Wings: Inexpensive all-rounder - the new GunSails Hy-Wing Omega in the test

With the Hy-Wing Omega, manufacturer GunSails has launched a new wing model in five sizes, which can be ridden with either fixed handles or a continuous boom. Due to the direct sales model, our test size of 5.0 square metres is available for just 699 euros.

On land

The Hy-Wing Omega is available in five sizes (3.0/4.0/5.0/6.0 and 7.0 square metres). Similar to the Vayu Eos or the new Duotone Unit the case, the handle system of the GunSails model can also be exchanged. The wing is supplied with two fixed handles, the front one of which is so long that the wing can also be flown one-handed. If you prefer to foil with a continuous boom, you can purchase a carbon boom - this costs between 125 and 139 euros, depending on the length. Keyword "length": Each wing size requires its own boom. The replacement is simple and only takes a few minutes.

The Hy-Wing Omega is ventilated via two SUP valves, a one-pump system has been dispensed with, as has a window, so you only need to plug it once when inflating. When fully inflated, the wing offers a tight profile with a nice cloth tension. The front handle on the tube has a good grip and is suitably dimensioned so that control impulses can be transmitted well if the wing is allowed to drift neutrally. Attention has also been paid to covering the seams so that the wing makes a good overall impression despite its low price. If you were looking for the fly in the ointment, you could only criticise the leash, which is equipped with a rather narrow Velcro strap.

On the water

The Hy-Wing Omega is beautifully balanced in the hands immediately after take-off. Even if the model with its tight profile is not extremely powerful on take-off, the Omega Wing still delivers convincing light wind performance with an active flying style. Once lifted off, the wing stabilises nicely and provides good flight stability, making it easy even for less experienced foilers to maintain the right angle of attack to the wind. The thin handles are comfortable and effortless to grip. Because the front handle is designed to be quite long, you can even fly the wing one-handed - from this point of view, switching to the full-length boom is not absolutely necessary.

The positive overall impression continues seamlessly in manoeuvres. The GunSails Hy-Wing Omega is easy to manoeuvre and even though there are certainly wings on the market that are a touch lighter and more agile in the hand, the Omega Wing is absolutely competitive in terms of handling and also for first freestyle tricks and rotations. The only thing to bear in mind is that the wing has no window, so it is essential to look under the wing before manoeuvring downwind. We particularly liked the behaviour in strong gusts, as the wing ignores them with the necessary composure - the centre of effort remains stable and annoying fluttering is not an issue with the Omega.

The GunSails novelty also feels at home in swell waves and downwinders. The wing stabilises itself and drifts well in a neutral position, and the well-dimensioned and stiff front handle makes it easy to steer.

GunSails Hy-Wing Omega - the conclusion

With the Hy-Wing Omega, GunSails has created a well-balanced all-rounder that has no weaknesses whatsoever. Features, power, control and handling are all at a consistently good level, so the target group for this wing ranges from wingfoil newcomers to experienced foilers.

Price-performance; control; 2 handle systems

Leash

No window

GunSails Hy-Wing Omega - technical data

• Test model: GunSails Hy-Wing Omega 5.0
• Wingspan: 336 cm
• Depth: 200 cm
• Weight (own measurement, without leash): 3.06 kg
• Weight: 612 g/m2
• Available sizes: 3.0/4.0/5.0/6.0/7.0 square metres
• Scope of delivery: Wing, bag, leash
• Price (test model): 699 Euro
• Contact: Zur website
• Special features: Alternative with carbon boom