Perfectly Positioned | F-One’s Concurrently Designed 2024 Wing Line

A Diverse Approach to Wing Design

In 2024, F-One took a groundbreaking approach to its wing range, addressing the varied needs of wing foilers. Recognizing that the best riders have been in the sport for several years, F-One aimed to cater to both elite riders and newcomers. This led to the creation of three major wing orientations: the high-performance Strike, the beginner-friendly Origin, and the versatile Swing for wave riding and free riding. Unique to this year, all three models were developed simultaneously, allowing for precise positioning within their specific programs.

The High-Performance Strike

The Strike model is tailored for high-performance wing foiling. This wing is designed to meet the demands of elite riders who have honed their skills over the years. The Strike provides intense sensations and impressive planing starts, making it ideal for those seeking to push the boundaries of speed and performance.

With its optimized flexibility, the Strike ensures easy pumping and continuous forward pull. This characteristic is crucial as it allows the rider to focus on the sport rather than the equipment. The Strike’s ability to handle being overpowered makes it a favorite among freestyle riders who need that extra push to achieve high jumps and dynamic maneuvers.

The Intuitive Origin

For those just starting out in wing foiling, the Origin offers an intuitive and easy-to-use experience. F-One designed this wing with lighter materials and Dacron, resulting in a model that is both lightweight and flexible. This makes the Origin perfect for beginners or those who prefer a relaxed, freeride experience.

The Origin’s standout feature is its effortless planing start, which requires minimal technique or effort from the rider. Once in the air, the wing maintains a constant speed without sudden accelerations, providing a smooth and predictable ride. This makes it ideal for families and lighter riders, offering a wing that is manageable and enjoyable for all.

The Versatile Swing

Positioned between the Strike and the Origin, the Swing caters to those who enjoy wave riding and freeriding. This model is designed for versatility, allowing riders to navigate waves and rough waters with ease. The Swing’s reduced wingspan makes it more compact, minimizing the risk of wingtips touching the water.

The Swing excels in maintaining constant speed without the intense acceleration of the Strike, making it suitable for choppy conditions and wave riding. Its ability to handle high-end conditions without overpowering the rider ensures a balanced and controlled experience, ideal for those who want to enjoy the freedom of wing foiling without pushing the extremes of performance.

The Revolutionary CWC

F-One’s CWC (Compact Wing Concept) has been a huge success, particularly in light-wind conditions. For 2024, F-One sought to enhance this model by incorporating new materials to reduce weight and improve the overall experience. The integration of Aluula, a high-performance material, in the three struts significantly lightens the wing, making it feel like a much smaller wing in use.

The CWC’s design allows for easier planing starts and better glide, crucial for light wind performance. The lighter weight also enhances maneuverability, making transitions like jibing smoother and more efficient. This innovation ensures that even in the lightest winds, the CWC provides an enjoyable and high-performing ride.

Materials and Technology | HITEX and Aluula

A key aspect of F-One’s 2024 range is the use of advanced materials to optimize each wing’s performance. HITEX, a specific Dacron developed in collaboration with a fabric manufacturer, is used on the leading edge and struts. Available in two grammages (158g and 178g), HITEX allows for tailored stiffness and durability across different models.

For the CWC, F-One chose Aluula for its exceptional lightness and strength. Although significantly more expensive than Dacron, Aluula’s strategic placement in the struts maximizes performance and weight savings without unnecessary cost increases. This careful material selection ensures each wing delivers the best possible performance for its intended use.

Planing Start and Pumping Efficiency

An important focus for F-One in 2024 was improving the planing start across all models. A wing that starts planing easily allows for smaller boards and foils, enhancing the overall riding experience. By analyzing the factors that contribute to effective planing starts, F-One improved the initial speed of all models, ensuring a smoother and more efficient takeoff.

Flexibility during pumping was another critical area of improvement. The Origin, with its higher flex, facilitates easy pumping, allowing riders to gain speed with minimal effort. Conversely, the Strike offers more feedback, catering to those who prefer a stiffer, more responsive wing. This balance ensures each model meets the specific needs of its intended rider.

User Experience and Real-World Applications

F-One’s comprehensive development process included extensive testing of each wing against the others. This rigorous approach ensured that each model was precisely positioned within the range, avoiding overlaps and optimizing performance. The Origin, with its lightweight and intuitive design, is perfect for beginners and families, while the Strike delivers high performance for advanced riders. The Swing, with its versatility, bridges the gap, providing a balanced experience for wave riding and freeride enthusiasts.

Handle Options and Customizable Comfort

Understanding the varied preferences of riders, F-One offers multiple handle options for their wings. The wings are delivered with soft handles, but riders can choose from hybrid or hard handles, or even the Carbon Boom for the Strike. This flexibility allows riders to customize their equipment for the perfect balance of comfort and control.

A Range for Every Rider

F-One’s 2024 wing range represents a significant leap forward in wing foiling technology and design. By developing all models simultaneously, F-One has ensured that each wing is perfectly positioned to meet the needs of its target audience. Whether it’s the high-performance Strike, the intuitive Origin, the versatile Swing, or the revolutionary CWC, F-One has created a range that caters to every type of wing foiler.

With advanced materials like HITEX and Aluula, improved planing starts, and customizable handles, F-One’s 2024 wings offer unparalleled performance and enjoyment. Each model delivers a unique riding experience, ensuring that every session on the water is both thrilling and satisfying.