The new RRD "Gold" model has it all - a record-breaking low weight meets a record-breaking high price. We tried out the new model.
On land:
As with the Ocean Rodeo Glide A-Series or the Duotone Unit D/Lab RRD uses Aluula material for the front tube and centre strut on the new Gold Wing. This material is not only light, but also significantly stiffer than conventional Dacron material - therefore the front tube and strut can be made thinner without the wing becoming too soft. With a measured weight of 2.15 kilos, the RRD Gold Wing plays in the Champions League when it comes to weight. Unfortunately, this also applies to the price, with the test size 5.0 square metres tearing a 2399 euro hole in the household budget.
The Wing is available in a total of six sizes (4.0/4.5/5.0/5.5/6.5/7.2 square metres). When inflating the RRD Gold Wing, you have to change the plugs once, as the front tube and centre tube are vented separately. This takes slightly longer than with one-pump systems, but the wing can also be deflated very quickly. The scope of delivery includes a good leash, which sits comfortably on the wrist thanks to a thickly padded Velcro strap - only when thick arms are in thick neos does the Velcro strap fall a little short.
We also present this wing in the video on our YouTube channel. Take a look!
On the water:
The RRD Gold Wing looks as if it has been moulded from one piece from the very first pump. The low weight combined with the stiff base frame makes the wing feel very direct in the hands. If the front tube is filled with the maximum permitted 8 psi, the wing appears almost a little too stiff - even when riders weighing over 85 kilos pull on the handles, a filling pressure of 7-7.5 psi is easily sufficient. Then the Gold Wing becomes a little more elastic, which is a noticeable advantage when pumping at the lower wind limit. Overall, the RRD Gold Wing is not extremely powerful when ridden passively (without pumping), but this changes with an active riding style and you quickly start to fly. Once lifted off, the Wing is stable in the hand and the right flying position is easy to find, even with less skill. In strong gusts, the RRD Wing offers unrivalled control - no fluttering, warping or shaking spoils the freeride fun.
RRD uses three wide handles for the handle system. Although these need to be gripped a little more precisely during manoeuvres, the handles offer direct contact with the wing and pass on the steering impulses without delay. As the grips are quite wide, you can vary the grip position easily and always pull your lines with the same pull distribution on both hands.
In manoeuvres, the Gold Wing sets the bar high in terms of handling - the wing seems almost weightless and can be steered through all manoeuvres and tricks with two fingers. The windows allow a comparatively good view to leeward, but this wing should still be checked before initiating the manoeuvres. Jibe always lift once and check the free space downwind. The outstanding handling is also noticeable during freestyle tricks, the RRD Gold Wing is light as a feather and precise to steer.
The RRD innovation also leaves nothing to be desired when drifting. As soon as you grip the wing by the front handle only, in order to set it on small swells or surf waves, the wing balances itself wonderfully and flies with maximum neutrality. Because the Gold Wing has very little weight on the centre line, the trailing edge of the wing stays up for a very long time when riding downwind.
RRD Gold Wing - the conclusion:
The RRD Gold Wing combines good performance with outstanding handling, excellent neutrality and an extremely wide wind range. This makes it perfect for ambitious freeriding, freestyling and wave riding. The overall package is convincing - it's up to you to decide whether it's worth the hefty price tag. The "same" wing is also available from RRD in the form of the Wind Wing model for less than half the price.
Control; Handling; Range of use
Price
