Ultra-X: FreeWing’s Next-Gen Material for Wing Durability – Insights from Clinton Filen

FreeWing has been at the forefront of innovation in wing design, constantly refining materials and construction techniques to enhance performance and durability. Their latest breakthrough, the Ultra-X canopy, is a cutting-edge composite material designed to improve stability, reduce weight, and increase longevity. But what makes Ultra-X so special, and how does it impact the riding experience? To find out, we sat down with Clinton Filen, Design Director at FreeWing, who takes us behind the scenes of this exciting development. He shares insights into the material’s unique properties, its integration into the Air and Air Team models, and the feedback from riders. Clinton also introduces us to a brand-new addition to the FreeWing lineup: the FreeWing Life, a maneuver-oriented freeride wing set to launch in spring.

Hello Clinton and welcome to TotalWing! First of all, can you introduce yourself and tell us about your role at FreeWing?

I am the Design Director at Freewing which is a dedicated Wing Brand which partners with Starboard and AK Durable supply co. I am primary focused on running the design team to bring new products to market and developing new materials.

We started developing the first wings around 2011 within our concept incubator program. After leaving it dormant for a few years, the developments around foils really changed the landscape and Freewing was born.

We wanted to talk to you about Ultra-X. Which FreeWing wings are equipped with this new material and what is it made of?

The Air and Air Team models make use of the Ultra X. This is a 3 stage laminated material which combines a woven base layer similar to lightweight canopy, this is then supercharged with a lightweight and durable Ultra PE grid, laminated to an extremely low stretch film.

How did the idea of developing this new material come about? What were the needs and benefits ?

The early wings from most brands were using a lightweight kite canopy around 50 grams per square meter. Due to a few factors such as the high loading on the wing, the proximity to the rider and foils and variable riding state (a fair amount of flapping when depowered), it was clear early on that we needed to develop something more durable.

In terms of production, is Ultra-X easy to work with ? Does the use of this material have an impact on the price?

The Ultra X is relatively easy to work as it is stable and has good seam hold so no special seams are required and can be repaired by a regular repair process. It is much more difficult to design around as it has significantly less stretch than traditional canopy, so resolve all of the tension in the wing is more challenging.

What feedback have riders had on these new Ultra-X wings?

The riders have been very positive around the Ultra- X and the key feedback is that it has been more stable and more durable.

Are there any maintenance precautions to be taken with Ultra-X wings ?

I would say the only key point with any wing is that flapping and UV is what reduces the life of any wing significantly, even Ultra-X. So avoid leaving your wing in the sun for long periods of time when not in use and avoid leaving them flapping. But this is relevant to all wings.

Are there other possible applications for this material? In other water sports or not?

Absolutely. Essentially these materials are composites, and a lot of their development come from our knowledge base in Kites and Windsurfing Sails. Within our group all of this knowledge goes back into the development of new materials across the water sports, and whatever new sport or technology development that may emerge.

This material developed from the base of information and taking the application of the revolution of Ultra PE materials and see where we can apply them to increase durability and performance.

We’d like to take this opportunity to ask you a quick question about the FreeWing Life, which we’ve seen appear in many images in the hands of the team’s riders. What is this new wing? What’s the programme? And when will it be released?

The Life is our maneuver oriented Freeride wing, a lower aspect design that is powerful super easy to use and features our new Project 85 canopy material which is a more durable take on traditional woven canopies. We will see this available in Spring 2025.

I’ll leave you with the last word?

Looking forward to seeing you on the water and enjoy the wing life!

Thank you very much, Clinton, for this very informative look at the design of UltraX wings!

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