Are wings getting better?

7 hours ago
Reply
Register to post, see what you've read, and subscribe to topics.
Naranek
Naranek
30 posts
30 posts
6 Oct 2026 11:51pm
With foils there's been a clear progression where new generations are markedly better than their predecessors, but what about wings? It feels like parawing is the latest improvement on that area, and there are more double skin racing wings popping up, but at least visually the "normal" wings look very similar to what they were a few years ago.

So what do you think? Are wings still improving or has the progress stagnated? Is it worth upgrading to the latest model, or do you go for last season sales?

My reference for wings is Duotone Slick SLS, Unit D/Lab 2023 & Gong Neutra UPE Aramid 2024.
Velocicraptor
Velocicraptor
900 posts
900 posts
7 Oct 2026 1:48am
Im riding a quiver of wings that are ~3 year old models. Some of the lesser used sizes have been used for 3 years, but most of them are only a year old and still in good shape (in fact I bought one new for VERY cheap this summer because I really needed a 2.5m for the first time). Ive also ridden a handful of the current generation. The current generation wings are better, but its not a huge difference and a lot of the difference can be attributed to just being new (vs changes in construction or design). The biggest design difference I can see is that some of the new wings have materially thinner leading edges (yet maintain their stiffness), which is more efficient going upwind and less draggy luffing. Im not really convinced there has been a lot of innovation in terms of longevity over the last several years, which would be the most meaningful improvement in my eyes. So are they better? yes, but not better enough to meaningfully impact the quality or fun in a session.

Bottom line is that my quiver is old, and I don't use it nearly as much as I used to (due to focusing more on parawing), but Im not longing for new wings for performance reasons vs parawings where the improvement has been pretty drastic in the last 2 years.

If I were replacing wings today I'd buy discounted 25 or 26 models with booms and I'm sure I'd be more happy with that budget quiver than if I spent a premium for a full price 27 model.
FranP
FranP
163 posts
163 posts
7 Oct 2026 4:24am
Naranek said..
With foils there's been a clear progression where new generations are markedly better than their predecessors, but what about wings? It feels like parawing is the latest improvement on that area, and there are more double skin racing wings popping up, but at least visually the "normal" wings look very similar to what they were a few years ago.

So what do you think? Are wings still improving or has the progress stagnated? Is it worth upgrading to the latest model, or do you go for last season sales?

My reference for wings is Duotone Slick SLS, Unit D/Lab 2023 & Gong Neutra UPE Aramid 2024.


Pick last year Unit (2026) which are -30% discounted and you will be impressed with the easy pumping, upwind angles, stability in high winds and easy handling,... Wings are still improving year over year, but comparing with 2023-24 you will see a major difference.
A boom is always better than two rigid handles, btw.
Please Register, or first...
Topics Subscribe Reply