Wings 2026NeilPryde Fly 4 & Fly 4 Pro in the test - which one is better?

Manuel Vogel

 · 27.02.2026

Compared to its predecessors, the Fly 4 Pro is significantly lighter and slightly more compact
Photo: surf-Magazin
With the Fly 4 and the Fly 4 Pro, NeilPryde has two new all-rounders in its programme that differ in terms of construction. But is the extra price for the Pro version worth it? The test will tell you.

The fourth generation of the all-round Wings Fly will be launched at the start of the 2026 season with a few changes. Among other things, the geometry of the front tube is said to have been adapted to achieve greater rigidity in this area. According to the manufacturer, the outline has also been revised - with a more compact wingspan, especially in the larger sizes over 5.0 square metres.

On land

The two variants - Fly 4 and Fly 4 Pro - are each available in seven sizes from 3.5 to 6.5 square metres. We were able to compare the models in the 6.0 square metre size. Both wings are ventilated via two insulated SUP valves, the Fly 4 Pro manages with a slightly lower inflation pressure, which is probably primarily due to the use of the Aluula material, which gives the Pro version more rigidity overall. Both wings have quite a lot of V The wingtips are visibly raised when lying on the ground. The fabric tension is very high in the front third, towards the trailing edge both wings are visibly loosely cut - small mini batten stabilise the trailing edge.

The "Pistol Grip" offers enough space between boom and strutPhoto: Manuel VogelThe "Pistol Grip" offers enough space between boom and strut

The weight advantage of the noble Pro version (2.70 kilos) compared to the standard design (2.96 kilos) was 260 grams for our test wings. Both Wings are now equipped with a pleasantly thin and easy-to-grip boom, which Pistol Grip is slightly further away from the strut at the front and therefore offers plenty of space for intuitive gripping. The seams on the front tube are well protected, with solid Kevlar patches preventing damage on hard surfaces. The front handle is also suitably dimensioned and stiff enough to ensure that control impulses are well implemented. The view through the small windows is limited, and the Pro version also has bars on the windows - if you want to be sure, you should lift the wing before jibing and check the free space downwind through more than just the windows. Overall, both wings are perfectly equipped, the only thing you need to plan for in the shop is a leash, as this is not included in the scope of delivery.

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The Fly 4 Pro in test usePhoto: Tobias FrauenThe Fly 4 Pro in test use

On the water

Even in absolute light winds, both versions of the NeilPryde Fly 4 offer enough lift so that the wings immediately float and you can position yourself on the board. The power characteristics, which already characterised the Fly 2 we testedhas also been retained in the Fly 4. The lower wind limit can be pushed surprisingly far, especially with an active riding style, because the Fly 4 accepts pumping pulls willingly, twists efficiently and generates a lot of power on the bottom line. The Pro version offers the same level of power, but is even more agile and slightly stiffer when pumping - giving you the feeling that you can pump even more easily and with less effort. Once lifted off, the NeilPryde Fly 4 loads up noticeably, offers even pull and a stable flying position - the best conditions for relaxed cruising, fine-tuning your manoeuvres or putting in a few runs at top speed with small foils. We were pleased to note that the stronger fluttering of the trailing edge, which was still noticeable on the first Fly generations during our tests, was not observed on the current Fly 4 in the 6.0 square metre size.

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The NeilPryde Fly 4 can be guided precisely using the thin carbon handlePhoto: Tobias FrauenThe NeilPryde Fly 4 can be guided precisely using the thin carbon handle

In freeride use, the Fly 4 Pro is just as balanced in the hands as the standard version, but you always have the feeling of flying a slightly smaller, more manoeuvrable wing. The same applies to manoeuvres - the Fly 4 is already convincing across the board, but the Pro simply whirls through all tricks a little more nimbly and neutrally. If you only guide the wings on the front handle, for example when riding down swells, they both stabilise nicely and neutrally and offer pleasantly little disturbing life of their own. In addition, the trailing edge stays up for a pleasingly long time even when riding downwind. We can only speculate about the freestyle suitability, as our test size was predominantly used with longer Midlength boards in use. In any case, both wings offer plenty of lift, which is a good prerequisite for high jumps.

Delivers plenty of power, even for jumping - the Fly 4 ProPhoto: Tobias FrauenDelivers plenty of power, even for jumping - the Fly 4 Pro

NeilPryde Fly 4 & Fly 4 Pro - the conclusion

The NeilPryde Fly 4 shines as a wing with a good range of use from freeride to downwind to wave: the power level is above average, flight stability and manoeuvre handling are also top. It has particular strengths in light and medium winds, making it a tip for inland areas with little wind. The Fly 4 Pro offers even more lightness and agility, and because it is a little tighter, it can be ridden with even less effort, especially in strong gusts. The bottom line is that the pure performance benefits (take-off, speed) are barely measurable, but the Pro version offers a tangible upgrade in handling and control. Whether this plus justifies the extra price is for everyone to decide. What is certain is that neither wing is a bad buy if you are looking for an impeccable all-round wing.

NeilPryde Fly 4 - technical data

  • Test model: NeilPryde Fly 4 6.0 & Fly 4 Pro 6.0
  • Wingspan: 351 cm
  • Depth: 223 cm
  • Weight (own measurement, without leash): 2,96/2,70 kg (Fly 4/Fly 4 Pro)
  • Weight: 493/450 g/m2 (Fly 4/Fly 4 Pro)
  • Available sizes: 3.5/4.0/4.5/5.0/5.5/6.0/6.5 square metres
  • Scope of delivery: Wing, bag
  • Prices (test models): 1239/2149 Euro (Fly 4/Fly 4 Pro)
  • Contact: To the website
  • Special features: -
Manuel Vogel

Manuel Vogel

Editor surf

Manuel Vogel, born in 1981, lives in Kiel and learned to windsurf at the age of six at his father's surf school. In 1997, he completed his training as a windsurfing instructor and worked for over 15 years as a windsurfing instructor in various centers, at Kiel University sports and in the coaching team of the “Young Guns” freestyle camps. He has been part of the surf test team since 2003. After completing his teaching degree in 2013, he followed his heart and started as editor of surf magazine for the test and riding technique sections. Since 2021, he has also been active in wingfoiling - mainly at his home spots on the Baltic Sea or in the waves of Denmark.

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