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The Slingshot Slingwing V3 on land:
Now available in eight sizes (2.5 to 7.5sqm; 719 to 1049 euros), various colour combinations and with striking design changes, US manufacturer Slingshot is already sending the third version of the Slingwing into the race for the favour of wingsurfers. If the V2 in the test While the Slingwing V3 was sometimes a little soft, especially in the hands of heavier riders, the successor should now be significantly firmer. This is made possible by a thicker front tube and strut as well as a changed pressure recommendation - the Slingshot Slingwing V3 is inflated to a full ten psi. An integrated mini-batten at the front of the profile is designed to give the profile more tension. The wing has retained its very low weight; at just 2.45 kilos, the Slingwing V3 is one of the lightest wings on the market. The V3 also manages without a window, but the lack of visibility has a positive effect on the weight and pack size of the wing. The handles have also been completely redesigned: instead of the rather narrow grips of the V2, the successor now offers wide loops that allow plenty of lateral room for manoeuvre regardless of body size and rider type and ensure that you can always adopt a position with perfect tension distribution. Unlike the Ensis or TakumaHowever, the handles on Slingshot have been sewn on a little further than those on comparable grip systems. Advantage: It is easier to hit the handles when changing grip. Disadvantage: In stronger winds, contact with the wing is not quite as direct - but more on that later.
Deflation is extremely quick thanks to an additional valve on the strut and the reinforcements on the handles and wingtips are also beyond reproach. Although the supplied hand leash is long enough, the Velcro strap on our test wing was too short. Slingshot has assured us that the wings will be supplied with a new leash from now on - it's best to check before you buy!
As always, there's also a clip for this wing on our YouTube channel. Take a look!
On the water:
The changes compared to the previous model are immediately noticeable. The Slingshot Slingwing V3 is noticeably firmer, especially when pumping, and has no tendency to feel spongy even in the hands of heavy wingsurfers (>90kg). Light riders can even reduce the inflation pressure slightly (8.5 to 9 psi) and are then rewarded with a little more efficiency when pumping in light winds. If you are just standing on deck waiting to finally take off, you will have to do this a little longer with the Slingwing V3 than with the wings on the market that are optimised for raw power. Nevertheless, the performance is convincing and those who, as usual, take off with active pumping, get a wing with the Slingshot that loads up excellently, can be pumped early and then lies in the hand with pleasingly low holding forces. In our opinion, the wind range has also improved noticeably compared to its predecessor; even in strong gusts, the wing remains very stable in terms of shape and pressure point without losing its easy handling. Fortunately, this wing has also retained the outstanding handling of the V2; in manoeuvres it feels like you can direct it with two fingers and thanks to the wide handles you can now hit them more reliably. Only in strong winds would you want the connection to the wing to be almost a little more direct in manoeuvres than the rather wide handles can offer.
Due to the rather compact wingspan of 337 centimetres, the wing offers sufficient ground clearance when pumping and as a small rider. The relatively compact dimensions in combination with the feather-light handling and good neutrality are also the reason why the Slingshot Slingwing V3 is not only a force for jumps and freestyle tricks, but is also pleasantly restrained on the wave if you just want to let it fly behind you.
Conclusion:
The Slingshot Slingwing V3 goes one better than its predecessor, the V2, with improved control and structural rigidity. This makes the wing suitable for trickers, wave surfers and - ignoring the lack of visibility - freeriders.
Handling, all-round properties, features
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Slingshot Slingwing V3 5.0 - the rating:
Manuel Vogel
Editor surf
