The Poison model is the second wing model from GA Sails after the Cross and is available in sizes from 2.2 to 7.2. We tested the 5.2 size extensively.
On land:
Compared to the GA Sails Cross ( HERE there's a test), the Poison is slightly more elongated, but has a shorter centre strut - resulting in a higher aspect ratio (ratio of wingspan to surface area). GA has also opted for an interchangeable handle system. You can choose between two fixed grips or soft grips - both are included in the scope of delivery. The fixed grips offer very direct contact with the wing and are comfortable to grip thanks to their thin diameter. Switching to the soft grip loops saves around 250 grams of weight and can be done in two minutes. To do this, you should deflate the centre groove, only then can the grips be inserted into the holders provided. Small drawback: The soft grips are thin overall and are not the comfort tip.
The rest of the equipment appears to be of very high quality: all potential abrasion points on the front tube are covered with additional covers, and the wingtips are also protected against abrasion over a large area, making the Poison also a very good choice as a motorbike. Wingskating can be used. The wing has comparatively high fabric tension at the front, but the material becomes visibly looser towards the trailing edge. Small battens have been inserted into the cloth material to prevent it from flapping. The large handle loop on the front tube, which provides good contact with the wing, is also a success. In addition to both handle systems, the scope of delivery also includes a leash.
On the water:
First things first: the handling characteristics of the GA Sails Poison do not differ fundamentally from the Cross model we have already tested. The Poison is also stable in the hand when bobbing, but due to its slightly flatter profile, a little more pumping is required when starting off. Nevertheless, the bottom line is that the Wing offers convincing light wind power. In the air, the Wing is also stable in the hand, and the handle position can be varied with millimetre precision. With the rear hand, you usually grip the handle quite far back; in our opinion, the forward grip could have been a little shorter and therefore lighter. In manoeuvres, the wing is controlled extremely accurately, control impulses are passed on 1:1. Overall, however, the Poison Wing is not one of the absolute featherweights on the market, especially when turning, a little life of its own is noticeable, which requires a little more force to bring the wing into the desired flying position. The Poison offers enough lift for jumping, first freestyle tricks such as 360s are possible without any problems. More ambitious riders would even like a little more agility. The GA Sails Poison Wing is pleasantly neutral on the wave: it levells out well and flies behind without any annoying life of its own. When riding downwind, however, the trailing edge tends to sink a little. If you regularly do downwinders or ride swell waves, you should consider fitting the soft handles to minimise the weight on the centre line.
GA Sails Poison Wing - the conclusion:
Similar to the Cross, the Poison also positions itself as a successful all-rounder with a good mix of power, control and more than acceptable handling. In view of the fact that the Cross is already ideally suited to the freeride target group, GA could have taken the liberty of tailoring the Poison a little more to the needs of ambitious wingfoilers in terms of weight and agility. Nevertheless, our recommendation is: If you primarily want to freeride and are looking for a wing with maximum power in light winds, the Cross has a little more potential. The Poison drifts a little more neutrally, especially in the waves, and should be preferred to the Cross for downwinders and excursions into the treatment.
2 handle systems; wide range of applications
Handle loops somewhat thin
