Ok, I’m looking at purchasing a 5.5 Frigate V2 to compliment my 7.5 L1 and 4.3 AB. However, now Ozone came out with the PRV2 Ultra X, which is suppose to be a light wind weapon. From what I have read here from all of you and seen on other video reviews, here are the pros and cons of each.

Frigate V2 5.5m
Pros: great top end, great upwind angles, easy collapse, limited tangles, easy redeploy
Cons: more technical low end grunt and getting on to foil, wingtip collapse in light winds, less easy to maneuver with jibes, tacks, etc.

Ozone PRV2 Ultra X 5.7m
Pros: better low end and ease of getting on foil, easy to maneuver with jibes and tacks, packs down really small d/t lightweight construction, wider top end range compared to PRV2 d/t “canopy filling more evenly”, same easy collapse and redeploy, pretty good upwind angles.
Cons: less top end range, fragile material (less longevity), more prone to tangles compared to Frigate V2.

Do I have the pros and cons correct? I guess I’m leaning towards the Frigate V2 as it probably should have better top end range. But the wingtip collapse in light conditions and with pumping etc, do have me concerned. Also concerned about comparative low end as I’m 100kg, but everyone on this thread seems to be convinced that Gav and Tucker don’t know what they are talking about. I’m sure the more difficult maneuvering in jibes etc can easily be learned.

Has anyone tried both PWs that can share an opinion? The main problem I had with the PRV2 was increase bar pressure and lack of top end range. If the Frigate has substantially better top end range and lower bar pressure than the Ultra X, I can get passed the more technical starts in lighter wind conditions.

I think you'll find the leading edge and some lines have changed to on the ultra x, thats why reviewers are reporting upwind angle improvement, even though PR v2 was good any way. The lighter weight material will also improve the pump too as there will be less lag before it falls back after each pump I would imagine.

Sure it'll be slightly more susceptible to ground cuts than the 32 weight material. But those of us that flew paragliders were always laying that weight material out on rough terrain, plus still took 200/250hrs flying before wearing out.

For the record I have a mixed F one and ozone quiver.
Mike

rfh said..
Ok, I’m looking at purchasing a 5.5 Frigate V2 to compliment my 7.5 L1 and 4.3 AB. However, now Ozone came out with the PRV2 Ultra X, which is suppose to be a light wind weapon. From what I have read here from all of you and seen on other video reviews, here are the pros and cons of each.

Frigate V2 5.5m
Pros: great top end, great upwind angles, easy collapse, limited tangles, easy redeploy
Cons: more technical low end grunt and getting on to foil, wingtip collapse in light winds, less easy to maneuver with jibes, tacks, etc.

Ozone PRV2 Ultra X 5.7m
Pros: better low end and ease of getting on foil, easy to maneuver with jibes and tacks, packs down really small d/t lightweight construction, wider top end range compared to PRV2 d/t “canopy filling more evenly”, same easy collapse and redeploy, pretty good upwind angles.
Cons: less top end range, fragile material (less longevity), more prone to tangles compared to Frigate V2.

Do I have the pros and cons correct? I guess I’m leaning towards the Frigate V2 as it probably should have better top end range. But the wingtip collapse in light conditions and with pumping etc, do have me concerned. Also concerned about comparative low end as I’m 100kg, but everyone on this thread seems to be convinced that Gav and Tucker don’t know what they are talking about. I’m sure the more difficult maneuvering in jibes etc can easily be learned.

Has anyone tried both PWs that can share an opinion? The main problem I had with the PRV2 was increase bar pressure and lack of top end range. If the Frigate has substantially better top end range and lower bar pressure than the Ultra X, I can get passed the more technical starts in lighter wind conditions.

I just went through this same analysis and while I haven't had a chance to ride the Frigates I wound up settling on a 5m Ultra X, 4.5 Frigate 2, 3.5 Frigate 2 (and I already had another 3m). The 5/4.5 gap is tight, but my thinking was that (A) I don't want to stash anything bigger than a 5m, (B) the Pocket Rocket rides really well at the bottom of its range and everything Im hearing is that the Frigate 2 rides best at the upper end of its range. At least on paper I'll ride the 5m from ~13-17/18 knots, 4.5 from ~17 to 22/23 knots, 3.5 from ~22 to 26/27. I could have done 5m ultra X, 4m F2, 3m F2, but I really find the 3.5 size to be useful and I already had a 3m that I like so I was filling the gap.


Another consideration - Have you tried a stash on a 5.7 Pocket Rocket 2 (reg or UltraX)? The lines start to get pretty long. in addition to stash size (which the UltraX definitely helps with), I didn't want to deal with lines longer than the 5m and I find a 5m can get me up in almost any conditions I want to ride anyways.

I'll report back when I've got time on the quiver to see whether it all checks out.

Can anyone provide direct comparisons between 777 PT Skin & Frigate 2. I currently have 3, 4 & 5.4 PT Skin and I am looking into replacing at least the two big ones with 4 & 5.5 Frigate V2. Could these two replace all three PT Skin sizes since f2 supposedly has very good high range? I find PT Skin quite erratic in high range with leading edge violently collapsing. It's definitely also a lack of my skill since I'm still learning so more user friendly PW would be appreciated. 90kg rider + gear, Axis Mini Dart 90lt, riding messy wind swell in Greece, from 14-35knots, very gusty in winter, less so in summer.
I don't have much experience with any other PW, but recently I tried friend's BRM S3 and it was so much more enjoyable and stable then PT Skins.

Hoping to use my ultra x 3.6m tomorrow, just sold my 3.5 quest, so be good to compare between that snd my 3m PRv2

hilly said..

branem said..
Can anyone provide direct comparisons between 777 PT Skin & Frigate 2. I currently have 3, 4 & 5.4 PT Skin and I am looking into replacing at least the two big ones with 4 & 5.5 Frigate V2. Could these two replace all three PT Skin sizes since f2 supposedly has very good high range? I find PT Skin quite erratic in high range with leading edge violently collapsing. It's definitely also a lack of my skill since I'm still learning so more user friendly PW would be appreciated. 90kg rider + gear, Axis Mini Dart 90lt, riding messy wind swell in Greece, from 14-35knots, very gusty in winter, less so in summer.
I don't have much experience with any other PW, but recently I tried friend's BRM S3 and it was so much more enjoyable and stable then PT Skins.

I had a 5.4 ptskin the 5.5 v2 Frigate is much better especially stability at the high end.

hi hilly thanks for the suggestion on the 5.5 frigate v2 earlier. any issues with the span of the 5.5m frigate v2 and the wingtips catching the water?

Mikedubs said..
Hoping to use my ultra x 3.6m tomorrow, just sold my 3.5 quest, so be good to compare between that snd my 3m PRv2

More relevant to this thread if you can compare it to a Frigate V2 😂

branem said..
Can anyone provide direct comparisons between 777 PT Skin & Frigate 2. I currently have 3, 4 & 5.4 PT Skin and I am looking into replacing at least the two big ones with 4 & 5.5 Frigate V2. Could these two replace all three PT Skin sizes since f2 supposedly has very good high range? I find PT Skin quite erratic in high range with leading edge violently collapsing. It's definitely also a lack of my skill since I'm still learning so more user friendly PW would be appreciated. 90kg rider + gear, Axis Mini Dart 90lt, riding messy wind swell in Greece, from 14-35knots, very gusty in winter, less so in summer.
I don't have much experience with any other PW, but recently I tried friend's BRM S3 and it was so much more enjoyable and stable then PT Skins.

A bit heavier than you but ride a bigger board and now have around 30 sessions on a 3.5m and 4.5m V2 Frigate and prob 75 sessions on the PT skins.

The PT Skins are designed to be ridden harnessed in.
Took a while to get the hang of the 5.4m but rides nicely when harnessed in and the wing moves forward in the window - becomes a handful around 18 knts, replaced it with a 5.7m PRV2 which was better due to the shorter lines but only give a bit more low end.
3m PT Skin moved around alot without generating much power, at 25knts the water is usually messy and battled to get going without power - sold it to a 70kg rider who got on well with it, maybe only an issue for heavier riders.
PT Skins stash smaller than the Frigate.

You can def learn with the PT skins, they are a decent parawing but the V2 Frigate is awesome and will make life easier and are much more performant.
Specifically the upwind ability , shorter lines and fantastic top end. Never feel like I'm getting my arms ripped off with the Frigates.

Would suggest going up half a size on the Frigates as the range is massive and you can handle the power.
If you need to choose two then I reckon you would see most benefit from upgrading your 3m + 4m PT's to 3.5m + 4.5m Frigates (which would cover you from around 17 - 30 + knots)

Wingtips on the Frigate can catch in the bridle if not redeployed cleanly and stick to the water at times, but the 5.4m PT skin could also do that.

Pulled the trigger on the Frig V2 4.5m . Still wrapped up no wind 🤔🤔 maybe the weekend.

rfh said..
Good info here. Ordered the 5.5 Frigate v2 over the ultra x. I don’t feel at all that the L1 BRM 7.5m gets over powered easily as Dwight’s experience. However i am 100kg, and could ride into the low 20’s mph hooked in. This is completely opposite of the 7.3m PT Skin, where you would get over powered very quickly and the front leading edge would collapse.

ah you are gonna love it - the thing rockets upwind!! I’m 78kg and the 5.4 PR had a three knots sweet spot wind range lol.

branem said..

WindWaterSailAU said..

branem said..
Can anyone provide direct comparisons between 777 PT Skin & Frigate 2. I currently have 3, 4 & 5.4 PT Skin and I am looking into replacing at least the two big ones with 4 & 5.5 Frigate V2. Could these two replace all three PT Skin sizes since f2 supposedly has very good high range? I find PT Skin quite erratic in high range with leading edge violently collapsing. It's definitely also a lack of my skill since I'm still learning so more user friendly PW would be appreciated. 90kg rider + gear, Axis Mini Dart 90lt, riding messy wind swell in Greece, from 14-35knots, very gusty in winter, less so in summer.
I don't have much experience with any other PW, but recently I tried friend's BRM S3 and it was so much more enjoyable and stable then PT Skins.

A bit heavier than you but ride a bigger board and now have around 30 sessions on a 3.5m and 4.5m V2 Frigate and prob 75 sessions on the PT skins.

The PT Skins are designed to be ridden harnessed in.
Took a while to get the hang of the 5.4m but rides nicely when harnessed in and the wing moves forward in the window - becomes a handful around 18 knts, replaced it with a 5.7m PRV2 which was better due to the shorter lines but only give a bit more low end.
3m PT Skin moved around alot without generating much power, at 25knts the water is usually messy and battled to get going without power - sold it to a 70kg rider who got on well with it, maybe only an issue for heavier riders.
PT Skins stash smaller than the Frigate.

You can def learn with the PT skins, they are a decent parawing but the V2 Frigate is awesome and will make life easier and are much more performant.
Specifically the upwind ability , shorter lines and fantastic top end. Never feel like I'm getting my arms ripped off with the Frigates.

Would suggest going up half a size on the Frigates as the range is massive and you can handle the power.
If you need to choose two then I reckon you would see most benefit from upgrading your 3m + 4m PT's to 3.5m + 4.5m Frigates (which would cover you from around 17 - 30 + knots)

Wingtips on the Frigate can catch in the bridle if not redeployed cleanly and stick to the water at times, but the 5.4m PT skin could also do that.

Thanks for that. Some solid information here. If I understand correctly you suggest I should replace 3&4 PT Skins with 3.5&4.5 F2, and keep 5.4 PTs? Interesting 🤔
The thing is that I currently use mainly 4&5.4 PW, occasionally also 3m. Same goes for hand wings, where I mainly used 4&5.5m and rarely 3m. Although it's great having small size backup for 30+ days.

There is a 5m Frigate coming out soon as well.

I would suggest 4/5.5 Frigates keep your 3m PT skin.

I got a Frigate V2 3m and 4m which should hopefully serve me for most conditions in Cape Town.

Here is a closeup of tracks on the 4. I'm more than happy with the upwind angle I'm getting, maxing around 40 degrees. This is in quite strong wind, probably 20 - 23 knots, with gusts probably peaking close to 30. Great conditions.
I don't have much of a frame of reference on all the other parawings out there, all my parawinging has been done on BRM Maliko V1s. This would definitely have been 2.9 conditions, I wouldn't have held down the 4 in this. But with the Frigate v2 4, super comfortable at all times, never felt it was hard going especially once hooking in.

This is the upgrade I was looking for - something that can shoot upwind comfortably and enjoyably. Maybe the Afterburner can do this better, but it already feels at the point of diminishing returns for me and my riding style and objectives.

Some other observations:
Packing - I need to update my technique, because with the BRM I could stuff it into a ball with my eyes closed. The BRM still wins on that. The white lines work well, but it's not second nature yet, and it needs a bit more planning to do a complete packdown. I'm sure it will take a few sessions to figure out. It doesn't pack as small as the same size BRM, I wasn't expecting that.
Redeploying - it seems quite good at this, takes a bit more time than the BRM to open up, tends to open right, and no sudden surges of power that I would get sometimes particularly when in the higher end of the wind range.
Bar - great, just perfect in form and function. Big hefty bars are a no-no for me.
Lines - they did such a good job to end up with this simple line configuration - only 2 attachment points with no yoke.
Low end - definitely wouldn't say it's very grunty, still have to really figure this out.
Handling - seems responsive and well behaved, slightly less turny than a lower aspect wing as you'd expect.