Hi all, I am looking at a few options for the first Wing.
Second hand Armstrong V2, compared to Duotone Unit , or North Nova .....
Just looking for any feedback or preference on these makes.
I was thinking maybe Duotone or North could be better made with all the decades of kite manufacturing or is that not true ...
Best wishes to all
Using North nova 2, great wing excellent hard handles maybe a little heavy compared to others but great quality overall
I have an Armstrong 5.5m V2 and also 2022 Duotone units in 6.5m and 4m sizes. (i've also got a 5m Ozone Wasp v2)
They're all good wings. The Armstrong feels the most solid and durable for its construction. Power-wise, the 5.5 AWing v2 feels like a 6m Unit. The AWing feels "heavy" but handles well.
The Units are lighter-feeling and more responsive when you're on the water, plus have hard handles if that's what you're after.
If you can get a good price on the Armstrong (and it's in good shape) then it's a great first wing.
I started on the Armstrong, tried the Duotone, ended up on the North Nova. Armstrong is like a truck, pulls hard, but heavy and a bit unwieldy. I only had the Duotone for 4 sessions (unit v1), the quality was so bad and the handling so poor, I sold the wing for a loss ASAP. North is not as powerful as the Armstrong, but build quality is very good. The V2 Nova is a really nice wing. V3 just came out, so people might be upgrading.
With the A-wings (V1), I had stitching come undone. Armstrong was great at fixing them.
The Unit (v1), bladder popped after the 3rd use.
I still have the Nova (v1), use them to teach new wingers. Bagged out after a year of hard use (3x/ week). So far still going strong and none of the new folks have managed to damage it.
The armstrong V2 was a vast improvement on V1 - thay being said has the same flying characteristics. Wings have come a long way since the V2.
Had the original unit - i know they have improved them and tried the unit V3 - but they still flag like crap. Great power delivery though superb for jumping / freestyle. Also Theres a reason armstrong are bringing out a completley diff wing soon and by all accounts its superb.
Id go the nova myself right now. Heaps of crew i know ride and like them.
There are a few good brands but i would stay away from the heavier wings when learning as you really experience the fatigue from holding them up. Both the Armstrong and Nova are known for their excess weight.
Ozone v2 or Smik would be my preferred options for a beginner.
Select to expand quoteAnyBoard said..
There are a few good brands but i would stay away from the heavier wings when learning as you really experience the fatigue from holding them up. Both the Armstrong and Nova are known for their excess weight.
Ozone v2 or Smik would be my preferred options for a beginner.
I love my Ozone Wasp v2 5m... it's so bagged out but i still love using it. Light, and easy to use in all conditions.
I went from Armstrong V2's to Unit V3's. Really happy with the Units, except that they do not flag as well as the Armstrong...
A compromise I am willing to accept for the other great features of the Unit.
Thanks for the awesome feedback. Is a 2021 Nova too old of a model? Seems like they are at a good price...
I'm not sure of the availability where you are but the SIC raptor wings were being sold at ridiculously low prices here in the states. Very good build quality with soft handles. I bought a 7 m because it was so cheap and liked it enough to add on a 3 m. I would highly recommend them for a first wing.
@whazup
That's a V1 Nova - the current generation is V3 and stores are clearing out their V2s.
I'm surprised to see unsold V1s still available.
I wouldn't recommend it as the V2s are significantly better (better low end, narrower wingspan) and come with rigid handles which are a big improvement over the handle of the V1.
Select to expand quoteTangur said..
@whazup
That's a V1 Nova - the current generation is V3 and stores are clearing out their V2s.
I'm surprised to see unsold V1s still available.
I wouldn't recommend it as the V2s are significantly better (better low end, narrower wingspan) and come with rigid handles which are a big improvement over the handle of the V1.
Tangur have you tried the v3 Nova?
