Windsurf MagazineSLINGSHOT JAVELIN 5.0 2023 TEST REVIEW

SLINGSHOT JAVELIN 5.0 2023 TEST REVIEW

The Verdict

The Slingshot Javelin is a speed weapon. Easy to lock in on the straights and with impressive abilities to maintain speed in the turns, this wing will have you racing fast or jumping high, no matter your preferred discipline.

The Lowdown

With its introduction to the market, the Javelin has caused a significant stir with its compact wingspan, a design variation that effectively keeps the wingtips out of the water.

A major highlight of the Javelin is its innovative boom (supplied separately), cleverly designed in two pieces that conveniently snap together with stainless steel push pins. This thoughtfully crafted design is not only travel-friendly but also durable, assuring longevity and portability.

Adding to its roster of ingenious features, the wing houses a G-hook tensioner that is instrumental in spreading the load across the boom and adjusting the profile. This feature helps in maintaining balance and offering a comfortable and enjoyable ride.

The lightweight nature of the Javelin, its easy-pack design, coupled with innovative features like the one-pump system and a strut dump valve, all underscore its practicality and efficiency. Available in nine sizes from 2.5m to 7.5m, the Javelin is produced in two colourways, orange and green.

Brand Claim

“The Javelin boom wing delivers a stunning level of power and control with simple and secure push pin boom connectivity. Featuring an ultra-compact wingspan and on-the-fly power tuning using the canopy tensioning strap to flatten or expand the wing’s profile.”

Performance

The Slingshot Javelin is an innovative departure from typical wing designs. It’s one of the few wings to incorporate a boom, adding an element of surprise to its performance profile. Additionally, the Javelin provides riders with the ability to play with the wing profile with the central connection between the boom and the wing being adjustable to ensure the profile is set best for the conditions. Despite the added weight of the boom, the Javelin impressively maintains a lightweight feel when at rest.

The Javelin’s boom significantly enhances the rider’s control over the wing, both stationary and in motion, providing an incredibly tactile and connected feel. While the wing might not be the most powerful on the market, the increased control and stability brought about by the boom means that navigating larger wing sizes than usual becomes a breeze.

This wing shines exceptionally in windy conditions due to its flat profile and high skin tension. These characteristics equip the Javelin with an impressively locked-in feel, making it a fast and reliable companion on straight runs. Even at high speeds, it handles wind undulations remarkably well, reinforcing its reliability.

In manoeuvres, the Javelin’s boom becomes a beneficial tool once more. It offers the necessary control to assist riders of all skill levels in executing their gybes flawlessly, and through tacks, the wing’s power shuts off in the midpoint, making it super easy to maintain speed throughout the turn.

WEBSITE: www.slingshotsports.com