As the designs are getting more refined and the design progression from year to year is getting smaller, I really think consumers should be looking for durability when buying new wings now. For the prices we pay they should last a long time, and be built for the abuse they get.
Which brands do you think as prioritised durability and succeeded in doing so?
Select to expand quoteBennis123 said..
As the designs are getting more refined and the design progression from year to year is getting smaller, I really think consumers should be looking for durability when buying new wings now. For the prices we pay they should last a long time, and be built for the abuse they get.
Which brands do you think as prioritised durability and succeeded in doing so?
No question It's the OR AA-aries-x wing the canopy is basically impervious to ripping. The LE can pop with enough puncture force, but it won't catastrophically explode so it can be repaired. It's a premium product so it's pricey, but I'd say worth it if you get 150+days of heavy use.
Shop said kite was rated for 800 hours. As a learner, 4 significant repairs and a few extra crashes lasted 400-500 hours, and happy with that. Wings get baggy after 20 hours, even my F-One V3s designed for durabilty get to 40 hours before bagging out though unsure if it really matters. Ensis are well made but a bit heavy.
I dont know exactly which is truely durable , but i know i will look for reinforcement on the wing ears , canopy material, material of the leading edge .
it's seem north has this kind of mentaly for their new wing starting with nova2023 , fone was supposed to have improved durability for their v3 but maybe that a marketing gimmick, i noticed ensis were sturdy but heavy too, duotone were the first to experiment with new canopy material with the sls penta tx textile but it's seem they have issues with their too thin bladder ?.
Duotone Mod3 has held up so far. That is what allot of schools in Hood River are using. Duotone is bringing back the SLS next season because some people prefer the lighter weight.
So after 6 months on my current wing I can see the leading edge of the canopy is still taught and has great shape but the leech is hooked and loose. Id love to see some more robust material at the trailing edge to hopefully hold up to the abuse of luffing better.
Select to expand quoteTooMuchEpoxy said..
So after 6 months on my current wing I can see the leading edge of the canopy is still taught and has great shape but the leech is hooked and loose. Id love to see some more robust material at the trailing edge to hopefully hold up to the abuse of luffing better.
That's the idea behind the new canopy materials, like Mod3 and NWeave, less stretch so longer to bag out.
Select to expand quoteSquintEastwood said..
Duotone Mod3 has held up so far. That is what allot of schools in Hood River are using. Duotone is bringing back the SLS next season because some people prefer the lighter weight.
Actually glad to hear that on the SLS. My current SLS Slick quiver (3, 4, 5, 6m) is going on 14 months and the wings all still feel great (really no perceptible bagging signs at all). The 5 and 4m get the most use. I intend to keep them at least through the spring of next year. This will be the first wing quiver I've kept for 2 full years. Only mishap so far was one small bladder pinhole leak in my 4m that was quickly fixed. I'd love to see a new SLS/Mod3 combination. Haven't been tempted with the D-Lab versions so far
Select to expand quoteSquintEastwood said..
Duotone Mod3 has held up so far. That is what allot of schools in Hood River are using. Duotone is bringing back the SLS next season because some people prefer the lighter weight.
Hi, are you sure about SLS next year? I have new duotone catalog and for spring there is only new Slick planned. Standard and Aluula.
ikr,.,.
Select to expand quoteMrFish said..TooMuchEpoxy said..
So after 6 months on my current wing I can see the leading edge of the canopy is still taught and has great shape but the leech is hooked and loose. Id love to see some more robust material at the trailing edge to hopefully hold up to the abuse of luffing better.
That's the idea behind the new canopy materials, like Mod3 and NWeave, less stretch so longer to bag out.
Yeah, I just feel like they are taking that material and putting it into performance (smaller LE diameter, super light weights) resulting in equal longevity. Id love for someone to come out and say "this is the same weight as our standard but you'll get 2 years out of it"
Select to expand quoteCiki62 said..SquintEastwood said..
Duotone Mod3 has held up so far. That is what allot of schools in Hood River are using. Duotone is bringing back the SLS next season because some people prefer the lighter weight.
Hi, are you sure about SLS next year? I have new duotone catalog and for spring there is only new Slick planned. Standard and Aluula.
ikr,.,.
Also looking for some confirmation.
I was about to order 2023 slick. Would obviously wait if sls version about to drop
Durability versus cost & performance. I myself wouldn't buy an expensive Wing in case it gets damaged.
I will probably never be pushing myself to do big airs & racing others.
I will just want to sail & jibe & have basic fun. But I want my gear to last just like my epoxy surfboards & SUPs. Yes. I did pay much more for one or two. But risk of damage is far less & repair is easy for me.
So for me I try to buy the happy medium. Not a cheap Wing that I know nothing about. Not a Wing that has had a history of known failures. And some of them were the expensive brands!
I myself would go for a well made durable Wing even if it was heavier than some others and with a good known performance.
At this stage I am hearing the Smik Wings have proven themselves and are still at a good price. I am very close to making a purchase for the new V3 Wing. But still comparing & researching other brands.
I found my D/LAB wings to hold their shape better than the Dacron wings MOD3 or not
my 2022 D/LAB Unit 3.5 (no MOD3) was my workhorse wing all of last year and for part of this year and the canopy was still taught and the wing had great pumping pop after I'm guessing ~80-100 sessions. I'm 195lbs and literally try to sail everyday from April through September. I've come to think that perhaps some of the canopy bagging problem is partially caused by the LE/Strut frame wearing and stretching. YMMV
the wings are freaking expensive and I understand the hesitation.
I have seen no mention of an SLS slick making a return. Doesn't mean it can't or won't happen. I think the PentaTX was a nice material but perhaps had worse abrasion/cut resistance. Had a few warranties but they were all from guys who sail the same spot so thinking a local factor could be involved. Small
sample size but it was there so hard to ignore. my 2024 Unit D/LAB 3.5 and 4.5 are on their way to me now 
Select to expand quotesunsetsailboards said..
I found my D/LAB wings to hold their shape better than the Dacron wings MOD3 or not
my 2022 D/LAB Unit 3.5 (no MOD3) was my workhorse wing all of last year and for part of this year and the canopy was still taught and the wing had great pumping pop after I'm guessing ~80-100 sessions. I'm 195lbs and literally try to sail everyday from April through September. I've come to think that perhaps some of the canopy bagging problem is partially caused by the LE/Strut frame wearing and stretching. YMMV
the wings are freaking expensive and I understand the hesitation.
I have seen no mention of an SLS slick making a return. Doesn't mean it can't or won't happen. I think the PentaTX was a nice material but perhaps had worse abrasion/cut resistance. Had a few warranties but they were all from guys who sail the same spot so thinking a local factor could be involved. Small
sample size but it was there so hard to ignore. my 2024 Unit D/LAB 3.5 and 4.5 are on their way to me now
Interesting. Obviously worth it if the Dlab expense is better than buying numerous other wings where one would be paying more. Which is probably your case.
A lot depends on how overpowered you wing, I see wingers hanging on to 5m wings in 30 knots then complain the wings are crap and bag out. Learn how to pump well and you can drop 1m in size and won't be stacked when you get on foil. Wings last a lot longer if you don't stress them out by winging over powered
Select to expand quoteRelapse said..
A lot depends on how overpowered you wing, I see wingers hanging on to 5m wings in 30 knots then complain the wings are crap and bag out. Learn how to pump well and you can drop 1m in size and won't be stacked when you get on foil. Wings last a lot longer if you don't stress them out by winging over powered
I'm sure that's one factor. Other factors would be how often a wing gets tumbled in the surf and how often you fall into it (common for me practicing freestyle stuff). Many styles of riding out there beyond get-on-foil and luff on bumps/swell. I like to ride more powered up doing moves like continuous backwinded, starfish, around-the-world, handle-pass tacks/jibes, yada-yada. My crude observation has been the the SLS Pentax LE/struts combined with standard canopy has worked great going on 14 months despite riding "very" powered. Maybe some of the other techy materials are doing the same thing.
Select to expand quoteSeajuice said..sunsetsailboards said..
I found my D/LAB wings to hold their shape better than the Dacron wings MOD3 or not
my 2022 D/LAB Unit 3.5 (no MOD3) was my workhorse wing all of last year and for part of this year and the canopy was still taught and the wing had great pumping pop after I'm guessing ~80-100 sessions. I'm 195lbs and literally try to sail everyday from April through September. I've come to think that perhaps some of the canopy bagging problem is partially caused by the LE/Strut frame wearing and stretching. YMMV
the wings are freaking expensive and I understand the hesitation.
I have seen no mention of an SLS slick making a return. Doesn't mean it can't or won't happen. I think the PentaTX was a nice material but perhaps had worse abrasion/cut resistance. Had a few warranties but they were all from guys who sail the same spot so thinking a local factor could be involved. Small
sample size but it was there so hard to ignore. my 2024 Unit D/LAB 3.5 and 4.5 are on their way to me now
Interesting. Obviously worth it if the Dlab expense is better than buying numerous other wings where one would be paying more. Which is probably your case.
I can say after nearly 10ths of use that my 2022 -23
Dlabs Aluula frame mod 3 canopies are holding up really well.I know they are probably up there in price but you pay for what you get.Riding overpowered would have to bag out the canopies the most overtime.
I actually learnt to wing on PPC Surge 2s ,3.8-4.8 & 5.8.After 6mths notice some bagging in the canopy.
Now PPC M1 has been released well they updated big time.Aluula type 12PSI shiny Washed denim frame material looks as good as Aluula frame and M1 canopy. 12PSI seamed over the top but not for the new shiny Aluula type frame with M1 canopy.It was as tight as a drum.Well done PPC.Wasn't surprised at the price hike up near the DLabs.
Witnessed first hand my mates maiden voyage on his M1 4m being another PPC user.Well he was glowing in appreciation of this new wing.Slightly heavier overall but a huge step forward in all levels of performance.
So will let you know what their like after deciding to update.Btway I had to buy Duotone High Pressure pump to cope with the recommended 12psi.Haha.
Select to expand quoteDick Dastard said..
Five-0 Dynamo for the win. Dynema structure and canopy. The next level.
Is this the sailwing you're referring to? 
