With how wobbly their front wing connection is I'm unsure how well that foil will perform.
But that's aside from the board which other than lacking strap inserts, some nose rocker and a release molding (which has been done on inflatables) looks pretty decent. Hopefully V2 improves on those things. Initial runs from Gong have a very Beta feel to them.
Select to expand quotePiros said..
I'm definitely getting one , I think this is the answer to one travel board that does all , Wing , DW Sup or prone , Surf Sup. My only issue is that fat nose , just wish there more nose rocker in the last 300mm on the under section only . I can see that pushing water in the first couple of strokes IMHO , regardless this is a take my money moment for me. Props to Patrice for always being so innovative.
I wonder about the nose rocker too. The 3D image on there web site shows more nose rocker. It looks really good.
These other images look super flat, but ether way it will work for me. ; )
I've all ready ordered one, but I wouldn't be surprised if a PRO model comes out within a year.
Select to expand quoteGrantmac said..
With how wobbly their front wing connection is I'm unsure how well that foil will perform.
But that's aside from the board which other than lacking strap inserts, some nose rocker and a release molding (which has been done on inflatables) looks pretty decent. Hopefully V2 improves on those things. Initial runs from Gong have a very Beta feel to them.
You can use this with any brand foil you like.
Ps. Off topic, but 5 years and 14 gong foil-wings so far and never had a wobbly. I think the order of tightening recommended in the past, is wrong and it does make a difference, but it's just my opinion.
Select to expand quoteFishdude said..Grantmac said..
With how wobbly their front wing connection is I'm unsure how well that foil will perform.
But that's aside from the board which other than lacking strap inserts, some nose rocker and a release molding (which has been done on inflatables) looks pretty decent. Hopefully V2 improves on those things. Initial runs from Gong have a very Beta feel to them.
You can use this with any brand foil you like.
Ps. Off topic, but 5 years and 14 gong foil-wings so far and never had a wobbly. I think the order of tightening recommended in the past, is wrong and it does make a difference, but it's just my opinion.
I've tried every order, plus changing screw lengths. Always wobbles even with 3 different fuselages and wings in various combos.
I agree we'll likely see a Pro model within a year.
I'm really happy with this Hipe Cruzader. I got the 7'11" x 22" 146 litter. It's big but it suites my skill level and my size pretty good. I don't see myself going for a smaller version any time soon. Now they have a bunch of the smaller sizes all the way down to 6 feet, with straps, coming out next month.
It Weights 18 Lbs 2 oz (8.2kgs). The base plate is extremely heavy duty! I'd guess the plate weights about 7-8 lbs (3.5kgs) by itself. It may be 22mm think and the track rails are a very thick 17 mm carbon fiber. It looks like this plate could stop a 50 caliber bullet. I guess they made it this heavy duty for Gongs new massive foils. The weight up front of the plate is a about 4 lbs (1.8 kgs), and maybe 2 lbs (0.9kgs) behind the plate, So the swing weight isn't bad at all.
The tracks are 15" long with a 1.5" of "no go" section because the nut plates will be to close to the cut outs, (but if your mast plate has more than four holes you should be able to use some of that area too.
Some in the gong group say the paddle up/ take off is as easy, or even easier than hard board version.
Seems like a really great board
Any infos about other brands than Gong developing an inflatable Downwinder?
I heard from a reliable source that Fanatic/Duotone will launch an iDownwinder next spring.
I've got my Gong up for sale if anyone interested
www.seabreeze.com.au/Classifieds/Foiling-Wind-Wing-Foilboards/~kzxk6/Gong-Hipe-Cruzader-7-6-132-Litres.aspx?_page=5&search=lJz%2BPLstQ71YumY0tRF7aQ%3D%3D
