Windsurf MagazineGUNSAILS HY-WING V2 5.0 2022 TEST REVIEW

GUNSAILS HY-WING V2 5.0 2022 TEST REVIEW

THE VERDICT

With its stiff, dependable framework and smooth easy power delivery, the Hy- Wing retains lots of top end stability and has taken a big step forward with the new central strut handles. Perhaps a slightly tighter canopy for V3? Time will tell, but for now the Hy-Wing represents excellent value for money.

THEY SAY

“With plenty of updates, the new model will continue to support the all-round capabilities of the wing and allow it to reach a new level of performance. With increased stability, effortless handling and an extended wind range, it will be the ideal choice for any wing surfing ability.

From your first flight attempts to explosive jumps, the HY-WING V2 will be your reliable and performing companion and will elevate your wing surfing.”

WE SAY

The Hy-Wing is into its second season and with it, its second iteration. The V2 is so new in fact, that it wasn’t even advertised on Gunsails’ own website at the time of going to print. Reading from our notes and comparing the two wings, this V2 has witnessed a change in outline, with a shorter wingspan and slightly elongated chord, giving it a lower aspect planform. It adopts the same red-black colourway as its predecessor and identical fittings, with a standard bayonet valve on the lead strut being the sole point of inflation, feeding the central strut via a single hose. The struts are produced in a ‘Double Diced’ Dacron, whilst the canopy is a high density ripstop and houses two large windows, for visibility downwind. Which leads us onto an important point, stated by Gunsails: when packing down, take care to roll and not fold the windows, as this may cause them to crack. The most significant refinement of the Hy-Wing, however, has to be in the handles along the boom strut. Whilst the V1 had particularly loose and thin (almost string-like) handles, the V2 now sports three beefed-up thick handles with plenty of form and internal structure. As a result, the weight of the Hy- Wing has increased by a few hundred grams, albeit remaining lighter than the average. Inflated to 8 PSI, the V2 has a medium dihedral profile to its leading edge and a shallower profile in the wing tips. The canopy remains loose like its predecessor, with what the brand calls a Fusion Trailing Edge – a reinforcement patch and stitching that runs the length of the leech.

With plenty of structure and power available from the Hy- Wing, similar to that of its predecessor, we have to say that Gunsails have listened to our plea in our summary of the V1 Hy- Wing. Writing last year, we mentioned that “If we were to change one aspect of the wing, we’d tighten up the handles to provide more control and immediacy at the rider’s fingertips.” So we’re delighted to say the V2 has just this – handles that are tighter and more substantial, providing the right balance of comfort and connection to provide useable and useful feedback. The Hy- Wing powers smoothly once engaged, the loose canopy allowing the depth of the wing’s draft to deepen as a gust hits, whilst also softening the delivery. It’s not a wing necessarily for the active rider that demands punch and immediacy, the looseness in the canopy letting the power build progressively rather than punch. Instead, the Hy- Wing is ideal for the novice or more passive rider, taking the sting and violence out of a gusty environment. Stable and dependable, there’s plenty of stiffness to the wing’s framework however, giving the confidence to lock in and use the Hy- Wing over a wide wind range. Fast on all points of sail, the new handles are comfortable for long periods of use and allow the rider to position their hands according to preference. In transition, the Hy- Wing goes neutral easily when sheeted out, the dihedral profile of its leading edge allowing the wing to rock naturally from one tack to the other, the power returning gradually so as to not pull the rider’s stance off balance.