Menu

FreeWing : the Air V3 is here, with the new Modular Handle System!

24th April 2023

Tagged:

The FreeWing AIR v3 has been fully upgraded for all-round performance and pro-level freestyle. Barely released on the market, this new wing has already made a name for itself by taking Benoit Carpentier (France) and Zane Schweitzer (USA) to the podiums of the very first GWA Wave event in Cape Verde last March, but also by allowing to Xavi Corr (Spain) to fly to the Surf-Freestyle final at the GWA Mondial du Vent! With its brand new Modular Handle System, this new FreeWing Air V3 will soon become a favorite in the quiver of freeriders, waveriders and freestylers around the world.

So, what’s new with this new FreeWing Air V3? The medium-aspect wing ratio together with short strut delivers a compact power balance making the wing more maneuverable in tacks & gybes, and minimizing wingtip contact with water. A firmer canopy tension provides consistent power delivery and excellent flagged-out stability, while also offering a wide wind range. It also offers more stability and lift from the canopy in maneuvers, promising to make tacking and gybing a dream.

The AIR v3’s offset center strut enables you to pull the wing in without bending your arm, and it has a parallel hand position. The tapered strut features a wide and strong connection at the base, creating a stiffer overall airframe. The leading edge features a slight dihedral to maintain significant power whilst gaining better stability when the wing is flagged out. FreeWing continue with their class-leading front handle design with generous space and comfort, without compromising responsiveness & control.

Already on the podiums

FreeWing teammates Benoit Carpentier (France) and Zane Schweitzer (USA) have exploded on GWA World Tour with spectacular wingfoil surfing never witnessed before. The duo placed 2nd and 3rd on the podium respective in the new “Wave” format — the first GWA Wingfoil World Cup dedicated to pure surfing, staged on the world-renowned Ponta Preta break on Cape Verde’s Sal island. The FreeWing riders defied limits on the debut of the new AIR v3 raising the bar and pushing both themselves and their gear to the very edge. Neither athlete left anything on the table, risking everything in the bombs breaking on the rocks.

Zane Schweitzer at GWA Cape Verde / Photo : Lukas K Stiller

A few days later, it was Xavi Corr‘s turn to demonstrate the impressive capabilities of the Air V3 at the Mondial du Vent in Leucate. On the GWA Surf-Freestyle event, Xavi scored the very first 10 of the competition, before climbing the ladder to the final with ever more committed, ever higher and ever more impressive tricks and combos. As the final could not be played due to a lack of wind, Xavi Corr finished joint 1st with Alan FĂ©dit.

Xavi Corr at Mondial du Vent / Photo : @lmcreanum

Key features

  • INNOVATIVE SEAM CONSTRUCTION : New seam construction that can tolerate higher PSI in the leading edge and strut. Attaining a high-pressure airframe improves the stiffness, responsiveness and overall performance of the wing.
  • OPTIMISED GEOMETRY : Medium-aspect wing ratio together with short strut for compact power balance makes the wing more maneuverable, performing better through tacks & gybes, and when flagged out.
  • FIRM CANOPY TENSION : Provides consistent power delivery and excellent flagged-out stability. Also, more stability and lift from the canopy in maneuvers.
  • MAXIMUM VISION : Windows are in the ideal position for maximum vision and made from a durable PU material, suitable for use in all climate conditions.
  • THIN LEADING EDGE : The wing is faster, more stable and maneuverable due to the reduced diameter Leading Edge.
  • DRAG REDUCTION WINGTIPS : Thin optimized wingtips reduce drag, enhancing stability for a smoother glide when the wing is flagged out.
  • LARGE CENTER STRUT CONNECTION : The tapered strut features a wide and strong connection at the base, creating a stiffer overall airframe. Pumping becomes more efficient, improving acceleration and high-end power/speed.

  • COMFORT STRUT SHAPE : The back handle does not need to be as pulled in and allows for a more extended arm position, increasing overall comfort and balance.
  • OPTIMISED DIHEDRAL : The leading edge features a slight dihedral to maintain significant power whilst gaining better stability when the wing is flagged out.
  • KEVLAR REINFORCED : Kevlar has been placed in crucial areas for high-strength reinforcement, at the handle base mounts, wingtips and leading edge seems, ensuring performance and durability at a lightweight.
  • LIGHTWEIGHT MINI BATTENS : The trailing edge features 3 extra lightweight mini battens for a streamlined and efficient airflow release.
  • STIFF & RESPONSIVE FRONT HANDLE : Front handle design with generous space and comfort. It is designed to be stiff and responsive, ensuring maximum control of the wing when flagged out.
  • SIZE SPECIFIC LEASHES : Each leash complements the strut’s length when stretched out to prevent entanglement during wipeouts, & recoils back to have a leash that is as short as possible when riding.
  • LARGER BAG TO FIT PUMP : The bag fits both the wing and the pump with ease. It also comes with backpack carrying straps for your convenience.
  • INCLUDES NOZZLE ADAPTER : Allows you to turn your inflatable SUP pump into a FreeWing pump.

Introducing the new Modular Handle System

The new Modular Handle System by FreeWing allows switching between soft and hard handles, personalizing your wing experience. The key to this innovative handle system is the Integrated Connection Point. The integrated connection point creates a hard-mounting point, with a bombproof stainless threaded insert, allowing riders to easily switch handle components through the mounting bolt. This insert is set into a nylon base that defuses the load into the body of the wing – this offered direct response and fine-tunes rider feedback.

Firm Flex Grip Handle

  • 90 grams
  • Standard on the FreeWing AIR v3

The Firm-Flex Grip Handle offers a perfect blend of the stability and connectivity of a hard handle, with the safety and compact design of a soft handle. The secret is the internal injection molded nylon core; this part features anti-twist inserts points which lock the handle into place, keeping the wing firm in your hands and creating a direct connection.

This part remains flexible during impact, preventing damage to your board or to the rider in the case of impact. This also allows the wing to be easily packed, preventing any potential damage to the wing during storage and travel. The molded nylon core features rounded edges as a first step. The handle is then padded inside and outside with ergonomically molded EVA, which is then wrapped in a pre-treated webbing for a comfortable grip and features new anti-roll stitching for increased handle stability.

Carbon Prep-Preg Handle

  • 100 grams
  • Aftermarket for the FreeWing AIR v3

The new Carbon Pre-Preg Handle is a light hard handle which delivers precise control and direct response. The shaft is constructed with uni-directional pre-impregnated carbon and reinforced nylon anti-twist mounts. The short 200mm weighs only 100 grams, while the longer 330mm weighs just 120 grams. The carbon handle also features a molded 3.5mm textured grid finish for non-slip control. This lightweight handle ensures the wing floats effortlessly when set in the neutral position for the ultimate wingfoil performance when surfing waves or down winding.

The FreeWing Air V3 is available in all your usual surfshops and retailers, in 3 different colors (Blue/Red, Blue/Pink, Dark Red/Dark Blue) and 9 sizes, from 2,5sqm to 7sqm.

More about FreeWing:
Official Website / Facebook / Instagram

About the Author

Laurie Montagner

From SUP Racing to wing foiling, through windsurfing, wakesurfing and surfing, you will always find Laurie somewhere in the South-West of France. Passionate about watersports, Laurie spends her time surfing, whether on the wave... or online! Laurie is indeed a specialist in social media marketing and web development, from writing lines of code to making professional videos. Very much a competitor, you've probably already met her on one of the SUP and wing events all over France!

To follow Laurie:

  • Facebook Link
  • Instagram Link
  • YouTube Link