Slingshot SlingWing V2 4.4m 2020
Reviews / Wings
4,437
At A Glance
Slingshot’s Slingwing V2 has had a major upgrade since the original version. It’s considerably lighter (half the weight) and has a very different feeling, in a good way! Slingshot has been in the wing game right from the beginning, their co-founder and chief designer Tony Lagosz was creating wings as early as 2011 so you know you’re in good hands.
The V2 boasts several technological advancements to benefit both beginners and advanced riders looking for their next wave fix. The lighter weight means that beginners can hold the wing for longer in light winds whilst also making deep water starts on small boards much easier for advanced riders. A tough D4 canopy material makes the wing capable of taking a beating on windy days and in the waves. Whilst double leading-edge bladder seams allow for higher PSI inflation (10 PSI), creating more tension across the wing.
As you can imagine, after reading about the wing and getting it out the box, I couldn’t wait to get it on the water.
On The Water
I used the V2 a number of times on a 90-litre board as well as the 45 litre Ride Engine Dad Board. For both boards, I was foiling in the Ride Engine Manta 76, a 1500cm squared foil. First impressions when I started riding is the weight of the wing; this makes a huge difference to how comfortable you are when foiling and the Slingwing V2 feels super light.
I like the handle placement on the Slingwing V2. They are balanced in just the right place to get a comfortable position. I found the one horizontal strap useful for water starting on the low volume ride engine. Now I won’t pretend to be good enough to do this, but if you watch Kai Lenny’s ‘how to backflip’ YouTube video he talks about holding onto the V shape handles to keep the angle of the wing correct on landing, the Slingwing V2 has these, so you’ll have no excuses!
This wing has a high inflation 10 PSI valve; this allows the wing to remain exceptionally rigid in high winds or when trying jumps. I rode the 4.4m in around 40knots, and there were only small amounts of flutter when I sheeted out.
The Slingwing V2 comes in a useful backpack with a mesh pocket for storing spare parts or tools in; the wing fits in it easily even when wet or sandy too.
For
Lightweight, good handle placement, rigid in the air
Against
In my opinion, this is one of the best on the market at the moment. Hard to find anything I’m against!
Overall
Slingshot has made massive improvements from the original Slingwing, their experience testing on the Columbia River Gorge has done wonders. So whether you’re getting your first wing to use on a SUP, surfing ocean swell or moving onto aerial tricks, the Slingwing V2 will do it all. You won’t regret it!
Videos
This review was in Issue 6 of Tonic Mag.
For more information visit SlingshotRelated
By Jack Galloway
