Slimmed down - the GA Poison Wing on land:
In terms of outline and tread pattern, the GA Poison Wing is comparable to the previously tested GA Cross (to the test report) identical. With a wingspan of 3.32 metres, this wing is neither extremely compact nor particularly stretched. In addition to the test size of 5.2 square metres, the GA Poison is also available in the sizes 2.8/3.5/4.2/6.2 and as a large 7.2. One striking difference to its Cross brother is its weight - at just 2.18 kilos, the Poison is one of the lightest wings on the market. This is achieved by minimising the equipment: although the wingtips are well protected against abrasion with patches, the small seam covers on the front tube have been omitted and transfer handles and the PVC window have also been dispensed with. The lack of a window is definitely a drawback, especially in full spots and in the hands of beginners. The connection between the front tube and centre chord is made via a very thin tube, which means that deflating takes a little longer than with some other wings. However, why GA-Sails has decided not to print the inflation pressure on the wing or at least on the bag remains the manufacturer's secret.
As always, you can see the most important features of the GA Poison in the product video:
On the water:
The low weight puts you in a good mood at first, the Poison is easy to handle and turn and feels good in the hand when first starting off. When pumping, you benefit from a good mix of elasticity and structural rigidity, which allows you to handle gusts well without the wing feeling too spongy in the hands of heavier riders. As with the GA Cross, the handles are quite soft, which we didn't find ideal, at least during long sessions. In contrast to the Cross, the Poison has to make do with fewer handles. That wouldn't be a problem in itself, but unfortunately, in our opinion, the handle positions are not ideal, which is why you feel a slightly uneven distribution of pull on the arms in certain wind ranges. This is a pity because the GA Poison is actually extremely light and easy to handle and could therefore offer the potential for effortless and playful riding.
The absolute strength of the Wing is in manoeuvres, where the Poison can really show off its light weight. Both in "normal" manoeuvres such as turns and jibes, the Wing is light as a feather in the hand, but also in jumps and freestyle tricks, the Wing is beyond any doubt. Its neutrality when drifting is also excellent: If you sit on a small swell, you can set the Wing wonderfully neutral and let it fly after you with virtually no noticeable life of its own. The Cross was already good in this respect, but the Poison goes one better for wave use.
Conclusion:
If you are looking for a balanced wing for early take-off, relaxed cruising and tricks, the GA Cross is the better all-rounder. The Poison's range of use for beginners and freeriders is somewhat limited due to the lack of a window and sub-optimal handles, but the wing sets the bar very high in terms of manoeuvring and neutrality on the wave.
Handling & neutrality
Comfort of the handles; venting takes quite a long time
No window; position of the handles
