The only reviews I can find about this wing are regarding wakefoiling, and as a winger they mean virtually nothing to me. I know the Hoverglide ecosystem is an old, heavy one, and yes I get it, but it works for me for multiple reasons. I am just curious what people's experiences are, especially compared to the Infinity 76 or 84. Thanks!
I have the 85. I also have the 99, 84, 76 and quantum 100. I use them all and am quite happy with the hoverglide system. The 85 is my favorite wing. For winging it starts earlier than the 76 and is faster with less drag. It also turns easier and holds speed better. The thing I like best is that if I drop down shoulder high waves I have no problem with breaching. It is easy to keep it in the water. I cannot compare it to the 84 directly since I have not used it since I got it. It does take a bit more speed to get up than some of my other wings but stays up on foil well once up. I generally use it with my 6 metre wing starting about 13 or 14 knots. I am not the most efficient rider. If you have specific question let me know.
This is interesting, thank you! What are the biggest conditions you have had it out in? How much do you weigh? I have the l84 and 76, but find there's barely any difference between the two. Would an Infinity 84 and Quantum 84 quiver make sense? My goal is to stay on big Gorge swell with the wing flagged, neither of the Infinities Let do this, though it certainly could be user error. My other option is a Phantasm 926, but I am not thrilled about the price point for just a lower. Thanks!
The strongest conditions I've had it out in was with a 3 m wing in just over 30 knots. Where I live it is usually very gusty when the conditions are that strong, so it would fluctuate from 23 or 24 knots up to low 30s. The biggest waves I've been in are about head high. These are lake swells not ocean so I find they have a bit less power. It is funny but I find there's a big difference between the 84 and the 76. I find there's a lot more lift in the 84 and it doesn't turn as well as the 76. I weigh about 175 lb. Yes I think the quantum 85 and the infinity 84 would make a reasonable quiver. Although the infinity 84 is my least favorite of the hoverglide Wings. I use the quantum 100 or the infinity 99 rather than the 84. The only time I used the 84 was when the waves were too large for the infinity 99 and I did not have the quantum wings yet. I do think your weight could make a difference as to whether you like the quantum 85.
Hover, great info. Thanks. I'm still on the HG bandwagon and thinking about alternatives. When would you use the 99 instead of the Q100?
For lightest wind, what is your setup? Mast/fuse/stab? What wingboard?
Have you considered moving to Axis?
Thanks.
I use the 99 in the lightest wind and when the waves are small. Also when I want to be sure of flying through my jibes. It will stay flying at a lower speed than the 100 and is easier to turn and hold the turn. Keep in mind that I am just competent but not a great winger. The 100 is faster once up but requires a little more speed to stay flying. It is not a lot just a couple more pumps. Once up it is easy to stay up. I feel less drag on my arms from the wing when using the 100 as it seems to slip through the water with less drag. Once waves get to waist high I start to have trouble stopping the 99 from breaching as I run down a wave, whereas the 100 is not problem up the largest ones I have ridden with it which is armpit high. I have more trouble jibing the 100 as if I do not stay focused in the turn it will straighten out part way through the turn. I believe that is more my skill level rather than any problem with the foil.
With the 99 I use the large stabilizer and the longer fuselage it makes it really stable and relaxing to ride. I attach it to the mast in the B position. With the 100 I use the small stabilizer and and the shorter fuselage. I put the mast in the A position. I did not like in the B position but cannot remember why. I have not considered other brands as the Slingshot Hoverglide series is better that I am at least for now.
If you are heavier getting away from the HG mast is a significant benefit.
With the cost of HG wings I'd be looking at used Axis or similar gear instead.
Select to expand quoteGrantmac said..
If you are heavier getting away from the HG mast is a significant benefit.
With the cost of HG wings I'd be looking at used Axis or similar gear instead.
Yeah I sure considered that, but the used market here in the Lower Mainland is pretty weak with the occasional low aspect setup. I also like being able to use one setup for wing and windfoil, especially given our low wind speeds????.
Thanks for all the feedback and PMs everyone. In the end it looks like I will be going with a Gong Veloce setup. This decision was made after hesitancy to go with the Quantum 85 that really has no good info on it other than what's in this thread. I also seriously considered the Phantasm 926 lower, but just can't see the value in making the jump from Hoverglides to Phantasms with the cost of the mast adapter on top of the high price of the lower, only to still be riding with a super heavy HG mast. I think Slingshot needs to work on making this path more affordable. I can order a full carbon setup including the mast with shipping from France for less than it would cost me for a Phantasm lower with adapter.
