Anyone have info on the new Takuma WK wings? How do they differ from a performance perspective compared to the WR3? They look lower aspect but it's not clear what they offer over the WR3 on the website. The 4m WR3 I own has been exceptional outside of being a little heavier than average.
They're better. Turn faster, more powerful easier handling, lighter, tougher, smarter.
I bought a 5.2 WK and rode it yesterday in 4-5' wind swell and 15-25knots at 90 kgs on a 90L board, and HS 1250 foil. I should have been on my 4M WR3, but was keen to get the 5.2 wet. It is POWERFUL. Feels easily a half size more powerful than my expectations from a 5.2. I had lots of power in the 13 knot lulls. It's not the lightest feeling wing and is very physical to ride due to the power delivery (feels like a windsurfing rig for power delivery). Speed felt good. I noticed it has a tendency to want to "nose-down" a bit in flight or when flagging. I adjusted, but initially I didn't like it as it was throwing my usual balance point and foot pressure off while compensating. After a half hour I adjusted and got some great flagged out rides. The long handles are stiff and well placed The wing will be insane for jumping as it's got great lift and stability. It's a handful in 25 knots with all of that power. So far initial impressions are good but it has a heavier feel on the water. It'll be a great stronger/heavier rider's wing and for those that hate feeling the wing collapse while pumping or jumping and like a lot of grunt. I won't need anything bigger!
Now had 5 solid days on the 5.2 WK. Super impressed! It's allowed me to ride my 1250 in much lower wind than I'd thought possible as it has such great low end and frame stiffness for pumping. Being able to ride a smaller foil in light air has been a revelation. So many wings seem very flexible during pumping and take all of your pumping input and toss it away. I rode a friend's 5.3 Naish (Gen2) and there was no contest in low end, though the Naish feels lighter in the hands. I'm just getting in to jumping a bit and the lift is excellent on the WK. I love the handles on the Takumas; no twisting or rolling of the fabric over the core and the feel is stiff but compliant. The middle handle is well placed for one hand riding. The canopy is looser than the WR3 yet seems to be silent and very direct with power. The WK is lower aspect than the WR3 but has the same speedy/drivey feel. The only real downsides to this wing so far is the weight and the very physical riding characteristics in heavier air due to the power. Flagged out you do feel the weight as well, but it's far from a deal breaker. Tacking both toeside and heel side has been excellent as the wing follows very naturally through the wind. Some wings do some odd things as you transfer through the eye of the wind. Jibing allows for a great wing-assisted boost to the end of the turn as you pivot the wing and sheet back in on the new tack. Really surprised Takuma is not better represented in these forums as they are some of the highest performing wings I've tried. BTW I paid full price for this wing and have no affiliation.
That's the wing you were on Saturday Chris? Very impressed with your light wind capability and also that you could hold onto it yesterday.
I'd like to handle it next time I'm on the beach.
Select to expand quoteCan555 said..
Anytime, Gmac! I was on the 4m yesterday.
Think you could have held onto the 5.2?
I DO have an affiliation but loving the WK's ... if you want to try 3.5 or 4.3 next time you're in the Gorge...
