First time with the big 7.2 vid.

Down at Parkdale today it was only a fluky 8-12 knots but it was plenty for this big beast of a wing.

The 7.2 was great.. I think Parkdale is a little protected by the Beau cliffs and the stronger wind was way out and coming around Rickets point.. I didn't go out that far.. Yes that Naish HA 1800 is an awesome foil..

Select to expand quote

SydHobart said..
Good to hear some feedback on this big wing from users...! Any more other than it was great?? Really just wanting to know about ease of handling something that size, as there have been some recent comments that the 7.2 is not that fun to use- presumably because it is so big.
Was thinking of getting one of these as I really would like to be able to cruise in the super light stuff. Realise you are a pretty big guy, so would it be useful to have a 7.2 for a 75-80kg rider on a big board, or would a 6 really amount to the same thing? ie, are these really aimed at getting heavier sizes foiling so the extra area becomes a disadvantage to a lighter rider?? Just curious to know ANYTHING of your impressions on handling, ease of use, etc as this seems to be extreme end of size range in current state of the art...

The 7.2m is a beast. It does its job really well. But you have to understand that generally riding on smaller gear is generally the goal. Smaller Wings are more fun, lighter and and easier to use. But the big guns, power through the lulls and keep you on foil when the little guys leave you pumping around like a monkey.

A good rider will be able to get the 6m up onto foil not far behind 7.2m. Once up the 6m can go faster if you work it. But for a more general purpose and beginner to intermediate purpose the 7.2m is going to provide far more static power but getting up and while up, requiring less inout from the rider and staying up with less wind (without working).

I would look at what conditions you are ultimately trying to service. If you are constantly wanting to ride in that 12kn and under realm and prefer/rely on the use of big foils and do not with to pump too much and more just power up onto the foil the 7.2m is amazing. If you're happy to work harder in the light stuff but also want some more top end and speed then the 6m is desirable, also if you wish to go in big chop[s or ocean as the 7.2m is a big wing to handle in the ocean.

As you can see with DJ, he powers up easily and maintains great momentum even through the lulls with little effort.

Hope this helps a little.

JB

Select to expand quote

JohnnoKeys said..
What size board - is it perfect for light winds?

I'm thinking you don't want anything too sinky and depending on your weight something between 120-150 ltrs should work well in light winds.

Thanks heaps to all those responding here. Yes I would love to know more as experience and ideas about the 7.2 develops. Especially interesting to hear the sorts of comments such as where once you are up and going the weight and awkwardness goes away.

As a very long time kiter I do totally get the aim of riding smaller faster and, possibly, funner gear. Also not opposed, like some seem to be, to big old school kites and mowing the lawn- Infinitely better than the alternative of just sitting on the beach! Starting to learn foiling with a wing because there are far more available spots for that that a kite around where I am.

Am not as such looking at a choice between a 6 or larger wing, really just eyeing off all the seemingly endless days with just the tiniest white caps or less showing. . .

One annoying thing I've noticed is that there seems to be very little published about dimensions of all the new wing sizes, where that sort of thing is reasonably easily available with kites. Any chance of a dealer with a handful of these things to take measurements such as wingspan and also front to back cord length of a 6 and a 7.2 so we can get a real idea of the awkwardness from this size increase?? Cheers!