We have already been able to test the new Vayu Aura 3 Wing in the 4.5 m² size. The special thing about the new Vayu is that it can be equipped with a Click-Boom. No other manufacturer currently has something like this in its range. Of course, we also tested it at the same time.
The Aura 3 is designed for freeride and wave and is available in sizes from 2.5 m² to 6.0 m².
On land
The front tube of the Vayu Aura 3 has undergone some material changes. It now consists of three different components. In the front handle area, the latest ultra-light Aluula variant (Aeris-X FX-86) has now been installed. This is followed by Dacron material (DKC-160). Its tips are made of conventional material. The material mixture paired with the strongly tapered tips should enable the wing to better release excess wind pressure.
The side profile of the Vayu Aura 3 has a slight V shape. Its outline is more elongated and rounder than the Vayu Eos.
In order to generate more space for the hands, the middlestrut has a “kink” at the height of the handles. The last third of the middlestrut bends slightly inwards.
A pair of straps and a pair of handles are included in the scope of delivery.
Click-Boom
A Click-Boom must be ordered separately. The handles can be easily removed using the allen key supplied. The front click mechanism for the boom is mounted on the front bracket of the front handle. Exposed threads are covered with a plastic cover. (In the photos, the covers are missing in some places because we misplaced them). There is an extra attachment for the rear boom mount so that the boom is longer than the handles.
To mount the boom, simply click it into the attachment. The boom can be removed again by pushing the attachment in sideways.
In the area of the front tube, the cloth has a distance of approx. 15 cm to the middlestrut. This distance decreases more and more towards the end. In the last third, the cloth lies completely against the middlestrut. The sail is relatively taut over the entire wing. There are now two stabilizers on each side of the tear-off edge.
The Vayu Aura 3 is inflated via a SUP valve on the front tube. There is an extra “air mattress” valve on the middelstrut to allow the air to escape more easily when deflating.
As with all other Vayu Wings, the Aura 3 also has a large, elongated window made of X-Ply material in the front area on each side.
The bag is designed as a backpack and has an extra reinforcement/groove on both carrying straps so that the foil can be placed here while being carried. There is also a way to attach the pump on the side. It can be extended at the bottom by opening a zipper so that the Wing also fits with the boom attached.
The Wing weighs 2.4 kg with the boom.
On the water
On the water, you immediately notice the basic idea behind the Vayu Aura 3 in comparison with the Vayu Eos. The freeride characteristics are noticeable in that the Aura transmits its power to the rider in a finely dosed manner. It doesn’t pull quite as hard on the handles/boom as the Eos. Letting off steam also works very well. The Aura can handle a lot of wind. It actually needs very strong gusts to get it out of its stride. When going upwind, it cuts a very good figure and almost rides against the wind.
But the Aura also performs well at the lower end of the wind range. The Eos perhaps has a slight advantage here and gets going earlier at one or two knots.
Compared to its predecessor, the Vayu Aura 3 has improved in terms of handling and maneuvering characteristics. It is wonderfully neutral in basic maneuvers such as jibing and tacking. The wing simply lies down in the air and you doesn’t even notice it. It only reacts again when you actively address it.
It behaves accordingly in the neutral position on the wave. Calmness itself, absolutely obedient.
Jumping
During normal jumping, it pulls you up really well and is easy to control. When it goes into the 360s, its wonderfully neutral character comes into its own again. It is easy to turn through the wind without any noticeable resistance.
We rode the Vayu Aura 3 with both handles and click-boom. Although the boom is “only” clicked, it sits bombproof. You don’t notice any difference to conventional, fixed boom systems. Of course, the boom is the icing on the cake when it comes to handling.
The material of the windows is still reflective. You can tell that someone is on the other side, but you don’t have a full view.
Fazit
The click boom of the Vayu Aura 3 is totally convincing! It is in no way inferior to a normal boom. This means that the boom wing with its small pack size is finally suitable for traveling.
Vayu also remains true to itself when it comes to categorizing the Aura 3. Freeride-Wave fits perfectly in comparison to the Eos (Freestyle-Performance). The Aura is the more filigree wing with lower holding forces on the handles. However, it no longer needs to hide behind the freestyle characteristics of the Eos. (HERE is the review of the Vayu Eos.)
We can recommend the Aura 3 to all skill levels. Heavyweights are perhaps better off with the Eos with its higher basic power.
The windows remain a point of criticism due to the glare. We would also have liked the Aura 3 to have two SUP valves like the Eos.
