I've started using PPC M1 and M1-L which are now available in the UK.
I still have some Flux V1 and had North Mode Pros.
The M1 wings are definitely of the Flux / Mode Pro gene pool. Stiff. High pressure with very tight canopies.
They will let you go fast (I've now done over 30knots on the 6m). They also flag out well with a lovely stiff flagging handle (that the flux lacked).
They feel quite like the Mode Pros but perhaps even more rigid. I love the long front handle and oval cross section too.
They are well behaved in transitions and the big wings (I have 6 & 6.5) are surprisingly throw about, easy to tack etc.
Haven't seen much about them on here so thought I would fill a gap.
Disclaimer. I work with the UK PPC importer (but am not sponsored and use other wings, like the Flux).
Thanks for sharing. Any more info on the canopy material on these? Looks like normal ripstop, but the marketing schpiel says it is 30% stronger or some such. Would appreciate some more detailed technical info on the canopy.
Select to expand quoter0d said..
I've started using PPC M1 and M1-L which are now available in the UK.
I still have some Flux V1 and had North Mode Pros.
The M1 wings are definitely of the Flux / Mode Pro gene pool. Stiff. High pressure with very tight canopies.
They will let you go fast (I've now done over 30knots on the 6m). They also flag out well with a lovely stiff flagging handle (that the flux lacked).
They feel quite like the Mode Pros but perhaps even more rigid. I love the long front handle and oval cross section too.
They are well behaved in transitions and the big wings (I have 6 & 6.5) are surprisingly throw about, easy to tack etc.
Haven't seen much about them on here so thought I would fill a gap.
Disclaimer. I work with the UK PPC importer (but am not sponsored and use other wings, like the Flux).
as far as I know, they do come with handles and a boom needed to be acquired on request - the SDS version has the boom installed as standard gripping device though. Am I right or has it changed meanwhiles ?
There are many YT reviews available and renowned riders prefer the X Version over the standard, which is a bit on the heavy side, considering the Dyneema structure.
Yep that is right. Handles as default, except for the M1-R double skin.
They all have a full dyneema frame apart from the M1-L
I haven't tested the the same size back to back. But they do feel pretty similar across sizes. Same draft, same tight canopy. Same high pressure 10psi+
Generally the low end is good. It's hard to compare because I have different sizes. But the low end of 4m M1-L felt pretty similar to my 4.3 Flux.
Perhaps the M1-L feels s bit softer when a strong gust hits, but hard to say without a back to back test.
But the canopy on the M1-L is definitely a lot lighter material, and I guess there are pros and cons to this.
On the bigger sizes I've only been pumping the leading edge to 9 psi for a tiny bit of pumping flex in super light winds.
I am riding the M-1 in 6.5 and 5.0. I had Slick SLS and Ozone Flux V1 before. I love the handles. I love the stiffness and feel. I like the canopy material. I got rid of my 4.5 SLS as the range of my 5.0 M-1 is insanely good. I have been totally in control in gusts of 30+mph. I am thinking about a 4.0 M1-L for the Gorge trip this summer.
My concern is the Dyneema frame material's toughness and ability to endure my klutzy nature. I am blessed we have a great repair person a few hours away.
I've not had mine long enough to know about the durability. But the dyneema frame seems pretty thick. Time will tell I guess.
I've been using the M1 for the last year (4m and 5m) and did get the M1-L only a few weeks ago (5m and 6m, just got 4m and 3m but hadn't had them out yet). To me, these 2 models feel very different. The M1-L is a lot softer and more forgiving. The M1-L also only pumps up to 8 PSI versus the M1 which pumps up to 10 PSI. I did write a first impression review in my blogpost waternomads.co.nz/ppc-m1-l-review/
The M1-L is a LOT lighter than the M1 (thinner canopy material), though I hadn't had them on the scales yet. It also seems to have a lot more bottom end (or at least easier to access bottom end if you are nbot super good).
Nice wings both of them. If I would look for a low end wing, I would go with a M1-L, for the high end side go with the M1 100%.
I can't compare to other brands as most of the gear that I'm using is PPC wings.
Select to expand quoteWaterNomads said..
I've been using the M1 for the last year (4m and 5m) and did get the M1-L only a few weeks ago (5m and 6m, just got 4m and 3m but hadn't had them out yet). To me, these 2 models feel very different. The M1-L is a lot softer and more forgiving. The M1-L also only pumps up to 8 PSI versus the M1 which pumps up to 10 PSI. I did write a first impression review in my blogpost waternomads.co.nz/ppc-m1-l-review/
The M1-L is a LOT lighter than the M1 (thinner canopy material), though I hadn't had them on the scales yet. It also seems to have a lot more bottom end (or at least easier to access bottom end if you are nbot super good).
Nice wings both of them. If I would look for a low end wing, I would go with a M1-L, for the high end side go with the M1 100%.
I can't compare to other brands as most of the gear that I'm using is PPC wings.
thanks - interesting, I also wrote your blog post !
if you have both models in the same size still available it would be interesting, if you coud measure the leading edge diameter at its thickest point besides the middle strut joint. M1 diameter should be significantly smaller. PPC states that they saved 30% in diameter compared to regular dacron, which I doubt. Duotone states savings of 6% Aluula compared to original version. Unfortunately there?s little objectivity around.
Interesting also that you found out L version having a better low end. So far I assumed M1 being the gruntiest of the family. Weight wise it?s clear that the lighter canopee saves +/- 300gr according to PPC?s specs depending on the respective size concerned. What remains unclear - appart from marketing statements - is how much the L and X and SDS canopee is superior to standard canope - how many rip stops soever. I do not doubt the M1 canopee to last 30% longer, as compared to my Slicks, this would add another 20-30 sessions till bagging out. Still a short life span. But the lightisher canopee ?? You report the canopee not taking any water. This is true for Duotones MOD 3/s as well, but no longer than max 30 sessions even in sweet water. So big question: is the PPC canopee treated with a wearing water repellency or do its threads not take any water by whatever chemical/physical means ??
Select to expand quoteWhat remains unclear - appart from marketing statements - is how much the L and X and SDS canopee is superior to standard canope - how many rip stops soever. I do not doubt the M1 canopee to last 30% longer, as compared to my Slicks, this would add another 20-30 sessions till bagging out. Still a short life span. But the lightisher canopee ?? You report the canopee not taking any water. This is true for Duotones MOD 3/s as well, but no longer than max 30 sessions even in sweet water. So big question: is the PPC canopee treated with a wearing water repellency or do its threads not take any water by whatever chemical/physical means ??
The M1-L canopy is super light material compared to the M1. I would be surprised if it has the same durability and stretch resistance, ask me in 6months!
Select to expand quoteFoxi said..WaterNomads said..
I've been using the M1 for the last year (4m and 5m) and did get the M1-L only a few weeks ago (5m and 6m, just got 4m and 3m but hadn't had them out yet). To me, these 2 models feel very different. The M1-L is a lot softer and more forgiving. The M1-L also only pumps up to 8 PSI versus the M1 which pumps up to 10 PSI. I did write a first impression review in my blogpost waternomads.co.nz/ppc-m1-l-review/
The M1-L is a LOT lighter than the M1 (thinner canopy material), though I hadn't had them on the scales yet. It also seems to have a lot more bottom end (or at least easier to access bottom end if you are nbot super good).
Nice wings both of them. If I would look for a low end wing, I would go with a M1-L, for the high end side go with the M1 100%.
I can't compare to other brands as most of the gear that I'm using is PPC wings.
thanks - interesting, I also wrote your blog post !
if you have both models in the same size still available it would be interesting, if you coud measure the leading edge diameter at its thickest point besides the middle strut joint. M1 diameter should be significantly smaller. PPC states that they saved 30% in diameter compared to regular dacron, which I doubt. Duotone states savings of 6% Aluula compared to original version. Unfortunately there?s little objectivity around.
Interesting also that you found out L version having a better low end. So far I assumed M1 being the gruntiest of the family. Weight wise it?s clear that the lighter canopee saves +/- 300gr according to PPC?s specs depending on the respective size concerned. What remains unclear - appart from marketing statements - is how much the L and X and SDS canopee is superior to standard canope - how many rip stops soever. I do not doubt the M1 canopee to last 30% longer, as compared to my Slicks, this would add another 20-30 sessions till bagging out. Still a short life span. But the lightisher canopee ?? You report the canopee not taking any water. This is true for Duotones MOD 3/s as well, but no longer than max 30 sessions even in sweet water. So big question: is the PPC canopee treated with a wearing water repellency or do its threads not take any water by whatever chemical/physical means ??
Apologies for the slow reply, I haven't been online for a few days. To answer your questions:
Leading edge diameter: I haven't got both of those wings with me, but the leading edge on the M1 is A LOT thinner than the traditional Dacron leading edges. Is it 30%? Can't confirm that, but definitely significant. The M1-L has a similar diameter at its thickest point (near the center strut), maybe even the same, as this part of the leading edge is the same high end Dyneema as on the M1. Pretty much the center 30% are Dyneema, further out to the tips it's traditional Dacron.
Canopy material: To my understanding it is actually the material that is water repellent. My M1 was holding up alright in this respect, same regarding the stretching. Can't say much about the M1-L yet as I haven't done the long term testing yet. I expect the canopy not to be as strong regarding stretching and stab-wounds from the foil as the M1, just because it's a lot thinner.
Select to expand quoteMeonAsh said..
My take on the PPC M1 ...
Fantastic review, I can pretty much confirm all of it, though I wouldn't have been able to put it that nice into words.
Select to expand quoteMeonAsh said..
My take on the PPC M1 ...
Great review as always, thank you.
Are you also doing a review on the M1-R soon?
There is a plan to do the M1-R but I don't know the timescale currently. The main stock of M1-R wings as far as I understand has not arrived in the UK yet.
I had 5.5 and 6.8 2024 mode pros.
The M1s are in a similar gene pool. But stiffer and with an even tighter canopy.
My 6.5 definitely has a bigger wingspan than the 6.8 and possibly slightly less low end but it is nicer to use and actually feels more throwabout. The handles are also much nicer with an oval profile and a much longer front handle.
