The French brand F-one has been active in kitesurfing since 1994, and since its foundation the range has been successively expanded to include SUP material and equipment for wingfoilers.
On land:
The F-one Strike V2 Wing has been significantly revised compared to the previous model. A new design of the centre strut with an s-shaped and slightly thicker construction compared to the previous model is intended to improve control and stiffness, and the strong pre-tensioning of the canopy material also serves this purpose. The size gradations have also been revised and the new Strike V2 is available in seven sizes from 2.5 to 5.5 square metres.
Weighing in at 2.12 kilos, the Strike V2 is one of the lightest wings on the market. This low weight is also achieved by a consistent reduction to the essentials: Only two handles are available, yet the seam covers on the front tube and the wing tips appear absolutely solid. The front tube of the F-one Strike V2 is only thick in the centre area, but then tapers off towards the wing tips.
We also present this wing in a clip on our YouTube channel again in detail. Click inside!
On the water:
The F-one Strike V2 is extremely light in the hand from the very first bobble. However, when used passively (without pumping), it takes a little longer for the F-one to produce enough power to take off compared to other wings on the market. However, if you become active and invest a few powerful pumping strokes, you can really push the lower wind limit. The Strike V2 is also nice and tight in the hands of heavy wingsurfers (>85 kilos). We recommend under-inflating the wing by 0.5 to 1.0 psi below the recommended inflation pressure (8.0-8.5 psi), at least in the lower and medium wind range. This makes the Strike noticeably more elastic and allows it to be inflated much more efficiently.
In a straight line, the wing is always light and extremely agile in the hand, the position of the handles fits well, only a handle in the centre would be desirable in some situations, e.g. when launching. The high cloth tension is remarkable, the Strike feels like a perfectly balanced wing - no fluttering or shaking is disturbing. In light winds, the F-one Strike V2 is not quite as powerful as, for example, a Vayu VVing or Naish Matador LT It then doesn't load up so much and wants to be guided with technique and effort. When powered up, it stabilises noticeably, is firm in the hand even in strong gusts and without pressure point wandering and then becomes really fast.
In manoeuvres, the Strike V2 raises the bar to a new level; it feels like you are guiding the wing through the wind with two fingers or rotating it through all foil manoeuvres. You will notice that the Strike V2 is very precise when jibing or tacking, for example, but also when drifting in the waves. If you sit on a swell wave and only guide the wing on the front handle, you almost forget that it is even in tow - it floats behind you so neutrally and light as a feather. The outstanding handling also benefits ambitious freestyle tricks, as the F-One Strike V2 rotates playfully through all moves despite its large wingspan.
F-one Strike V2 Wing - the conclusion:
The F-one Strike raises the bar in terms of lightness and neutrality to a new level, making it ideal for ambitious freestylers, for all foil manoeuvres and above all for wingsurfing in the waves. Only at the lowest wind limit does the Wing require a more active riding style and a little more technique - this does not make it unsuitable for beginners, but it is not the top tip either.
Handling, neutrality, freestyle
No window
