Windsurf MagazineNEIL PRYDE GLIDE WIND HP 13 2021 TEST REVIEW

As a catch up edition to the foil test in our May 2021 issue our test team review the Neil Pryde Glide Wind HP 13 2021.

THEY SAY

GLIDE WIND is our friendly, easy-cruising and carving foil, also suitable for wave riding and basic freestyle moves. Ever dreamed about foiling, but felt that it might be too dangerous or difficult? GLIDE WIND is the perfect tool to get you into foiling.

WE SAY

Neil Pryde’s Glide foil platform continues to be refined and refreshed with the dawn of each new season, becoming more complete, and adaptable, as the adjustments are introduced. Sporting the HP (High Performance) suffix behind its name this year, the modular programme is split into two camps – Glide Wind and Glide Surf – with the former targeted specifically for wind foiling and sporting a mast length of 80 cm and fuselage of 84 cm, whilst the latter comes with a 70 cm mast and 74 cm fuselage as standard. There is also a 75 cm carbon mast version of the Glide Surf, for those looking to reduce weight, although this premium option comes with a fixed plate head, whilst the aluminium masts of the standard models permit the use of the brand’s unique interchangeable head system, bringing Deep Tuttle, plate and even Powerbox compatibility into the mix.

The Glide Wind HP 13 is tested here, the number depicting the surface area of the front wing as a multiple of 100cm². There are five other wing sizes available in the Glide Wind series, ranging from 11 to 19, the identical wings also available for the Glide Surf, yet with the addition of the larger-still 23 front wing, boasting a size of 2270 cm². The foil kits come supplied in a compartmentalised canvas bag and are easy to assemble, using 8mm bolts throughout to fit the CNC milled aluminium components to the pre-preg carbon wings. It certainly looks the part in its new blue-red colours, and being wind foil specific comes as standard with the Deep Tuttle head.

Fixed into the Freefoil 115 initially, the Glide Wind HP provides easy progressive lift and acceleration, feeling very balanced and easy between both feet. It compliments the Freefoil very well, feeling reactive and playful without being overly nervous – a great tutor for first flights, right up to those looking for a manoeuvre-oriented foil for advanced trickery. We also partnered the Glide Wind with other boards, seemingly working better with compact or hybrid boards, rather than wide-tailed foil specific boards of 140 litres or more. The 80 cm mast was plenty for all but the more race-focussed rider, and the fuselage length offered a good balance between progressive glide and instant response. Capable of covering distance comfortably, it won’t win races necessarily, and tended to whistle slightly when pushed hard to explore its top end. Its true strengths lie in its ease and dependability, with its smooth predictable lift and manners when learning full flight transitions. Take it into coastal conditions and the Glide Wind HP will offer all the qualities for the rider to control their flight and pick their path through the turbulence. The new refinements have also made the Glide platform one of the most versatile and adaptable on the market, with its various interchangeable head configurations and front wing options (albeit all possess relatively medium to low aspect outlines). It provides plenty of scope for setup adjustment for different wind strengths and rider weights, not to mention the crossover capacity into many other foiling sports or disciplines. Priced under £1000.00, it is a well-presented and engineered setup and deserves to do well. Just as with all other carbon/aluminium foils out there, remember to use a marine based lubricant such as Tef-Gel during assembly.

www.neilpryde.com

NEIL PRYDE GLIDE WIND HP 13 2021 TEST REVIEW

VITAL STATS

FOIL

Head: Deep Tuttle

Mast Length: 80 cm

Mast Material: Aluminium

Fuselage Length: 84 cm

Fuselage Material: Aluminium

Front Wing Area (Quoted): 1300 cm²

Tail Wing Span: 38.5 cm

Tail Wing Area (Quoted): 220 cm²