around, even more so than the v1. Very stable when flagging, like the v1, but I was on flat water so didn't get to test this very much. The leash is a bit better, and the handles feel more solid.

I don't get the issue with F-One vs solid handles. I've tried the Duotone wings and didn't like them that much (I absolutely hated the Slick with boom). I find the Strike handles easier in the transistions.

How would the v2 5.5 compare to v1 6.0 CWC? Sizing gives same windrange. V2 5.5 wingspan smaller then 6.0 CWC?

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PatsSurf70 said..
How would the v2 5.5 compare to v1 6.0 CWC? Sizing gives same windrange. V2 5.5 wingspan smaller then 6.0 CWC?

I've just sold my 6m CWC to replace it with the 5.5 v2. The 5.5 is easier to throw around. Not a lot of difference in power, maybe the 6m CWC has a tiny bit more low end, but not much in it?

The 5.5 v2 has a smaller wingspan than both the 6m CWC, and the 5m v1 as well.

Anyone seeing the smaller sizes coming onto the market? I've been waiting somewhat impatiently for a Strike 4m v2 to complement my 6m and the delay has me eyeing the Unit v2.....

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gneve said..
Anyone seeing the smaller sizes coming onto the market? I've been waiting somewhat impatiently for a Strike 4m v2 to complement my 6m and the delay has me eyeing the Unit v2.....

Where are you based, some stock is being distributed around the world at the moment.

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BritWindfoiler said..
I don't get the issue with F-One vs solid handles. I've tried the Duotone wings and didn't like them that much (I absolutely hated the Slick with boom). I find the Strike handles easier in the transistions.

I dont get it either. I also tried a duotone and didnt like it. Way heavy and the power delivery feels heavy too. People seem to think you need to turn the wing by the handles in tacks, but its just a matter of holding it in the right angle and it will flip itself. No need for solid handles.

Only time I might actually want a boom is when i'm switching hands mid air during a jump, I sometimes have trouble finding the other handle in for example aerial 180s. The solid handles kill the aspect of being able to slide the boom through your hands though....

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carllobato said..

gneve said..
Anyone seeing the smaller sizes coming onto the market? I've been waiting somewhat impatiently for a Strike 4m v2 to complement my 6m and the delay has me eyeing the Unit v2.....

Where are you based, some stock is being distributed around the world at the moment.

I'm on the East Coast of the US. I keep hearing April which is rapidly approaching (or not approaching fast enough depending on how you look at it).

I really prefer the soft handles of the F-one. The lightness of the F-one is also great and I prefer the gentle depower compared to other wings I have tried. Upwind the Ozone and Naish feel better, but for freestyle the F-one is leagues ahead.

Any update on the performance of the V2 and smaller sizes? Worth the upgrade?

Current quiver is a 6m CWC and a 4.2. Thinking of upgrading it to a 5.5 and 4.0 or 4.5.

Any updates on when the V2s are getting in to Australian retail channels?

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ArthurAlston said..
Any updates on when the V2s are getting in to Australian retail channels?

Plenty of dealers have them already. A few local NB guys too.

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King Crash said..

ArthurAlston said..
Any updates on when the V2s are getting in to Australian retail channels?

Plenty of dealers have them already. A few local NB guys too.

Those could be the demo wings, they have been out and about for several months.

But I will ask around again.

I am considering moving from a slick to a fone strike or swing. Mainly, I find the slick pulls quite heavily and tires me out in like 1.5h. I am still a beginner so not sure if this is a wing issue or a lack of fitness.

I was wondering if anybody here has experience with the Strike (V1 and V2) vs the Duotone slick and how they compare in flying.

Cheers

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TipsyFerret said..
I am considering moving from a slick to a fone strike or swing. Mainly, I find the slick pulls quite heavily and tires me out in like 1.5h. I am still a beginner so not sure if this is a wing issue or a lack of fitness.

I was wondering if anybody here has experience with the Strike (V1 and V2) vs the Duotone slick and how they compare in flying.

Cheers

This is technique on your end. Not so much wing design. Just more sessions on the water and you'll get better

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TipsyFerret said..
I am considering moving from a slick to a fone strike or swing. Mainly, I find the slick pulls quite heavily and tires me out in like 1.5h. I am still a beginner so not sure if this is a wing issue or a lack of fitness.

I was wondering if anybody here has experience with the Strike (V1 and V2) vs the Duotone slick and how they compare in flying.

Cheers

If you are on a big draggy beginner foil you'll really feel it in the arms.

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NordRoi said..
each time I try ridig handles, like cabrinha...I hate it. So I'm not a fan of harder, larger diameter handles. So I seem to be alone in my corner! ;-))

you are not alone mate ... love the Naish Matador LT's soft 'square-cut crossection' handles, tried a few v2/v3 "rigids" ... nah

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PatsSurf70 said..
Any update on the performance of the V2 and smaller sizes? Worth the upgrade?

Current quiver is a 6m CWC and a 4.2. Thinking of upgrading it to a 5.5 and 4.0 or 4.5.

Definitely worth the upgrade! I got the 5.5M to replace my 6M CWC. It has just about the same low-end and a better
high-end.

The handling of the wing is much improved. The stiffer handles with better positioning and the 0.5pound weight cut creates a lot less fatigue in light wind and when flying overpowered. It's a little more balanced, flags and pumps better.

Very glad they managed to maintain the effortless smooth feel these wings are known for.

I'm now looking to off-load my Aluula DuoTone unit D-Lab 4M and replace it with a Strike 4M v2

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NordRoi said..
each time I try ridig handles, like cabrinha...I hate it. So I'm not a fan of harder, larger diameter handles. So I seem to be alone in my corner! ;-))

You not alone mate, bought a new old stock Strike V1 and love those handles. Great control and stability for a 4.2 from 15knts to gusting 25-27knts in current WA epic winter cold front

photos @mediamanandy (insta)

Are the CWC handles the same as the Strike v2 handles? I have the CWC and while its a good wing, the handles are a weakness. I have other webbing handles that I don't mind, but the CWC handles are just too loose. They would be fine if there wasn't so much slack.

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Velocicraptor said..
Are the CWC handles the same as the Strike v2 handles? I have the CWC and while its a good wing, the handles are a weakness. I have other webbing handles that I don't mind, but the CWC handles are just too loose. They would be fine if there wasn't so much slack.

The Strike V2 handles are stiffer but still loose enough to keep the dynamic feel of the wing. Bought the Strike V2 5.5 M to replace my CWC 6M
and has done just that. I no longer rigging the 6M, it's a backup wing now.

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Velocicraptor said..
Are the CWC handles the same as the Strike v2 handles? I have the CWC and while its a good wing, the handles are a weakness. I have other webbing handles that I don't mind, but the CWC handles are just too loose. They would be fine if there wasn't so much slack.

That's the thing about these handles, coming from stiffer handles, initially hated them and was about to SB them off .. but after 5 sessions, esp some 20-30+ knts (a Strike 4.2 and I weight 65kgs), I am a convert. Main benefit is stability as and punchy gusts just does not throw me around. In any case, handles are really personal preference ..