Hi
I'm about to buy one light wind wing for beginner. I'm 71 kg, 1,70 m tall and have already done some stable flights. I will only fly in light winds 10-16 knots with a 2000 cm2 front wing at first.
The three options are Ensis Score 6,2 , Armstrong A-wing 5,5, RRD evo wing 5,5 and Takuma Tanji 6,1. I've heard Armstrong A-wing is so powerful that you can take 0,5m less than normal. I prefer light weight wings and short wingspans because of my height. I don't have pumping skills and don't want to have a heart attack while pumping.
Thanks.
One guy at my local spot uses the Ensis to good effect but I would buy the Dutone Unit 6.0 again as I have the '22 model and it is just simply amazing (apart from the crappy valve) the dihedral keeps the tips above the water and it is very light and has tons of pump, haven't used the others so can't comment
Hi!
I have a lot of experience with the Ensis Scores and Duotones. I learned on Scores.
After 2 years with Duotones and Ensises, my wings are Slick 4.0, 5.0, a Score 6.2 and an old worn-out 5.2 - all used a lot.
Ensis Score is an excellent low-wind wing. Very powerful and well-built. At your weight (71) you should be ok with a 5.2 Score. For learning, 5.2 is absolutely perfect. 6.2 is very good too but for 10+ knots and your size it is a little too big. Learning tricks will be a little harder with a 6+.
Once you figure out pumping, you will be able to get on foil in 7 knots with 2000 foil / Ensis 6.2. However, at your height (1.70), you will be touching the surface of the water when pumping. Not a big deal, but at 10+ knots 6.2 is a little excessive.
At 10+ knots and your weight, the 5.2 would be a very good option. Scores are sold at a discount now and in my opinion, they offer excellent value for money. You will tear them a few times with a stab/foil I am sure, so a heavily discounted Score is a fantastic choice as a very first wing. In my experience, Scores are more effective in light wind than Slicks / Units.
A couple of negative things about Scores: (1) they are not great in tacks, and (2), in general, a wing with a boom (Slicks) is about 15% easier to learn tricks with. Smaller Scores (4.5 and below) are not that good in my opinion. So after about 50 sessions (once you nail your jibes) and before you go into tacks, you can invest in a Duotone Slick. Or perhaps go for 5.2 Score (great wing for low wing) and a Duotone Slick 4.0 2023 for stronger wind. After about 100 sessions with 5.2 you can buy a Duotone Slick 5.5. You will not regret it.
Good luck and have fun on the water!
I didn't see any option for Duotone in the OP so... But, I have ridden the Tanji a fair bit. The Tanji is a very powerful wing with a pretty compact shape so would work well for your purpose & the Carbon handles are some of the best IMO. That said, I think you will be better on a 5.1. .... 6 is a big wing to learn on...
Had Ensis Score 6.2. It's big compared to other 6mish wings. Bit heavy. Very well made. Windows are easily packed and useful visibility. Easy power access. Might be too big for 1.7m
One guy at my local spot uses the Ensis to good effect but I would buy the Dutone Unit 6.0 again as I have the '22 model and it is just simply amazing (apart from the crappy valve) the dihedral keeps the tips above the water and it is very light and has tons of pump, haven't used the others so can't comment
I'm keen on picking up a near new used '22 Unit myself but I'm hesitant after reading a bunch of reports that the main strut can blow out (think others have pointed out where front handle attaches isn't reinforced enough). Likely overthinking it given it's <1% that has experienced this problem.
Thanks all. I've finally got an offer of an ensis score 5,2. I hope it will be not a bit tall for me (3,48) and more powerful than my first wing a 5m gong plus2 . I will tell you
Thanks all. I've finally got an offer of an ensis score 5,2. I hope it will be not a bit tall for me (3,48) and more powerful than my first wing a 5m gong plus2 . I will tell you