Wings made from Aluula material are now available from several suppliers, e.g. Duotone, RRD and Ocean Rodeo. Aluula is a lightweight yet extremely stiff material, which makes it possible to achieve a high level of stiffness despite the thin diameter of the front tube and centre strut. This saves material and therefore weight. Now Vayu is also following suit and is offering such a performance model with the Aura X. We have tested it.
On land:
The Vayu Aura X is available in three sizes (4.0/5.0/6.0 square metres), like the "normal" Aura ( HERE there's a test), the Aura X also has an interchangeable grip system. You can choose between thin carbon grips or soft handles. Compared to the Vayu V3 ( HERE there's a test), the Aura X has a higher aspect ratio - the wing therefore has a larger wingspan and is significantly more stretched. This means that it has been optimised for high top speed and perfect drifting. The valve system has also been changed; from the 2023 season, Vayu wings will be equipped with SUP valves. The Aura X can be inflated in one go thanks to the connecting hose between the front tube and centre strut. An additional outlet valve on the strut is available for quick deflation.
A matching leash is included, but the Velcro is a little tight for use with thick neos. The seams on the front tube are covered, but the wingtips are hardly protected against abrasion to save weight.
In addition to the test report, we present the Wing again in a short clip on our YouTube channel. Take a look!
On the water:
The Vayu Aura X is light as a feather in the hand right from the start. The thin handles offer a high level of grip comfort and also allow you to move your hands with millimetre precision. This makes relaxed flying possible, as you can grip perfectly at the pressure point and surf with even tension distribution on both arms. The Aura X has less ground pull than its sister model, the V3, both when starting off and in a straight line. This means that when riding passively without pumping, you need a little more ground wind to take off. However, you can really push the wind limit with the right amount of pumping, as the Aura X then proves to be quite efficient. In light winds, it makes sense to reduce the inflation pressure by around 1 psi, as this gives the stiff wing noticeably more elasticity and power.
As soon as you are really powered up, the Wing becomes pleasingly fast and the stiff frame keeps the pressure point stable. In manoeuvres, the Vayu Aura X also offers the desired X-factor. It is very easy to steer, the firm handles transmit every steering impulse 1:1. Due to its very low weight, the trailing edge of the wing stays up for a long time when manoeuvring downwind. The same applies to wave riding, where the Aura X flies along almost unnoticed in a neutral position. If you switch to the soft handles, you can raise the already high bar even higher. The good front handle also ensures a nice and direct power transmission when drifting.
Vayu Aura X - the bottom line:
The Aura X is expensive at 1999 euros, but offers playfully easy handling and maximum neutrality when riding swell and surf waves. The wing is an absolute recommendation in combination with fast high-aspect wings and for all those looking for a maximum light wing for manoeuvres and wave riding. The range of use of the Aura X is wide, the Wing scores as a light freerider, wave specialist and also for tricks. However, the V3 offers more light wind power in direct comparison and definitely has advantages in combination with high-lift low-aspect foils. The V3 is also slightly more suitable for freestyling, as it offers more lift for jumps and has a more compact design.
Handling, neutrality, grip system
View through the windows
