We already introduced you to the first version of the SIC Raptor Wing ( HERE there's a test). Now an update of the Wing is coming onto the market, for which no stone has been left unturned.
On land:
With a wingspan of over 360 centimetres, the previous model had a very high aspect ratio (ratio of wingspan to surface area). In the new Raptor, this has been massively reduced, which naturally offers advantages when rotating and should also prevent the wingtips from always dragging in the water when starting off. With a measured wingspan of 3.34 metres, the new SIC Wing is now in the completely normal range. In addition to the outline, numerous other design features have also been revised: For example, the front tube has been more segmented and the cloth tension has been significantly increased. Instead of using small loops, you now grip on fixed handles that allow you to move your hands sideways. The handles themselves are suitably dimensioned and offer a high level of grip comfort. Windows are now also part of the equipment, with a reasonable view to leeward. The Wing is ventilated via two separate standard valves, and you have to plug it once to inflate it. Overall, the Raptor has an exemplary finish and equipment: The seams on the front tube and the wingtips are well protected, and the front handle has also been suitably dimensioned. In addition to a matching bag, the scope of delivery also includes a leash and the pump.
On the water:
The changes to the SIC Raptor Wing have an immediate effect: pumping is now easier because the wingtips no longer drag so much in the water. Overall, the Raptor with its rather flat profile offers passable light wind performance, but needs to be pumped much more actively at the lower wind limit than the absolute powerhouses on the market. The good thing is that if you fall below the recommended inflation pressure (8 Psi) by around 1 Psi and have a reasonably suitable pumping technique, you can still get a good amount of light wind power out of the wing, as the profile then becomes more elastic and noticeably more charged. Once lifted off, the Raptor stabilises itself excellently and is very stable in the hand, with excellent control even in strong gusts. In addition, the wing pulls powerfully through wind holes and reaches a high top speed when powered up. The feel-good factor is also enhanced by the new handles, which allow the grip position to be adjusted with millimetre precision, so you can always be on the move with the right amount of pull. The firm handles are also ideal for manoeuvres, allowing the wing to be steered very accurately. However, it is noticeable that the SIC Raptor Wing is a little less playful overall during normal turns, jibes and even more so during freestyle rotations. The same applies when drifting on the wave: the Raptor stabilises itself and floats neutrally behind you, but it always wants to be guided a little more actively during turns and quick changes of direction.
SIC Raptor Wing - the bottom line:
The new SIC Raptor Wing looks much improved with its more compact dimensions, higher cloth tension and a new grip system. If you like to accelerate with fast high-aspect foils and are looking for a fast freeride wing with excellent control and great flight stability, this is the perfect choice. If playful manoeuvres and time-lapse rotations are primarily on your wish list, the Raptor is not the absolute handling tip.
Speed, control, flight stability, equipment
