Windsurf MagazineNP Fly 5.0 2023 TEST REVIEW

NP Fly 5.0 2023 TEST REVIEW

The Verdict

The Fly truly lives up to its name, offering an extraordinary light wind wing foiling experience whilst offering strong performances in a good breeze too. Its blend of pumpability, efficiency, and design enhancements make it a must-try for any rider looking to expand their wing foiling horizons.

The Lowdown

In the world of winging, the Fly takes an impressive leap forward, fusing technologies from the realms of windsurfing, sailing, kite engineering, and innovative developments birthed from the project itself. A central design concept is its high lift coefficient. This distinctive feature furnishes the wing with increased lift and thrust while simultaneously diminishing drag. The wing’s high aspect ratio, paired with a taut leading edge, further lowers drag.

Taking a radical approach, the trailing edges of the Fly’s wing are intentionally designed to be free. This innovative touch allows for efficient twisting and de-powering, providing enhanced control to riders. In a similar vein, a unique strut geometry has been incorporated that lowers the strut towards the middle of the wing, pushing the wing further from the rider.

Comfort is not forgotten in the pursuit of performance. The Fly features ergonomic handles, ensuring that rider comfort is prioritised without sacrificing performance.

The leading edge of the canopy uses staggered material weights, making the wingtips lighter, thereby optimising the weight distribution. Meanwhile, various reinforcement strategies have been deployed throughout the wing, guaranteeing durability alongside optimal performance. No detail has been overlooked in the creation of the Fly.

Brand Claim

“High lift, ultra-efficient wing. Dramatically increased range and power, allowing you to use a far smaller wing than is typical in each set of conditions.”

Performance

When you first get out on the Fly, you can see why NeilPryde has produced the wing in such small sizes. The Fly maximises performance in low wind conditions, ensuring that a light breeze never stands between you and the water, whilst also allowing riders the opportunity to sail on smaller wings when the breeze is up for a free, more manoeuvre-based feel.

The first thing to note about the Fly is its remarkable pumpability. This wing has just the right amount of flex, quickly rebounding back to its original shape after each pump. This dynamic responsiveness makes for a remarkably efficient ride, with the slightest input easily transferred into the foil.

When it comes to tacking, the Fly makes the process super easy. By simply moving the hand forward to the front part of the front handle, the wing allows for effortless transitions. There’s no risk of stalling as the wing passes through the wind smoothly and uninterruptedly, maintaining its momentum and keeping you on course.

In terms of design, the Fly features an angled front handle that helps create a comfortable distance between the rider and the wing. This ergonomically designed handle ensures an easy and secure grip, enhancing control and improving overall performance.

Once up and going, the Fly has a very efficient feel. It’s as if the wing becomes an extension of your own body, responding to your commands instantly and seamlessly. Whether you’re cruising at a steady pace or pushing for maximum speed, the Fly delivers reliable performance and an exhilarating ride.

WEBSITE: www.neilpryde.com