Slingshot Slingwing V3 2.5m 2021
Reviews / Wings
4,437
At A Glance
After the success of the Slingwing V2, I was interested & excited to get my hands on the V3. I had specifically requested the 2.5m version as I wanted to test my own & the limits of the equipment in this incredible new sport of ours. Pumping up the wing to take photos made me realise just how small the wing was, was it going to lift me out of the water?
There has been a whole host of to improve the V3. The most noticeable difference is the elongated handles. Allowing riders to move their grip more easily along the wing to adjust the angle of attack. Slingshot has also created a larger strut and leading edge diameter, this is to make the frame as rigid as possible. A tighter canopy is designed to decrease oscillation and flutter to increase luffing performance. The added dump valve makes packing away quicker, a welcome addition. Slingshot has also added harness line attachment pigtails, allowing riders to adopt a harness connection to their winging if wanted. It has a light and tough 4x4 Canopy Tech material, combined with Skate Scuff tough strips on the wingtips and leading-edge resulting in a product that will last.
Slingshot has held onto the stylish look of the Slingwing, I’m a fan of the all-black leading edge and colourful canopy, simple but effective. The Slingwing V3 comes with a bag, wrist leash & patch kit included.
On The Water
Due to the short time I had this wing and the extremely high winds needed to use it I only got one session in, but what a session it was! Cross shore 40 knot+ winds with big rolling sets coming along a long sandbar. The 2.5m size felt justified as I rigged whilst getting sandblasted on the beach, I felt sorry for the few poor souls that were attempting to go out on their 4-meter wings. I used a 45L sinker board and 1300cm2 foil.
I had been out a few times before in winds that high on larger wings. While not impossible, because you could just sheet out all the way and free fly the wing, it was exceptionally difficult to get upwind and extremely tiring. Conversely, the 2.5m V3 on this session felt in its element. I was able to ride powered 90% of the time and sheet out in the extreme gusts. Boosting was enjoyable rather than terrifying. Best of all, free-flying the wing whilst riding the waves along the sandbar felt awesome. With such a small wing it was the closest I had felt to surf foiling a wave without any other means of propulsion, the wing also remained stable whilst in freefly mode.
The elongated handles are a welcome addition, the main reason being that tacks and gybes are easier to land when you can grab a bigger handle. It is good to be able to make adjustments along the handle to change the profile of the wing in relation to the wind. A Large diameter leading edge and tighter canopy were noticeable even in these conditions, the wing felt rigid & controllable despite the powerful gusts.
Overall
Slingshot was arguably the first to bring winging to the masses and they continue to innovate. The Slingwing V3 is a high-performance wing that will cater for beginners learning in sheltered bays to expert riders pushing the limits in the waves. The build quality is second to none and all of the updates to this version are well thought out. You won’t go wrong with adding the Slingwing V3 to your quiver.
This review was in Issue 10 of Tonic Mag.
For more information visit SlingshotRelated
By Jack Galloway
