I don't get arm fatigue on the Slick Silver Boom (the one that's oval). Maybe I've gotten used to sailing with my fingertips. Also, I love the coiled leash. Other leashes flop around in my face and get wrapped around my neck during a gybe. But leashes are definitely user preference. Definitely an issue when the wing flips because the coil leash doesn't give you enough slack. Windows give you a little peripheral vision and noticeable when I go back to a wing with no windows. Boom is great for micro adjustments, gybe transitions, and holding the wing above your head on downwind (helps me stay stable because I don't know how to surf ... yet).
Awesome Jake. I kinda figured that one would get used to the boom, glad to hear it's not an issue for you! And as leashes go, my friend also loves the coil so it's totally personal preference... but awesome to hear your POV. Maybe we both agree that long leashes are annoying? I'm glad you dig the Slicks... in another reality, I'm sure there is a Jermy out there riding Slicks! Take it easy bro!
What's up Jeremy. So been about about 10 solid times. Foiling no problem, just the turning around part is painful. Only make about 1 out of 4 gybes. Just watched this video. Totally agree with you how each wing is different. I have 3 wings; 6.4 Sling Wing, 6 Cabrinha Crosswing, and I just bought the Gong Neutra 5. Mostly used the Slingwing. I had the Cabrinha out on a really firing day and it kept backstalling and seems like everytime I fell it kept flipping. Slingwing never backstalled but it does flip on occasion. Been only out once on the Gong and it only flipped a couple of times. Felt really smooth. I honestly gave them a shot because they are way, way less expensive. Just my 2 cents. Keep making the great videos bud. Like watching and hopefully will get to your level soon :)
Sup Stephen! Sounds like you are making progress, 1 out of 4 jibes will turn in to 50% which will someday be 70% and so on. I’m not perfect and still miss them, usually in the most pivotal moments 😂👍 every day I’m at my flat water spot it’s like I’m training and trying to get my muscle memory down and my completion percentages up, some things are harder than others. Sounds like you have a good quiver! I would love to try a smaller gong. I was only out on a big one and it was a little too heavy. But heavy a lot of times means manageable so at a smaller size like a 5m I bet it’s really nice and stable. Great to hear from you, let me know how they progress goes!!
Great and fair review .... I still get the arm fatigue in the first five to ten minutes on my 7m Slick every time I ride. The solution for me was to relax my hands a little and stop gripping so hard. Typically I then find I end up with a lose three or four fingers and no thumb holding the boom (nice chilled way to ride). The further the distance I ride in a session, the more in tune with wing and wind I become and the looser the grip .... I have owned all the duotone boom models and the Slick is definitely the best of the lot. The coil versus straight leash is interesting. I end up with neck leash burns from the straight ones, so I love the coiled leashes. 🙂 Hoping to try an 8m Strike to see if it is a better light wind monster than the 7m Slick.
Super cool to hear about your grip. I haven’t spent a ton of time on them, so I’ve never had a chance to work on fine tuning. I’ve been seeing a chiropractor recently for some wing-related issues, and he’s teaching me how to hold the wing more with my latts. Its been fun to constantly remind myself to use better technique. As for the leash, I hear more and more people preferring the coil. I’ve never had a neck burn myself, def consider myself lucky there. The key is to know what you like, and ride that. And we all have different tastes so we can all be right 😜👍 Thanks for the comment bud. I wish you an awesome day!!
awesome comparison Jeremy ! i have a quiver of slicks 4.0 5.5 and 7.0 started on a 5.0 Konrad with loops no boom--And I have to agree about the power being comparitively bigger with the Slicks--My 4.0 has as much power as my 5.0m Konrad. I come from a windsurfing back ground so I was naturally attracted to the boom set up and I like the twitchy instant power of the slicks. I must say the 7.0m is. a monster !! did not see much use in the fall and probably none over the winter... I feel that I need something smaller than the 4.0 when it is really nuking. And not sure which direction I am headed. either a 3m slick or a similar Armstrong A-wing... I would have to agree on the forearm fatigue. I especially notice it when I wear gloves that just add to effective diameter. I am thinking of retro'ing a small carbon boom for this winter and see how that goes. Love the comparison --thanks for the great contribution to the sport man!! helping all those coming up.
Sup again George! Awesome to hear you find similar characteristics. I have a 3.5 and a 2.8 and I’m gonna sell my 2.8 cause I think the 3.5 is pretty much all I wanna wing in. I know I can take it out when it gusts to 50… why the hell would I wanna be out in more than that? But the slicks are def different cause they are solid power. 3m slick would be easy in your quiver. Never ridden a smaller Armie wing here, just the bigger ones. Btw I would totally do a thinner boom for the Slicks in the winter. That’s the time to try it for sure. Forearm fatigue is real!! Anything that can help, helps!! Keep in touch bro!
Have both of them Strike 6 and Slick 6 with carbon boom. I've bought Slick few days ago and for sure it was mistake for winter/glooves. My forearms were burning after 15 min, where on Strike I can easy make 3h on the water with one break. Slick, boom invites you to play with duck jibes, one hand runs etc. that's for sure but in Strike the feeling of the wing is more direct than in boom in my opinion. I like these Strike floppy handles (maybe it loose some energy on pumping than other handles) buti can feel and do small adjustments with ma fingers. I don't feel more power on marginal 9/10 kts on Slick YET, maybe I need more time with Slick to adjust my pumping and riding style. Windy greetings from Poland.
Sup bud, great to hear from you. For whatever it's worth, feedback from everyone with a Slick seems to be that you get used to the forearm fatigue, or it gets better. But no doubt, I can do hours with the Strike as-is. I also like the floppy handles. I've mentioned before, you can push in with your thumb, that kind of locks your grip and makes the handle tighter and puts it closer to the strut. I can also use this to get a little power or stability in a jibe when holding the wing one-handed. Are you guys in Poland crazy like us and go all winter? I'm not sure where you are... ocean or lake? Stay in touch!
I did a similar comparison recently. I bought a Srike as a backup to my Slick. The Strike is better in so many ways in my opinion, but at the end of the day, I like the ease of a boom and don't like the floppy Strike handles.
I just saw your review, loved it! Lots of people have commented on the floppy handles, I totally get it! I'm found my little ways to use them to my advantage so I don't feel like they are a bad design. At the end of the day, there are lots of handles I like, lots I do not, and I'm not sure there is one "ultimate" handle design. so much goes to personal preference! Love your stuff, subscribed! Lets keep in touch!
@@OCEANBOUND1 Been watching your stuff since before I could get on foil. Subscribing is a huge compliment! I watched your Strike video before buying my own and use the same technique with the handles. Slick is far from perfect. It takes a toll on the hands. I am trying to get some info on the Aluula Slick coming out. Looks like they killed the boom for that one. I will catch you later in your comment section.
Hi, thanks for the comparison! What ist the exact wingspan of the F-One Strike (larger than Slick's?)? Couldn't find this information. How tall are you actually? Just for reference if i can handle the Strike myself.
Sup bud! I’m not 100% sure about the wingspan, and I can’t find it anywhere but I swear I’ve seen that number. The v2 and v3 I think are about the same, although the v3 is a little flatter so the wingtips feel like they are wider. I’m 5’10ish. I’m doing a v3 review soon and will be going through the specs so if I find the wingspan I’ll let you know! I wish you an awesome day!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on these two wings, I have the Slick 6m but new to the wing, I'm hoping the arm burn isn't too much of an issue. I'm interested to know which foil you use, and if you change foils depending on the conditions?
Sup bud! I wouldn't worry about it. It's noticeable in the winter if you use gloves, but most people have said they don't feel it anymore. you could always go for the harness line in the winter too to help the hands. I think you'll get used to it if you haven't already. Don't worry, you have a sick wing!
Awesome, thanks bud! I think it comes down to what you want. The 6m Strike is def a little more "easy" and I can make it work in light wind, but the 6m Slick must be able to get out in a little less wind. My friend just got a 7m Strike and he says it somehow feels as small or smaller than the 6m... something to think about! The cool thing is if you have the 4.5, you only need one boom! Have an awesome day bud!
@@OCEANBOUND1 Thanks again. I will wait till spring to make the final decision as where I live, in winter, there is strong wind o not at all so not worth the buy soon. I am also considering the Eleveight WFS 6.0 with different boom system . No reviews for this wing yet. But one think is for sure, at my 60 kg I wont go bigger than 6.
Awesome back to back review! With the Slick having more power for the same size vs the Strike in lighter wind ... do you or others think the Slick has the same wind range for the max? Or another way of thinking, reguardless of the specific max / min windrange. Did you find one has an overall larger windrage vs the other? Thanks! 🙂
Sup dude, cool question. I would say the Strike could feel better when at higher wind speeds. This day was low to mid 20's so I felt JUICED on the Slick, but it was still manageable. Where the wind came up a little when I was on the Strike and it didn't feel crazy at all. The shape of the Strike, including the trailing edge profile, make it more forgiving. The Slick has a tighter canopy and I feel like could catch more wind, but cause of the boom you can kind of flag it out more in those higher wind speeds. Low end the Slick could prolly beat the Strike by 1 or 2 mph but overall my guess is the Strike has a slightly bigger wind range, I'd say by a few more mph. Hope this helps!
Hey mate, surprised you recon the slick makes your forearms tired, it doesn't with me and I sail it for hours, mostly upwind at a point break. This comment comes from a trying to be helpful place, not giving you a hard time. But are you sailing with straight arms? if you have your elbows locked, arms straight (and wide) and use your back muscles (like old windsurfing style) then your forearms shouldn't get sore. In some of the video it looks like you had bent elbows, in which case you would be carrying the load in your arms. I find using the method I described even my fingers are just lightly gripping the boom. Also I found the carbon boom being lightweight and slightly thinner was a massive help. Hope this helps. Good review tho thanks! :0)
No worries at all bud! And thanks for your comment. This sport is full of personal preferences, and I try to always state that this is just my experience or opinion, and not gold by any means. I totally get the finger thing, it wasn’t really an option that sesh with my combined “skill level” with the boom and the fact I was on a 6m and others were on 4m wings that day; I was lit. But I do come from windsurfing, and also started out winging on the first Duotone wing with a boom, so it wasn’t my first boom sesh. I remember going to kiting from windsurfing, and how awesome I thought it was that the bars were thinner. So I guess forearm fatigue has always been a thing for my wrists, especially in winter. I’m sure I would get used to it, as many people has said that’s happened to them. But for me, once I moved from the boom to the handles, it was a big upgrade on the forearms for sure. Even this day I rode them back-to-back, and as soon as I got to the Strike the forearms felt totally fine. I love the fluidity of the boom. My buddy Brian just made a carbon boom that’s thin, I’m super excited to try that. Anyway, glad the boom is working for you and I’m sure I’ll revisit it at some point. I wish you an awesome day Ben!
I can totally see that! Must be FAST if you can really lean into it. I still haven’t done a harness except once or twice on my first wing. Which was a Duotone with a boom.
@@OCEANBOUND1 yes! like you I was a windsurfer , then a kiter and now a winger. I also had the very first Duotone wing. It is crazy how much like windsurfing ( with much less water friction!) it feels with a harness and yes you can lean into it. I use long windsurf harness line with the WIP harness. The Alain Cadiz videos from Maui got me interested in harness lines.
Finally a honest review that mention those issues with the Slick - too instant power, it falls on you and flips when overpowered, jumping and slamming with flipping over "fun". I'm surprised you look at the first point (instant power) as a positive thing, which I totally disagree. I sail inland where the wind is super gusty (few seconds long gusts from 10 to 30mph are common) and Slick behaves like a wild stallion trying to rip off your hands and jumping around which I find exhausting and uncomfortable and seems like the wind range is quite small because of that. Learning to gybe is a challenge because it tends too pull you in random directions which I didn't experience with my old 7m Echo (which has its own issues off course). So I'm really keen to try Strike with softer and friendlier feeling but I don't like handles. Thanks for this in depth review!
Hey thanks Den! I try to keep it honest, even by saying I’m honestly a little biased on the FOne wings but I think it’s fair for me to compare them to other wings. But super cool to hear you feel the same thing about how hot it is. I want to love the boom. It looks so cool and easy when you have it dialed. But the FOne is high performing, easy, and forgiving. Especially on the higher end. I was just out on the 8m gusting over 30 at times and I was never like “holy sheeeet!” But it did work my forearms quick. The handles… totally personal preference, believe me, I get that. BUT I swear you not only get used to them but learn to work with them and I honestly after trying like 10 different wing handles, they are still my favorites all around. Sure, the Cloud or the Reedin or the Ensis handles feel really good and have their own advantages. But I can do more with the FOne handles, I like them loose and know how to tighten them with my thumbs. Just sayin, give them a chance. But you don’t have to like them 😉👍
@@OCEANBOUND1 hey Jeremy, 8m in 30 knots gusts is insane! My 5.5 Slick becomes unusable in that wind. I even noticed that team riders seem to be struggling with Duo wings on GWA World Tour and Titouan Galea on F-one winning event by event. Of course it's about skills but if your gear is not helping it's frustrating. My next wing is going to be Strike for sure. Cheers mate 🤙
I totally get that, I remember doing that when my forearms felt like they were giving out with my kitewing. Super good tip though, if I ever do another boom-wing review I'll make sure to mention that. Thanks bud, have an awesome day!
I've used Slick (ranging from 6m to 4m) for about 100 hours, and at the end of season, I could foil for 8hrs a day (with brakes of course). I'm coming from windsurfing so boom was a natural thing to use for me. I'd love to try Strike and the new Duotone Unit 2.0 though.
I want to buy one of these which one would you both personally choose and why? I was thinking about 7m gong pulse but i think those sixes will work better
I recently purchased Slick 7.0 and love the boom experience as a very beginner wingsurfer (I am a windsurfer and kitesurfer as well..) However, the built quality and the material (fabric) are not as good as Cabrinha Mantis (6.2). Also, the tube connecting the leading edge tube and center tube gets bent and it has to be hold manually during the air pumping in. Also, this connecting tube is weak that it popped out in the water when I fell onto the wing yesterday. Fortunately, I was able to paddle back since it happened near the river bank.
a 7m Slick must be intense! In a good way! Some wings are overbuilt, some are just right, some seem light. I know the FOne wings are light, and feel light in their build but they are pretty durable in general. Most of my wing accidents are my stupid fault. But I have popped a wing just inflating it before. I have terrible luck, so I feel like it's just a matter of time before I pop one by falling on it. Really interesting to hear about how your popped. glad you were able to make it back OK! I feel safer on wings in general but I still don't like to go super far from shore and if I do I try not to do crazy stuff. Keep in touch bud, I wish you an awesome day!
just saw this! thanks bud, I love hearing other people agree with my findings, even if they are just first impressions from one or two sessions. I wish you an awesome day, wherever you are!
I don't get arm fatigue on the Slick Silver Boom (the one that's oval). Maybe I've gotten used to sailing with my fingertips. Also, I love the coiled leash. Other leashes flop around in my face and get wrapped around my neck during a gybe. But leashes are definitely user preference. Definitely an issue when the wing flips because the coil leash doesn't give you enough slack. Windows give you a little peripheral vision and noticeable when I go back to a wing with no windows. Boom is great for micro adjustments, gybe transitions, and holding the wing above your head on downwind (helps me stay stable because I don't know how to surf ... yet).
Awesome Jake. I kinda figured that one would get used to the boom, glad to hear it's not an issue for you! And as leashes go, my friend also loves the coil so it's totally personal preference... but awesome to hear your POV. Maybe we both agree that long leashes are annoying? I'm glad you dig the Slicks... in another reality, I'm sure there is a Jermy out there riding Slicks! Take it easy bro!
What's up Jeremy. So been about about 10 solid times. Foiling no problem, just the turning around part is painful. Only make about 1 out of 4 gybes. Just watched this video. Totally agree with you how each wing is different. I have 3 wings; 6.4 Sling Wing, 6 Cabrinha Crosswing, and I just bought the Gong Neutra 5. Mostly used the Slingwing. I had the Cabrinha out on a really firing day and it kept backstalling and seems like everytime I fell it kept flipping. Slingwing never backstalled but it does flip on occasion. Been only out once on the Gong and it only flipped a couple of times. Felt really smooth. I honestly gave them a shot because they are way, way less expensive.
Just my 2 cents. Keep making the great videos bud. Like watching and hopefully will get to your level soon :)
Sup Stephen! Sounds like you are making progress, 1 out of 4 jibes will turn in to 50% which will someday be 70% and so on. I’m not perfect and still miss them, usually in the most pivotal moments 😂👍 every day I’m at my flat water spot it’s like I’m training and trying to get my muscle memory down and my completion percentages up, some things are harder than others.
Sounds like you have a good quiver! I would love to try a smaller gong. I was only out on a big one and it was a little too heavy. But heavy a lot of times means manageable so at a smaller size like a 5m I bet it’s really nice and stable.
Great to hear from you, let me know how they progress goes!!
Great and fair review ....
I still get the arm fatigue in the first five to ten minutes on my 7m Slick every time I ride. The solution for me was to relax my hands a little and stop gripping so hard. Typically I then find I end up with a lose three or four fingers and no thumb holding the boom (nice chilled way to ride). The further the distance I ride in a session, the more in tune with wing and wind I become and the looser the grip .... I have owned all the duotone boom models and the Slick is definitely the best of the lot.
The coil versus straight leash is interesting. I end up with neck leash burns from the straight ones, so I love the coiled leashes. 🙂
Hoping to try an 8m Strike to see if it is a better light wind monster than the 7m Slick.
Super cool to hear about your grip. I haven’t spent a ton of time on them, so I’ve never had a chance to work on fine tuning. I’ve been seeing a chiropractor recently for some wing-related issues, and he’s teaching me how to hold the wing more with my latts. Its been fun to constantly remind myself to use better technique.
As for the leash, I hear more and more people preferring the coil. I’ve never had a neck burn myself, def consider myself lucky there. The key is to know what you like, and ride that. And we all have different tastes so we can all be right 😜👍
Thanks for the comment bud. I wish you an awesome day!!
awesome comparison Jeremy ! i have a quiver of slicks 4.0 5.5 and 7.0 started on a 5.0 Konrad with loops no boom--And I have to agree about the power being comparitively bigger with the Slicks--My 4.0 has as much power as my 5.0m Konrad. I come from a windsurfing back ground so I was naturally attracted to the boom set up and I like the twitchy instant power of the slicks. I must say the 7.0m is. a monster !! did not see much use in the fall and probably none over the winter... I feel that I need something smaller than the 4.0 when it is really nuking. And not sure which direction I am headed. either a 3m slick or a similar Armstrong A-wing... I would have to agree on the forearm fatigue. I especially notice it when I wear gloves that just add to effective diameter. I am thinking of retro'ing a small carbon boom for this winter and see how that goes. Love the comparison --thanks for the great contribution to the sport man!! helping all those coming up.
Sup again George! Awesome to hear you find similar characteristics. I have a 3.5 and a 2.8 and I’m gonna sell my 2.8 cause I think the 3.5 is pretty much all I wanna wing in. I know I can take it out when it gusts to 50… why the hell would I wanna be out in more than that? But the slicks are def different cause they are solid power. 3m slick would be easy in your quiver. Never ridden a smaller Armie wing here, just the bigger ones. Btw I would totally do a thinner boom for the Slicks in the winter. That’s the time to try it for sure. Forearm fatigue is real!! Anything that can help, helps!! Keep in touch bro!
Have both of them Strike 6 and Slick 6 with carbon boom. I've bought Slick few days ago and for sure it was mistake for winter/glooves. My forearms were burning after 15 min, where on Strike I can easy make 3h on the water with one break. Slick, boom invites you to play with duck jibes, one hand runs etc. that's for sure but in Strike the feeling of the wing is more direct than in boom in my opinion. I like these Strike floppy handles (maybe it loose some energy on pumping than other handles) buti can feel and do small adjustments with ma fingers. I don't feel more power on marginal 9/10 kts on Slick YET, maybe I need more time with Slick to adjust my pumping and riding style. Windy greetings from Poland.
Sup bud, great to hear from you. For whatever it's worth, feedback from everyone with a Slick seems to be that you get used to the forearm fatigue, or it gets better. But no doubt, I can do hours with the Strike as-is. I also like the floppy handles. I've mentioned before, you can push in with your thumb, that kind of locks your grip and makes the handle tighter and puts it closer to the strut. I can also use this to get a little power or stability in a jibe when holding the wing one-handed.
Are you guys in Poland crazy like us and go all winter? I'm not sure where you are... ocean or lake? Stay in touch!
I did a similar comparison recently. I bought a Srike as a backup to my Slick. The Strike is better in so many ways in my opinion, but at the end of the day, I like the ease of a boom and don't like the floppy Strike handles.
I just saw your review, loved it! Lots of people have commented on the floppy handles, I totally get it! I'm found my little ways to use them to my advantage so I don't feel like they are a bad design. At the end of the day, there are lots of handles I like, lots I do not, and I'm not sure there is one "ultimate" handle design. so much goes to personal preference! Love your stuff, subscribed! Lets keep in touch!
@@OCEANBOUND1 Been watching your stuff since before I could get on foil. Subscribing is a huge compliment! I watched your Strike video before buying my own and use the same technique with the handles. Slick is far from perfect. It takes a toll on the hands. I am trying to get some info on the Aluula Slick coming out. Looks like they killed the boom for that one. I will catch you later in your comment section.
Hi, thanks for the comparison! What ist the exact wingspan of the F-One Strike (larger than Slick's?)? Couldn't find this information. How tall are you actually? Just for reference if i can handle the Strike myself.
Sup bud! I’m not 100% sure about the wingspan, and I can’t find it anywhere but I swear I’ve seen that number. The v2 and v3 I think are about the same, although the v3 is a little flatter so the wingtips feel like they are wider. I’m 5’10ish. I’m doing a v3 review soon and will be going through the specs so if I find the wingspan I’ll let you know! I wish you an awesome day!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on these two wings, I have the Slick 6m but new to the wing, I'm hoping the arm burn isn't too much of an issue. I'm interested to know which foil you use, and if you change foils depending on the conditions?
Sup bud! I wouldn't worry about it. It's noticeable in the winter if you use gloves, but most people have said they don't feel it anymore. you could always go for the harness line in the winter too to help the hands. I think you'll get used to it if you haven't already. Don't worry, you have a sick wing!
Spot on and useful review. I have an slick 4,5 and I was wondering what 6,0 to choose.
Awesome, thanks bud! I think it comes down to what you want. The 6m Strike is def a little more "easy" and I can make it work in light wind, but the 6m Slick must be able to get out in a little less wind. My friend just got a 7m Strike and he says it somehow feels as small or smaller than the 6m... something to think about! The cool thing is if you have the 4.5, you only need one boom! Have an awesome day bud!
@@OCEANBOUND1 Thanks again. I will wait till spring to make the final decision as where I live, in winter, there is strong wind o not at all so not worth the buy soon. I am also considering the Eleveight WFS 6.0 with different boom system . No reviews for this wing yet. But one think is for sure, at my 60 kg I wont go bigger than 6.
Awesome back to back review!
With the Slick having more power for the same size vs the Strike in lighter wind ... do you or others think the Slick has the same wind range for the max?
Or another way of thinking, reguardless of the specific max / min windrange. Did you find one has an overall larger windrage vs the other?
Thanks! 🙂
Sup dude, cool question. I would say the Strike could feel better when at higher wind speeds. This day was low to mid 20's so I felt JUICED on the Slick, but it was still manageable. Where the wind came up a little when I was on the Strike and it didn't feel crazy at all. The shape of the Strike, including the trailing edge profile, make it more forgiving. The Slick has a tighter canopy and I feel like could catch more wind, but cause of the boom you can kind of flag it out more in those higher wind speeds. Low end the Slick could prolly beat the Strike by 1 or 2 mph but overall my guess is the Strike has a slightly bigger wind range, I'd say by a few more mph. Hope this helps!
This totally helps, Thanks!
Hey mate, surprised you recon the slick makes your forearms tired, it doesn't with me and I sail it for hours, mostly upwind at a point break. This comment comes from a trying to be helpful place, not giving you a hard time. But are you sailing with straight arms? if you have your elbows locked, arms straight (and wide) and use your back muscles (like old windsurfing style) then your forearms shouldn't get sore. In some of the video it looks like you had bent elbows, in which case you would be carrying the load in your arms. I find using the method I described even my fingers are just lightly gripping the boom. Also I found the carbon boom being lightweight and slightly thinner was a massive help. Hope this helps. Good review tho thanks! :0)
No worries at all bud! And thanks for your comment. This sport is full of personal preferences, and I try to always state that this is just my experience or opinion, and not gold by any means. I totally get the finger thing, it wasn’t really an option that sesh with my combined “skill level” with the boom and the fact I was on a 6m and others were on 4m wings that day; I was lit. But I do come from windsurfing, and also started out winging on the first Duotone wing with a boom, so it wasn’t my first boom sesh. I remember going to kiting from windsurfing, and how awesome I thought it was that the bars were thinner. So I guess forearm fatigue has always been a thing for my wrists, especially in winter. I’m sure I would get used to it, as many people has said that’s happened to them. But for me, once I moved from the boom to the handles, it was a big upgrade on the forearms for sure. Even this day I rode them back-to-back, and as soon as I got to the Strike the forearms felt totally fine. I love the fluidity of the boom. My buddy Brian just made a carbon boom that’s thin, I’m super excited to try that. Anyway, glad the boom is working for you and I’m sure I’ll revisit it at some point. I wish you an awesome day Ben!
The Skick 6 m with harness is phenomenal !
I can totally see that! Must be FAST if you can really lean into it. I still haven’t done a harness except once or twice on my first wing. Which was a Duotone with a boom.
@@OCEANBOUND1 yes! like you I was a windsurfer , then a kiter and now a winger. I also had the very first Duotone wing. It is crazy how much like windsurfing ( with much less water friction!) it feels with a harness and yes you can lean into it. I use long windsurf harness line with the WIP harness. The Alain Cadiz videos from Maui got me interested in harness lines.
@@samirnaji8485 Alan’s last “video” on the Heineken jibe got me inspired. Def wanna nail that down for the 8m and 6m days.
Finally a honest review that mention those issues with the Slick - too instant power, it falls on you and flips when overpowered, jumping and slamming with flipping over "fun". I'm surprised you look at the first point (instant power) as a positive thing, which I totally disagree. I sail inland where the wind is super gusty (few seconds long gusts from 10 to 30mph are common) and Slick behaves like a wild stallion trying to rip off your hands and jumping around which I find exhausting and uncomfortable and seems like the wind range is quite small because of that. Learning to gybe is a challenge because it tends too pull you in random directions which I didn't experience with my old 7m Echo (which has its own issues off course). So I'm really keen to try Strike with softer and friendlier feeling but I don't like handles. Thanks for this in depth review!
Hey thanks Den! I try to keep it honest, even by saying I’m honestly a little biased on the FOne wings but I think it’s fair for me to compare them to other wings. But super cool to hear you feel the same thing about how hot it is. I want to love the boom. It looks so cool and easy when you have it dialed. But the FOne is high performing, easy, and forgiving. Especially on the higher end. I was just out on the 8m gusting over 30 at times and I was never like “holy sheeeet!” But it did work my forearms quick. The handles… totally personal preference, believe me, I get that. BUT I swear you not only get used to them but learn to work with them and I honestly after trying like 10 different wing handles, they are still my favorites all around. Sure, the Cloud or the Reedin or the Ensis handles feel really good and have their own advantages. But I can do more with the FOne handles, I like them loose and know how to tighten them with my thumbs. Just sayin, give them a chance. But you don’t have to like them 😉👍
@@OCEANBOUND1 hey Jeremy, 8m in 30 knots gusts is insane! My 5.5 Slick becomes unusable in that wind. I even noticed that team riders seem to be struggling with Duo wings on GWA World Tour and Titouan Galea on F-one winning event by event. Of course it's about skills but if your gear is not helping it's frustrating. My next wing is going to be Strike for sure. Cheers mate 🤙
You need to have your front hand palm up to eliminate arm fatigue. Nice review.
I totally get that, I remember doing that when my forearms felt like they were giving out with my kitewing. Super good tip though, if I ever do another boom-wing review I'll make sure to mention that. Thanks bud, have an awesome day!
Totally agree with your front hand palm up comment. This (along with back hand palm down) is the standard windsurfing grip.
I've used Slick (ranging from 6m to 4m) for about 100 hours, and at the end of season, I could foil for 8hrs a day (with brakes of course). I'm coming from windsurfing so boom was a natural thing to use for me. I'd love to try Strike and the new Duotone Unit 2.0 though.
That’s awesome to hear! I figured you’d get used to it. And daaaaaamn 8 hours, total respect my friend! Do you use a harness?
I have both and I agree with your review
Sweet, thanks Daniel! Glad you agree. I wish you an awesome day!!
I want to buy one of these which one would you both personally choose and why? I was thinking about 7m gong pulse but i think those sixes will work better
I recently purchased Slick 7.0 and love the boom experience as a very beginner wingsurfer (I am a windsurfer and kitesurfer as well..)
However, the built quality and the material (fabric) are not as good as Cabrinha Mantis (6.2). Also, the tube connecting the leading edge tube and center tube gets bent and it has to be hold manually during the air pumping in. Also, this connecting tube is weak that it popped out in the water when I fell onto the wing yesterday. Fortunately, I was able to paddle back since it happened near the river bank.
a 7m Slick must be intense! In a good way! Some wings are overbuilt, some are just right, some seem light. I know the FOne wings are light, and feel light in their build but they are pretty durable in general. Most of my wing accidents are my stupid fault. But I have popped a wing just inflating it before. I have terrible luck, so I feel like it's just a matter of time before I pop one by falling on it. Really interesting to hear about how your popped. glad you were able to make it back OK! I feel safer on wings in general but I still don't like to go super far from shore and if I do I try not to do crazy stuff. Keep in touch bud, I wish you an awesome day!
@@OCEANBOUND1 I am quite a beginner to tell the difference among wings yet.. But, I am planning (?) to be good at it soon!! 😉😁😋
It wasn't just you; the slick has a habit of strangely back winding when it gets overpowered, apparently, it's just a thing they do.
just saw this! thanks bud, I love hearing other people agree with my findings, even if they are just first impressions from one or two sessions. I wish you an awesome day, wherever you are!