Slingshot 2025 is on the market with a completely redesigned foil range - the Glide model is advertised as the all-round foil with the widest range of use. It is available in six front wing sizes from 625 to 1525 cm2 - we were able to test the 925 extensively.
On land
With an average aspect radio (= ratio of wingspan to surface area) of 8.4 to 9.0, the Glide Frontwing is optimised for good turning characteristics. However, the profile of the wing is slightly thicker, especially in the centre area, which should provide sufficient lift and a stable waterflow even at low speeds. However, the Slingshot Glide Foil is particularly special because of its innovative mounting system - called One-Lock. This picks up on the trend towards one-piece front wings, i.e. instead of attaching the front wing to a fuselage with screws, the front wing and the front part of the fuselage consist of one part - the same applies to the stabiliser, which remains firmly attached to the rear part of the fuse. The advantages are obvious: a more stable connection and the elimination of screws that can loosen or corrode are the most important aspects.
The final connection of the parts is then extremely simple with Slingshot: First insert the quick release together with the front wing into the mount on the mast. Then insert the stabiliser from behind and connect it to the quick release - done! Time required: less than 20 seconds. If you have several front wing sizes, you can also quickly change and adapt to changing wind conditions. If necessary, the resistance of the quick release can be adjusted using a small screw. Thanks to the One-Lock system, the two parts are firmly pressed into the mount on the mast. However, our original fear that sand and salt would turn the One-Lock system into a connection for all eternity has not been confirmed. When dismantling, the connection can be quickly released again by turning the front wing and stabiliser slightly.
We tested the Glide Frontwing 925 in combination with two different stabilisers (Turbo 180/Flare 175) and an 82 cm aluminium mast. Alternatively, the One-Lock Glide foil could of course also be used with a carbon mast from Slingshot (surcharge 680 euros). Slingshot has also thought of a way to mount the mast on the board, with several options included: With wing nuts, this part of the assembly can also be done completely without tools - although this does result in more drag when starting off. Alternatively, you can replace the front track nuts with small plates, under which the mast is then hooked. Advantage: No increase in drag and faster assembly, as only the two rear screws need to be fixed. In addition, the favourite position of the foil remains "saved".
On the water
The mounting option with wing nuts is - as our first test session on the water immediately showed - only a tip for foilers who are foiling in stronger winds and without frequent setting down, as the wing nuts noticeably increase the drag when starting off - this can make all the difference at the lower wind limit. If you use the other mounting options, the strength of the Glide Foil immediately comes into its own, as the foil builds up lift very evenly, lifts off gently and maintains the waterflow surprisingly well even at low speeds. All in all, the take-off behaviour is easy, which even less experienced wingfoilers can cope with. In combination with the Turbo 180 Stabiliser, which includes a longer fuselage, the Glide Foil is easy to ride on the straights even when powered up: It never tends to lift uncontrollably and remains stable even in manoeuvres and tight radii. Smooth radii are one of the foil's absolute strengths anyway - regardless of whether you are flying through foil 360s or riding steep swells. With the Flare Stabiliser, the whole foil becomes noticeably more agile, so that tighter radii in swell or surf waves are also possible.
We would classify the speed level of the Glide 925 in combination with the Turbo 180 Stabiliser as "good" but not exceptional. Nevertheless, you have enough power for jumps and freestyle tricks. If your focus is fully on speed and high jumps, you should go for the Flare 175 stabiliser, provided you have the appropriate riding skills. This is significantly slimmer and noticeably increases top speed. However, the foil also requires more sensitivity on the straights because it is more sensitive and agile around all axes.
Slingshot One-Lock Glide Foil - the conclusion
The Slingshot One-Lock Glide is indeed a foil with a wide range of use. It combines great light wind power, reliable lift, high flight stability and smooth turning characteristics - if you are beyond the beginner stage, this is a great all-round wing for freeriding, tricks and wave riding. In combination with the Flare stabiliser, ambitious foilers who focus fully on high jumps and tight turns get another upgrade. The One-Lock system works perfectly - there is probably no other mounting system on the market that gets you on the water faster.
All-round properties, control, quick assembly
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Slingshot One-Lock Glide Foil - technical data
- Test product: Slingshot One-Lock Glide 925
- Front wing area: 925 cm2
- Front wing span: 89.9 cm (aspect ratio 8.8)
- Back wing area (Turbo 180): 180 cm2
- Wingspan back wing: 34 cm
- Fuselage: Total length 70.5 cm
- Mast (aluminium): 82 cm
- Price test set: 1613 Euro
- Weight set (own measurement): 3.48 kg
- Scope of delivery: Cover; 3 mounting systems for mast
- Special features: Assembly possible without tools
- Info: To the website
