VAYU VVING 5.4 2021 TEST REVIEW
THE VERDICT
The new kid on the block, with its Bridge Boom setup and tight canopy, the Vving delivers crisp power and supreme control over a wide wind range. Whilst accessible for beginners, the more experienced rider will relish the Vving’s balance and parked stability whilst riding.
THEY SAY
The Vving generates forward drive and upwind performance from the first foil flights to advanced manoeuvres. Its stiff geometry provides power and efficiency, enabling instant takeoffs, massive jumps and wind range. From the first foil flights to the first 360s or jump manoeuvres, the Vving provides the stability and control needed.
WE SAY
Vayu is a new brand on the scene, yet, despite its youth, there is plenty of pedigree in the people behind the brand, with years of experience in watersports and the wider sports industry. Taking a look at the Vving, its most eye-catching feature is its unique (and trademarked) Bridge Boom Strut system – a double boom configuration, each spanning two scooped recesses in the central inflated strut. The booms themselves are pre-fixed onto the strut using some industrial nuts and bolts with metal spacers, which in turn are covered from view by removable Velcro tabs. Once the Vving is unfolded, its struts are inflated to 8 PSI via a single bayonet air-lock inflation valve, making it compatible with most kite pumps. The central strut is fed via two hoses on either side, said to provide the added benefit of holding the central bladder in place to mitigate any issues during inflation. The two hoses also undoubtedly improve pack down deflation time, albeit still not making up for the omission of a dump valve.
Wide in outline, the Vving has a relatively high aspect shape, the thick leading strut exhibiting a soft vee geometry, whilst the canopy is particularly tight and batten-free, its high tension intended to provide what Vayu call a ‘rigid strut frame design’. The premise is that the stable structure provides power, response and control, giving it the wide quoted wind range of 9 to 25 knots. Available in four colourways, the canopy is produced in Teijin D2 Technofibre from Japan – described as ‘a class leading ripstop material that uses a high tenacity polyester yarn to provide the best strength to weight ratio’.
On the water the Vving has quite a unique feel and quickly became popular amongst those that tried it. Whilst the dual booms do add to the physical weight, the tight canopy and forward-facing profile offer the power and response to really make the most of marginal winds. As a gust hits, the Vving delivers clean and useable power, the booms enabling the rider to shuffle their hands to find just the right position and balance. Reacting well to pumping, it feels stiff and precise in the hands and settles well once going, being incredibly stable in flight. It might not be the fastest wing we’ve tried in this size, yet provides the feedback to point high and remain comfortable on all points of sail. One of the Vving’s shining attributes however, is its manoeuvrability. Easy to reposition at any time, it is always well mannered and despite not having any windows, was easy to raise above the head to the starting position, for visibility downwind at any time. Hold it to the side in the parked position and it remains stable and predictable whilst riding, the low neutral handle placed below the wrist leash tether point, giving a strong hint of this intent. And as the wind increases, the ability to play the hand along the booms simply adds to the feeling of control and comfort, allowing the rider to find just the right balance for them.
VAYU VVING 5.4 2021 TEST REVIEW
SPECS
Size: 5.0
Weight: 3.1 kg
Canopy Style: Tight
Recommended PSI: 6
Centre Strut Inflation: Double hose
Handles: Dual boom
Supplied with: Bag, leash
Available Sizes: 3.4, 4.4, 5.4, 6.4
PRICE: £819
OTHER WINGS IN THIS TEST
AIRUSH STARBOARD FREEWING V2 5.0