I'm ~70 kilos, looking for a advice on a new light wind wing. I'm considering the 5.5 Mode Pro and a 5.5 or 6.0 Unit Dlab v3, they're at about the same price currently.My current light wing wing is a Cabrinha Crosswing X3 6.0 and it's really gutless, probably bagged out, and the front handle is starting to fall appart. Time to change.I'm looking for a wing that has a good low end, something much stiffer than the X3 which will make my pumping more efficient.I tried a Slick SLS 6.5 from a friend and it was like cheating! So easy to get on foil compared to the X3, but I feel like 6.5 is a little too big, so my hope is that a smaller wingspan will allow me to pump more efficiently and that I can get away with a slightly smaller surface.I would use this surface mostly on flat water. The North is supposed to have a very nice top end and really wide wind range.Has anybody tried both wings?

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GuillaumeT said..
I'm ~70 kilos, looking for a advice on a new light wind wing. I'm considering the 5.5 Mode Pro and a 5.5 or 6.0 Unit Dlab v3, they're at about the same price currently.My current light wing wing is a Cabrinha Crosswing X3 6.0 and it's really gutless, probably bagged out, and the front handle is starting to fall appart. Time to change.I'm looking for a wing that has a good low end, something much stiffer than the X3 which will make my pumping more efficient.I tried a Slick SLS 6.5 from a friend and it was like cheating! So easy to get on foil compared to the X3, but I feel like 6.5 is a little too big, so my hope is that a smaller wingspan will allow me to pump more efficiently and that I can get away with a slightly smaller surface.I would use this surface mostly on flat water. The North is supposed to have a very nice top end and really wide wind range.Has anybody tried both wings?

I would pick the standard Unit V3 (not V4, not DLAB) in 6m2... powerful, balanced, optimized. It's the reference for freeriding. And right now prices are discounted.

I tried the north once. I was over powered with my 5.0m slick 2023. One guy hat a north 5.5, I tried no problem. Gave it back and went on my slick 3.5 with no issues. So I think the slick or unit has more low end compared to the north. Hope it helps.

At my sommer spot we have light thermal winds. North importer for the country is a local, so a lot of locals are on North gear. 4.8 and 5.5 North Mode Pro used by many but you have to have a good technique to access the lowend. Intermediate riders with Mode Pro often fail to go early and have more success with Duotone and normal North wing.

Thanks for all the input. The more I read about it, theUnit is definitely a reference.All the guys who have North Modes here really like them as well, and they have a reputation for a super wide range, I guess it's not a bad wing but the Unit is probably even better.I talked to the local shop and I will demo a Unit on a light wind day, and I'll compare with the Mode from a friend.

I think its pretty simple. North Mode Pro is a HIGH performance wing. a high wind machine. Offcourse you drop something in the low end. I'm only switching my "small" 4.2 for a mode pro, and keep my 5m as a nova for early going. The Mode Pro is already MUCH better in early going then the previous mode. I actually don't think a Unit is "better". The materials used in the mode pro are much more durable. Maybe the unit has a bit more early going. Much depends on the user.

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larsdegroot said..
I think its pretty simple. North Mode Pro is a HIGH performance wing. a high wind machine. Offcourse you drop something in the low end. I'm only switching my "small" 4.2 for a mode pro, and keep my 5m as a nova for early going. The Mode Pro is already MUCH better in early going then the previous mode. I actually don't think a Unit is "better". The materials used in the mode pro are much more durable. Maybe the unit has a bit more early going. Much depends on the user.

I was surprised that my 2024 4.2 Mode has as much low end as it did. It was definitely a step up from last years. Made me want to get the 5.5 2024 but I'm going to get another season out of my 2023 5.5. I also have a 5M Nova that is so easy to use. I've worn it out though. Won't feel bad when it gets destroyed in the surf. ?? I'm stoked on what North's done w materials and still managed to keep the price in the Average Joe range.

maybe going off topic a bit, but it seems strange that a lot of wings seem to be more focused on their top end, and not the reverse...for example i read a review of the mode that said its amazing, but take a size bigger....but i dont want to ride a 6m rather than a 5m in waves?

When wave riding, surely you (i) want the opposite ie a wing that has loads of power to get up in the smallest size (area, wingspan) possible so i can take the smallest size and then its smaller in the hand and better to wave ride / flag out? How come manufacturers arent going down this route eg size of a 4m and power of a 5m etc

That is with the old mode. The new '24 mode pro has much better low end.

I've got a new North Mode Pro 5.5 as well as some older 2022 Units, a 6.0m D-lab and a standard 5.0m Unit. I haven't done a side by side comparison of the 5.5 versus the 6.0 yet, but I have sailed the North 5.5 back to back with the 5.0 Unit. I wouldn't say the North lacks low end at all compared to the Unit, the power of the North felt like what you would expect from the 0.5m difference in sail area, if not more so.

I have sailed the Units for a couple of years and they are really nice wings, particularly the D-lab 6.0. Wide wind range, doesn't backwind when overpowered. The Mode Pro 5.5 also feels great, but different to the D-lab. At 70kg the North should be fine for you, but if you sail in really light stuff the D-lab will have a tiny bit more low end

My understanding for North is if you want the low end, get the regular Nova which is an excellent wing. The Mode is for skilled riders who can pump better. O.P. you might want to demo a Nova to see if that meets you needs. Personally the beachball valves on the Doutones always felt cheap to me.

I've owned both the 5.5m North Mode Pro and a 5.5m Unit Dlab and would agree that the Mode Pro has less low end. My guess is that it's reduced wingspan might be the reason. It's very compact. Still a great wing though. The flatter design also makes it less mobile during tacks etc. The yet to be released Mode Ultra appears to have a different design.......