In addition to the Fly 2 model, NeilPryde now has a boom wing in its range with the Firefly. We got our hands on it and tell you what the new product can do - and what it can't.
On land
The NeilPryde Firefly Wing is available in nine sizes from 2.0 to 6.0 square metres. Compared to its sister model, the Fly 2, the wingspan and aspect ratio (= ratio of wingspan to surface area) are smaller. At 2.75 kilos measured by us, the tested size 5.0 is within the normal range. The most striking difference to the Fly 2 is in any case the handle system, with the Firefly NeilPryde relies on a fixed boom, which means that the boom does not have to be (dis)assembled, but the pack size is longer as a result. The boom itself protrudes far from the strut at the front, which should enable intuitive gripping. The grip on the handlebar is absolutely comfortable thanks to the thin diameter and the non-slip coating. The designers have given the Firefly a generous profile at the front, the fabric tension is quite high at the front, and the material is cut loosely towards the trailing edge. Small battens are designed to prevent the trailing edge from flapping. The front handle and the reinforcements at the wingtips are also well dimensioned. The wing is ventilated via two SUP valves, without a one-pump system. In other words, you have to plug it once when inflating, but the air is quickly removed when deflating.
On the water
Compared to other boom wings on the market, the Firefly has one major advantage: from the very first time you reach under the wing in the water, it is easier than average to catch the boom, which protrudes far from the strut. There's no need for a long search and annoying reaching next to it, and this also applies to manoeuvres - more on this later. When starting off, the boom wing immediately develops a good lift and even pull upwards. The fairly deep profile offers plenty of power for the take-off, even if you tend to ride passively and do not yet have a sophisticated pumping technique. With the right amount of pumping, the Firefly Wing can be loaded up significantly and is definitely one of the most powerful wings when it comes to early take-off.
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The grip position can be selected with millimetre precision in a straight line and even one-handed flights are no problem thanks to the continuous boom. This also applies to all foil manoeuvres and freestyle tricks, where you can grip very intuitively - the risk of missing the boom is minimal. In terms of flight stability, the manufacturer Pryde has achieved a good compromise between an appealingly stable flight attitude in a straight line and the necessary agility for manoeuvres and rotations. However, the control is slightly below average, because in stronger gusts the wing could definitely do with a little more basic tension and the trailing edge sometimes starts to flutter. You should therefore not go significantly below the recommended inflation pressure.
The Wing is a lot of fun when drifting on waves. Although the more stretched Fly 2 can offer a little more neutrality in this respect, the Firefly doesn't show any weakness here either: it levells out nicely and hardly develops a disturbing life of its own, even on longer rides on swell or surf waves.
NeilPryde Firefly - the conclusion
The range of use of the NeilPryde Firefly is not fundamentally different from that of the Fly 2 - both are good all-rounders that cover a wide range of conditions. The Firefly convinces with a lot of power, especially in light to medium winds, and sets no limits for manoeuvres and jumps. The wing is also a great tip as a wing for newcomers. The Fly 2 will suit those who primarily do downwinders in swell waves or want to freeride fast in a sporty manner even better - you will soon be able to read a test here on the website.
Power, manoeuvre, intuitive gripping
Slight flapping in gusts; pack size
NeilPryde Firefly - technical data
- Test model: NeilPryde Firefly 5.0
- Wingspan: 335 cm
- Depth: 198 cm
- Weight (own measurement, without leash): 2.75 kg
- Weight: 550 g/m2
- Available sizes: 2,0/2,5/3,0/3,5/4,0/4,5/5,0/5,5/6,0 qm
- Scope of delivery: Wing, bag
- Price (test model): 1099 Euro
- Contact: To the website
- Special features: Boom permanently integrated
