We were able to test the Vayu X-Race Wing with 5.5 m² extensively. It is Vayu’s first double-layer wing and was developed 100% for racing. The shape is designed to reduce drag, increase efficiency and ultimately increase speed.
It is also available in sizes 4.5 m², 6.5 m² and 7.3 m².
At land
The Vayu X-Race is a complete double-layer wing, which means that the fabric on the inside also extends from the front tube to the trailing edge. In between is a cavity divided into 14 segments formed by 13 internal cross ribs. The wing only achieves its full profile when it is in motion. Then the wind can flow in through the two inlets on the inside near the front tube and the individual segments form on the outside, similar to a paraglider. The air and any water that may enter during a fall is drained through outlets on the ribs and wing tips.
Both the front tube and the middle strut are made entirely of yellow Aluula. They are inflated via a SUP valve. Both chambers are connected by a small, closable tube. For easier deflation, the middle strut is additionally equipped with an “air mattress valve”. To access the valves, you have to open a small zip on the inside fabric. On the other side, there is another zip to access the connecting tube.
The Vayu X-Race has a fixed carbon boom and no option for handles. Parallel to the middle strut, there is a window made of X-Ply material on each side.
Of course, the wing also has a front handle and comes with a bungee leash.
The included bag is designed as a comfortable backback and has reinforced carrying straps with a special groove – perfect for storing the foil during transport. There is a fastening option for the pump on the side.
At the water
In order not to limit the speed of the Vayu X-Race Wing, we tested it in combination with a high aspect front wing measuring 600 cm² and a correspondingly small rear wing. During the first session, the wing was also flown with a harness.
We can say this much already: the material was not the limiting factor in terms of speed, but rather the testers…
Considering that the Vayu X-Race is a highly specialised wing, it is surprisingly easy to fly. Of course, the wing is definitely not suitable for beginners or intermediate flyers, but it is more accessible than one might think at first glance.
At the lower wind limit, it requires a more active flying style to get up to speed. If there is enough wind, you just need to keep it tight and off you go. There are no limits to the Vayu X-Race’s upper range. For example, we flew it when everyone around us was flying 4 qm or 3 qm wings and didn’t feel that the X-Race had reached its limits. Incredible!
Brutal speed
Every gust is brutally converted into speed. When sailing upwind, extremely high angles are possible.
You notice its special character during manoeuvres. Jibes and tacks can be performed without any problems, but of course they are not as easy as with conventional wings. If you hold it in a neutral position at the front handle, it lies surprisingly calmly in the wind, so you can even ride out a swell wave.
Due to the high speed when jumping, the initial height is really enormous. In the air, the Vayu X-Race then acts as a powerful wing and lets you fly for a long time at undreamt-of heights.
At first, we were afraid that the cavity between the two canopies would quickly fill with water in the event of a fall and we would not be able to get it started again. Fortunately, this was not the case. In most cases, the wing lay on the water in such a way that the air intakes were above the water surface and only a minimal amount of water entered.
Conclusion
The Vayu X-Race is an absolute machine! Every gust of wind is mercilessly converted into speed. It’s more likely that the rider will reach their limits than the X-Race will.
If you want to be the fastest when racing with friends or in competition, there’s no getting around this wing.
As a “normal” wingfoiler, you may well ask yourself: do I need a wing like this? The answer is no! But it’s just so much fun to speed across the water and discover your personal limits.
