Received my 6.0m Strike yesterday and rode it for 2.5 hours between 1 to 4pm today. Winds 12~17mph. Location Mission Bay San Diego. Set up = Armstrong 1850 / 60cm fuse / 72cm mast / 200V tail / 5'2" 52 Foil Co board @ 93 liters 12lbs / rider weight 200lb / 58yrs. Comparing it to a 5.5m A-Wing which I've been riding for about 9 months. Previously riding a 6.0m V1 Wasp. Pumped the Strike up to 9psi compared to 8psi with the A-Wing.
Beginning of the session was pretty light winds but the goal here was to see how low it would go. My initial impression was it didn't quite have the low end grunt of the A-Wing. It's definitely not as stiff as the A-Wing. After an hour or so I figured out the pumping technique needed is different. Short, quick "circle" pumps worked with the Strike vs bigger longer pumps with the A-Wing. Also figured out I was over sheeting it and stalling it out a bit when trimming once on foil.
Summary:
- Low end grunt : I'd say it's a draw once I figured out the technique. I was hoping for more low end as we are always on the verge of doable here in no-wind-diego
- Top end speed : For today's wind I'd say I was going faster on the F-one (sorry, don't do GPS) - so that's pretty subjective
- Gust / rotor handling : I'd say the Strike has a more progressive approach to backwinding than the A-Wing - giving you a bit more time to adjust before getting slapped down
- Up wind : I'd have to give the nod to A-Wing (holding the bottom of the Y-handle). You can get the Strike to move into a really vertical trim and it will go upwind well but then you have to worry about dragging the tip in the water a bit
- Turning : It's got a lot more dihedral than the A-Wing. First attempt at tacking I struggled to get the Strike to roll over as I was putting the wing over my head. Figured it out after a few tries and learned to really like how you just point the nose of the Strike where you want it to go and it will change direction nicely.
- Handles : Strike and A-Wing are on opposite end of the spectrum. Strike are narrow (diameter) and long. A-Wing are thicker and shorter (with several options vs the Strike just has two). Initially didn't like the Strike set up as I felt the length of the handles just makes your hand settle in to the center of the "v" created when it's pulling. I was trying to move my hands towards the back to get more pull when pumping up and getting through lulls. Then I stopped fighting that and just let my hands settle in the middle. I like the narrow diameter so that you can lock in by wrapping just the ends of your fingers on the handle (much less forearm pump for me) - and no, I don't like harnesses. I can ride for 3 hours without one and prefer the simplicity.
- Jumping : Gusts were not very strong so didn't get much air when jumping and felt I was stalling it when sheeting in. For the time being, I'd say the light wind jumping nod goes to A-Wing due to it's stiffness. Seems I need change up my technique a bit for the Strike.
- Weight : I haven't weighed them both yet but Strike definitely feels lighter (even with the 3 struts)
- Windows : Wish the Strike had em... I know it's a touchy subject but I like windows. Although little, they work for me on the A-Wing. Maybe it's just me but I like to see where I'm going when I jibe and also what's coming at me. Of course, you can lift up the wind to get a quick look around but when the wind is lite you are giving up precious speed to make that move.
- Wingspan : I haven't measured or looked either of them up. No issues with either in terms of catching when pumping up on foil.
Verdict: I'll keep the Strike for now. It's quite different than the A-Wing (which I really like - except for the weight). It's fun being on the bleeding edge of this nascent sport and getting the opportunity to experience different design approaches and progressions. Very interested to try a 6.0 Wasp V2 and also Ocean Rodeo Aluula when that comes out.
