Wings: Light as a feather & agile - the new NeilPryde Firefly Pro Wing in the test

Some time ago we had already the Firefly model presented. With its boom handle system and plenty of power, it was particularly impressive in light winds. Now NeilPryde is pushing the envelope with the Firefly Pro a new model. This differs in terms of profile, outline and, above all, the materials used.

On land

For the Firefly Pro, manufacturer NeilPryde uses Aluula Aeris and Aeris X - due to the increased stiffness of these materials, the front tube and strut can be designed to be thinner but still stiffer. In addition, the Pro version has a significantly reduced wingspan compared to its sister model Firefly. Instead of clear PVC windows, the Pro version has been fitted with X-Ply windows - these are less prone to creasing, but do not offer a particularly good view to leeward. NeilPryde also relies on a permanently installed and pleasantly thin carbon boom for the Firefly Pro. This is permanently attached to the wing and does not need to be (dis)assembled. This saves time when setting up, but the pack size is logically a little longer than with other boom wings on the market. The boom itself protrudes far from the strut at the front, which allows for intuitive gripping. The designers have given the Firefly Pro a low profile at the front, and the overall cloth tautness of this model is slightly higher than that of the Firefly. The front handle and the reinforcements at the wing tips are also well dimensioned. The wing is ventilated via two SUP valves, without a one-pump system. In other words, you have to pump it up once, but you can quickly deflate it again.

On the water

The advantages of the boom system are noticeable from the very first start, as the boom of the Firefly Pro stands far away from the strut, which makes it intuitive to grip. In addition, the diameter is pleasantly thin and, in combination with the non-slip coating, the grip is particularly energy-saving. When pumping up, the wing loads up excellently and offers a great mix of firmness and yet the necessary life required for efficient pumping. Once lifted off, even less experienced foilers will find it easy to find the right angle of attack for the wind, and the flight stability is at a good level.

The most striking differences to its sister model, the Firefly, can be seen in strong gusts: while the Firefly was sometimes a little unstable and not always easy to control, the Firefly Pro turns out to be much tighter here. Annoying flutter is not an issue here, which makes for a smoother flight and ultimately more control. The Pro also offers another noticeable upgrade in manoeuvres: the wing can be directed wonderfully directly, control impulses are transmitted 1:1 and the swing mass in rotations - whether in foil manoeuvres or freestyle tricks - appears significantly reduced again due to the reduced wingspan and the light weight. The suitability for waves is also impressive: Traditionally, wings with full-length booms are at a slight disadvantage here compared to those with short handles, but in the case of the Firefly Pro there is hardly any need to compromise. The wing stabilises itself and flies very neutrally when riding swells. The pleasantly stiff front handle also makes it easy to guide.

NeilPryde Firefly Pro - the conclusion

The NeilPryde Firefly Pro convinces as an all-round wing across the board and is one of the lightest boom models on the market. The combination of light wind power, simple flying behaviour and first-class manoeuvring handling leaves nothing to be desired - regardless of whether you are a wingfoil newcomer or a semi-pro. In direct comparison to the Firefly model, control in gusts is also significantly improved - the additional price of 300 euros is therefore well invested.

NeilPryde Firefly Pro - technical data

• Test model: NeilPryde Firefly Pro 5.0
• Wingspan: 323 cm
• Depth: 197 cm
• Weight (own measurement, without leash): 2.42 kg
• Weight: 484 g/m2
• Available sizes: 2,0/2,5/3,0/3,5/4,0/4,5/5,0/5,5/6,0 qm
• Scope of delivery: Wing, rucksack, pump adapter
• Price (test model): 1399 Euro
• Contact: To the website
• Special features: Boom permanently integrated