Manufacturer Vayu has given the Aura an update and equipped the new model with the option of using three different grip systems. We tried out the Aura 2 and reveal who the wing is suitable for.
On land:
The first version of the Vayu Aura already made a good impression in the Test Nevertheless, manufacturer Vayu has continued to tweak a few things. For example, the new Aura 2 has slightly slimmer wingtips to improve handling during rotations. Overall, however, the basic design remains the same as its stablemate, the V3: Compared to the V3, the Aura 2 has a slightly higher aspect ratio, i.e. a larger wingspan and therefore a more stretched outline. In addition, the profile at the front is slightly flatter than the V3, which is more optimised for power. Vayu has nothing to hide when it comes to features: the seams on the front tube are protected against chafing with additional patches, the front handle is stiff, comfortable and backed with a neoprene section. The windows made of soft X-Ply are quite resistant to creasing - however, the view is similar to that of a frosted glass pane.
The centrepiece of the Vayu Aura 2 is the interchangeable handle system. The wing is supplied with firm carbon handles that are easy to grip and allow lateral movement with millimetre precision. The soft handles are also included in the scope of delivery - they can be replaced in just a few minutes using four screws. The soft handles offer average grip comfort, but reduce the weight of the wing by around 150 grams compared to the hard handles. If you want, you can also switch to a full-length boom, which costs between 99 and 159 euros extra, depending on the size. One small drawback: each wing size requires its own boom length. The Aura 2 is ventilated via a SUP valve, with an additional drain valve on the centre strut for quick deflation.
On the water:
Despite all the new features, the basic concept of the Vayu Aura 2 has not changed - the wing is absolutely suitable for all-round riding. When pumping, the new Aura 2 offers almost the same power as its slightly lower-profile stable brother, the V3. The Aura 2 is also easy to pump and therefore offers convincing performance even at the lower wind limit. In absolute light winds and when light wingers are on deck, you can reduce the inflation pressure by about 1 psi compared to the specification - then the very tightly tuned wing twists a little better and loads up more efficiently when pumping. As soon as you are on the foil, the Vayu innovation really comes into its own: The wing is perfectly balanced in the hand, and both the firm and soft grips allow you to move your hands with millimetre precision, so that you can pull off your strokes with pleasantly even tension distribution on both arms. The profile not only offers very good flight stability, but also proves to be extremely stable in gusts - all in all, the Aura 2 offers a very wide wind range.
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The Wing also scores across the board in manoeuvres: it can be steered exceptionally well when turning, and thanks to the slim wingtips, turning from "tip to tip" is quick and effortless. All other foil manoeuvres are also successful thanks to the direct power transmission. And for freestyling? There are wings that are a little more compact and agile, but the Aura is still able to perform even the toughest tricks and flips. Last but not least, the wave suitability: Vayu has also done its homework here, the Aura 2 immediately levelling out as soon as you feel it on the well-padded and stiff front handle and drifting neutrally and without any disturbing life of its own.
Vayu Aura 2 in the test - the conclusion:
The Aura 2 is a well-rounded board: light wind power, control, speed, handling and neutrality in the waves - the wing has no weaknesses anywhere. If you want to go full freestyle, you might prefer the slightly more compact V3, but for sporty freeriding, smooth foil manoeuvres and use in the waves, the Vayu Aura 2 is absolutely top.
All-round suitability; neutrality; 3 grip systems
Each wing size with its own boom length
