My first experiences with the all new Armstrong A-Wing XPS MK II
I was fortunate enough to receive the new XPS MK II wings a few weeks ahead of the release. I have been riding the 4.5 and 5.5 both with the standard handles and the highly anticipated boom. Although the previous generation of the XPS was already really good, Armie and the Armstrong team have been able to improve it even more!
The new XPS feels so nice. It feels more direct, with as a result there is a little bit more low end power. They have also been able to improve the stability of the wing. This, combined with the thinner leading edge and the higher pressures resulted into a higher top end of the wing too.
On my second session of the wing jaco kleyweg, a local photographer, managed to take a few shorts. After sitting on them for weeks, they can now be published.
The pictures show quite well how the wing feels. This was a light wind session of about 10-12 knots. I was on the 4.5 XPS MK II with a ML75 and a HA980. The stability of the wing through tacks and gybes is incredible. It inspires so much confidence.
A few days later I also had the chance to try the 5.5 in even lighter conditions. The wind was gusting 10 knots, but base wind was even lower. i was using a DW96 board and again a HA980. In the video's you can see how well the wing flies and how stable it is.
In this session I was using the standard handles. I was absolutely happily surprised how well they perform. They almost feel like the boom and there is no problem riding with one hand. Its because the handles are longer compared to the previous generation. The front handle is long enough to find the balancing point with riding with one hand.
By now i have also done quite some demos with customers. Feedback has all been really good. People like the directness and the stability! If you want to try one yourself, keep an eye on one of the upcoming demo days!