LOFTSAIL WINGNUT 5.0 2021 TEST REVIEW
THE VERDICT
A well-made and dependable wing from a highly reputable loft, the Wingnut takes top trumps for the best name on the market and backs it up with the power and practicality for a smooth entry into this new sport.
THEY SAY
For beginners and committed wing devotees, the Wingnut is an easy and versatile wing package to cover all conditions. The outline of the Wingnut gives it a moderate aspect ratio. Parallel tips help limit the wingspan in the bigger sizes resulting in better clearance over the surface of the water.
WE SAY
The Wingnut is the much-anticipated contender from Loftsails, available in four sizes from 3.0m to 6.0m. It has a moderate aspect ratio, relatively long in both span and boom length and boasts some of the largest windows currently available on the market. It is also incredibly bright in fluorescent orange, certainly distinct on the water … and requiring sunglasses on bright days! Inflation is achieved through a single bayonet air-lock valve on the inside of the leading strut; the straight, tapered central strut being fed via a single connecting hose. And since the struts are comparatively narrow, the stiffness of the wing is assured through pressure – lots of it, with the recommended PSI being ten. The front strut geometry displays a soft dihedral vee once fully inflated, pulling the canopy tight in its front third and helping to accentuate the depth of the canopy profile. The back third is then loose at rest, the ripstop material reinforced with three mini-battens on either side to help reduce flutter.
Back to the central strut and there are four wide, firm handles provided, complimented with Y-handles at the front, joining the central strut to the leading strut. Supplied with a bag and elasticated wrist leash (which attaches to a point under the neutral handle), there are also harness-line fixing points at every intersection point between the handles.
With its deep profile the Wingnut generates a good amount of power and feedback as soon as a gust hits and pressure builds. It does feel quite large and full-bodied compared to others and whilst consciously keeping it high in the air, the squared off wing tips help to keep the lower arm clear of the water. As the rider gets to their feet, the wide handles allow them to tweak their hand positions until comfortable. In light marginal winds, we did find our front hand transferring to the second handle to raise it high and maximise the Wingnut’s exposure to the wind, using the back handle for leverage. It feels a little awkward at first, and for straight line cruising the front handle was again preferred, but for light-wind pumping it really helps to utilise the extent of the Wingnut’s power. Once up and riding, the Wingnut is easy to get on with. Its delivery is soft and forgiving, depowering easily and amenable to re-positioning at any time. The visibility through the windows is excellent too – easily some of the more useful on the market, and a real benefit on busy waterways. You can see your fellow water users … and with its colour scheme the Wingnut makes sure they can see you too! In transition, the wing depowers cleanly, and whilst not the most compact or light during manoeuvre, the power returns smoothly when pulled back in. The handles of the Wingnut, though, were the biggest source of debate – a sort of hybrid solution, with a firm construction, yet widely spaced and loose between each fixing. They are easy to locate, without looking, during manoeuvres and are comfortable for long periods of use, but we couldn’t help but feel some connection and crispness is lost. And in quite a few instances we found ourselves dancing our front hand between the two front handles, as if the intersection between the two was the exact sweet spot we wanted to hold onto. Once fully powered though these issues diminished, the Wingnut’s stability in flight enabling it to pull away on extended arms, powering or de-powering in a controlled manner.
LOFTSAIL WINGNUT 5.0 2021 TEST REVIEW
SPECS
Size: 5.0m
Weight: 3.0 kg
Canopy Style: Moderate to loose
Recommended PSI: 10
Centre Strut Inflation: Single hose
Handles: 4 and Y handles
Supplied with: Bag, leash
Available Sizes: 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0
PRICE: €825.00
OTHER WINGS IN THIS TEST
AIRUSH STARBOARD FREEWING V2 5.0