Starboard / Airush / Freewing Air / Review - 5m

I have just picked up a 5m Starboard / Airush Freewing to compliment the 4 m I already have and like. The increase in drive and the bottom end is quite exhilarating and am really liking the feel of the gruntier rig.

Out of the bag, it seems very well constructed, and as I have said before the build quality seems to be very similar to the kites that Airush have been making for years and it seems their know-how from making those has transferred well into their wings. The wing seems very rigid and stable (blown up to 5 psi) in the air and transfers the energy well into board speed.

The wing did not seem much heavier to handle than the 4m (which was a surprise)I noticed with the extra grunt of the 5m I was able to truck upwind better than on my 4m. The windows are a nice size and I noticed the visibility through them was good. It seems very well balanced and I could also hold the wing with one hand when coming in on a broad reach to ride some swells toe side.
This was handy to do as it was a bit lighter and the swell was on the small side.

One thing that I think needs improving is the wrist leash, but I suppose with the bigger wing it does need to be longer but it does seem to get in the way. Perhaps a coiled set up could be better, and or other?

I would say my lower end wind range has increased by about 30 or 40 % so I am stoked with that and really looking forward to trying the 6m.

ps

I started off thinking I would only have a one wing quiver but three months in and hopelessly addicted I know it is essential I have at least the 4, 5 & 6m

I should add these wings flag and park very well, as I have noticed on some other wings, they can sway around quite a bit so this is a feature well worth looking for.

I Tried the 6m freewing on the weekend and was stoked on how much bottom end it gave me. On a 1430 cm2 wing being 85kg I was getting up easily in around 12 knots and did not need much more than 10knts to keep going.

It made average conditions on the river into a blast and was really fun & easy to use.

Welcome to Seabreeze Jocko!

and that would depend on where you are located as you could be in Scotland for all I know.

( and it's Ioz with an I and not an L)