The new V3 Wing from manufacturer Vayu is also designed to appeal to a maximised target group. The new model is available in six sizes between 3.5 and 6.0 square metres.
On land:
compared to the predecessor model ( HERE there's a test), the Vayu V3 Wing has been completely revised. This primarily concerns the outline; the V3 has become significantly more compact. In addition, the diameter of the front tube has been reduced and the cloth tension in the front area has been noticeably increased. The handle system has also changed massively: whereas the predecessor model V2 still had a long, split boom, the Vayu V3 comes with fixed but short handles. Alternatively, the fixed handles can be replaced with soft grip loops. The conversion only takes a few minutes and the handles are included in the scope of delivery. Due to the changes mentioned above, the V3 has lost a lot of weight. While its predecessor was one of the heaviest models on the market, the V3 weighs in at 2.5 kilos, which is absolutely competitive. If you switch to the soft (and lighter) grips, the weight can be reduced even further.
The rest of the equipment is also very impressive: The front handle is nice and stiff and therefore provides very direct contact when drifting in the wave. The seams on the front tube are covered with small artificial leather patches. The V3 only looks a little "naked" at the wing tips; there are definitely better protected wings for wingskating. The windows of the new Vayu V3 are made of mesh material (X-Ply). This is flexible and less susceptible to kinking, but the view through is rather poor. The valve system has also changed - Vayu now uses a SUP valve.
On the water:
The changes to the design have an immediate effect on the water. The Vayu V3 is much more agile and lighter in the hand than its predecessor. Fortunately, it has retained some of its good points: The V3 still offers plenty of power, is stable in the hand and is easy and uncomplicated to handle, even with limited riding skills. The wing also appears firm and the profile remains stable even in strong gusts. In absolute light winds, the inflation pressure can also be reduced to 6.5 to 7 psi, allowing the V3 to be pumped even more efficiently. Another positive aspect is that the wing now offers more "ground clearance" than its predecessor due to the reduced wingspan, which means that the wingtips drag less in the water.
The biggest improvement over the previous model is undoubtedly noticeable in manoeuvres. The Wing now floats through all foil manoeuvres in a much more neutral, lighter and more manageable way. The same applies to freestyle rotations and drifting in the waves. In the latter case, the Vayu V3 benefits from its now lower weight on the centre line. As a result, the trailing edge of the wing does not tend to sink as much and the wing flies more neutrally when riding waves.
Vayu V3 Wing - the bottom line:
Vayu is taking a big step forwards with the V3 Wing. The new model impresses a very large target group with plenty of power, easy handling and uncomplicated riding behaviour. In contrast to the V2, the V3 is not only suitable for normal freeriding and heating, but also does a really good job of freestyling and riding swell waves. This brings it much closer to the second Vayu model, the Aura. Our recommendation would be: Those who focus more on foil manoeuvres and light winds should choose the even more powerful V3. The more stretched Aura has small advantages when drifting in the waves.
Wide range of use; variable handle system
Window view; protection of wingtips
