Armstrong A-Wing V2 2.5 M First Impressions

Hey all,

Small wings don't get much mention and I haven't read many reviews on the Armstrong A-Wing V2 yet.

I'm 90 kgs, mostly riding a Quatro 90L and PPC 76L, Armstrong Foils with a mix of brands' wings (I also ride both Takuma wings). I rode the new A-wing 2.5 yesterday in 30 knots backing to 15 on an inlet with 2-3' windswell. First impressions are excellent. Like the rest of the Armstrong wings, the frame is stiff, the handles are balanced and the power delivery is strong but easily bled off. I really like that the frame is designed to be loaded to adopt its powerful flying shape and profile, but when flagged out it is quite flat and streamlined. I was concerned that a 2.5 would be twitchy and weird to fly but really it was pumping that felt the most different to larger (4m +) wings. It requires short, sharp pumps to get going and once up it feels ultra slippery and fast through the air. Flagged out, the 2.5 behaves very well but you have to be mindful of it rolling over as it has not a lot of wing span. It's simply a matter of turning your wrist to counter the wing-roll and it snaps back to neutral. It's very quiet with no flutter of the canopy and tacks are easy with the lower profile through the wind. I didn't have straps on this session for jumping, but it felt like it would boost nicely in over 30 knots. I was no where near the top end of the wing at 30 knots. It's going to be a killer high wind wing. Handles feel firm but comfy. Window placement and size is good. Riding a wing this small is a revelation; it's so close to regular surf foiling that the wing in hand is only the smallest distraction. As the wind backed to 15 knots I was sure to not come off foil and I was impressed by the wing's ability to keep driving my 1250 foil happily along. Had I dropped off foil I'd have been unable to pump back up. Can't wait for the fall/winter storms now.

I'd be very happy owning a quiver of these!