I'm on market for light wind wing (6 - 6.5m) and I like boom. I don't see any possibility to get Slick at any reasonable amount of time in future. So I'm looking for something similar. Any ideas?
I understand Duotone is processing a patent for some element of the full boom. It might not entirely prevent others from doing something similar, but it will limit the implementation. As such, there really aren't any other full boom alternatives that I am aware of.
Vayu has launched a foldable multi-boom concept that could be worth looking into (very new to the market, so not a lot of availability or reviews).
Cabrinha also has mini boom handles on the Crosswing and the Mantis. It is a rigid handle that allows for a good bit of hand movement, but it doesn't have the rigidity of a full boom.
Some people fashion their own booms to span conventional loop handles (for instance the Armstrong boom extender).
Thats all that I know of, but I might be overlooking someone.
Select to expand quotemotogon said..
I don't see any possibility to get Slick at any reasonable amount of time in future.
I noticed some European stores recently got Slick in stock and haven't even sold out yet. I used Google and found at least one US store that says expect to get stock this month (August 2021). No discounts though and it's an expensive wing to start with. I got mine in May and I like having the boom.
TheSkimbat/Kitewing had a boom decades ago. So the patent must be more specific than just "a hand-held wing with a boom". Maybe something to do with the inflatable part as well, which would probably block out the competition or force them to negotiate a patent license.
The Cabrinha Mantis has two "mini-booms" and there are a couple of others but probably tough to find. Check out this thread:
www.standupzone.com/forum/index.php/topic,36848.0.html
I made my own boom for my "new" (to me) 6m BRM wing. Static test was good, now I'm waiting for wind to test it on water.
BRM wing feels extremely stable and very powerful, but it has two handles only and they placed very wide.
Eleveight recently released a boomed wing too. I know nothing about it though.
www.eleveightkites.com/wings/wfs-v2
saw a Vayu VVing in person the other day
vayu.world/VVings_1
designed by Bill Hansen... formerly of Windwing and Slingshot. Friend used it in the wing race the other day... says it might have an upwind advantage over his Wasp v2
