2023 North Nova Wing Review: Is It Better Than The 2022 Nova?

[@HaIPeHaOP]

I've tested Nova 4.2 2022 vs 2023 on the same day end to end. I totally agree with this review, the difference is massive. 2022 is flexing much more and therefore delivers power with delay and has less power overall. The feel of 2023 was amazing, getting up on the foil with 1 - 2 pumps, instant power delivery, amazing feeling. I'm in the market for second hand wing and I'll definitely go for the 2023 model!

[@JakeKelsick]

Killer Review Matt! Can't beat a day out getting to play with new stuff!

[@REALmattnuzzo]

Thanks Jake. Nice to have some 60 degree temps in February. Looks like you guys are scoring in Antigua. The wind machine has been ON in the tropics.

[@mikeb1039]

I just ordered the 8.0 version of this for 1/2 the cost of the 24 Loft Pro everyone is raving about. For this wing rookie I can't imagine I'll notice the difference. Looking forward to being able to get up in our ultra light winds.

[@johnnoble1967]

Interested to know how it worked out - toying with the same decision myself? Or to hear what the guys at Real think the sale prices on the Nova 7.0 are certainly attractive,

[@vianasurfer]

Which of the North wings would you choose as your lightwind wing now, complementing a 5m Nova V3? Nova V3, Mode or Nova LW? 6m or 7m?

[@REALmattnuzzo]

After testing them all, I would go from Nova 5m to the 8m Lightwind. I can ride that new 2023 Nova down to about 15mph. We tested all the sizes and models and the 8m LW seemed huge but had big advantages in getting you going in nothing. The other option is just to ditch the big wing and get a downwind board for light winding.

[@vianasurfer]

@@REALmattnuzzo Wow, that's quite a gap from 8 to 5m. But good to know that the 5m has such a good low-end, that it accepts a 8m as next size up. But I guess there's not much overlap between the 5 and the 8m.

[@mikeb1039]

@@vianasurfer Hearing that backwards, he's saying go all the way from 5 to 8 to have a good light wind setup. Biggest you can get. Huge difference as you aren't sailing with a 5.0 or 6.0 in light wind, those are more general wind condition wings, not light wind. 7 or 8 and 8 if you want to go when nobody else can. (sub 10mph)

[@ApriliaRSV4-777]

another great review ... many thanks 👍👍

[@jorgeroman6723]

I bought 2 wings one 2.5 and a 4 just to feel the wind and enjoy the beach,i bet wing foiling must feel 3 times fantastic.❤

[@MatthiasKoch]

How would you compare this Wing with the Armstrong XPS? In the case of just for freeride free race, on gusty lakes with HA foils. (so no jumps, no waves nor downwind). Thx in advance

[@philiptuffs-wh7jp]

I have a north nova V3 6mtr that is for light wind great . What sizes would you get if i wanted to invest in novas for stronger winds 35mph max ! . I would be on a budget so would this be all the wings to 3.5 ! Or could i go 6mtr 4.2mtr then one smaller for high wind days .

[@jensutbult]

What smaller size should I get if I already bought a 5? 4.2 or 3.5?

[@mikeb1039]

It's all about the wind speeds you see where you ride. That small would for very high wind conditions (which I don't see, so i can't be specific) but 20+mph, maybe 30+. 5 and 4.2 not that much different. Check the manfacturers websites, they'll have specs on wind mph useage of their wings and sails. On our inland lake with very light wind i'm getting an 8.0 to help more than my 6.2 can do.

[@BossaBandits]

Matt- do you agree about down sizing on the 2023 against the 2022? I'll be changing my 6m V1 nova and wonder if the V3 5m would give equiv or better get-up-on-foil performance in lighter wind conditions....or would you stick with a 6m?

[@REALmattnuzzo]

No I don’t agree to sizing down. I think that the 2023 6m will have a lot more get up and go than your 2021 6m but you would be struggling with a 5m 2023 if you went a full size smaller. The 2023 definitely has good forward drive and get up and go but not enough to drop a wing size.

[@BossaBandits]

@@REALmattnuzzo thanks for.the insight 🙏

[@scottjarden363]

Is the water really as warm as it looks for this time of year?

[@REALmattnuzzo]

The Pamlico Sound is so shallow that the water temp is the last three days average air temp. This day the water temp was in the low 60s.

[@bullenvideo]

@@REALmattnuzzo Tempting to hop in the car and head down now. I have a trip planned at the beginning of April so I can wait. Enjoy!

[@molcay8355]

I’m a windsurfer but never tried foil. I haven’t done any freestyles or foils with windsurf but I really want to taste the feeling of jumping with this thing. How hard is it to get to a point where you can jump with wing foil?

[@REALWatersports]

That is tough with not knowing you since it will be different from person to person. Understanding working with the wind and board skills will be a huge help, but riding on foil is a little different. Getting to where you are riding may be pretty quick, adding jumps is definitely more advanced but depending on your current skillset that could be a quick progression for you. We are happy to take you out for a lesson any time here, come on out!

[@mikeb1039]

Jumping is not that hard, it's the landings that take some skill.

[@JoseLopez-xk2nw]

Is the your Armie 50L your daily driver?

[@REALmattnuzzo]

Yes. Ride the 50L in all conditions.

[@martinomovies]

Do you need ear plugs if you’re wearing a hood?

[@REALWatersports]

You don't need them, but some riders prefer them all the time.

[@avinashbikha]

14:15 was very Top Gun! Great review (but Tucker beat you to it 😅)

[@avinashbikha]

Matt any chance of a test notes video of the new North HA wings? When to use a HA1050 vs. HA1250 or HA1450. When to go smaller than HA850? How is the alu mast holding up? So many questions. Also how good is the 2023 Sonar range/setup? Are they in Armstrong and Axis league now? Thanks!

[@REALmattnuzzo]

@@avinashbikha Hmmmm. This one is a loaded one. Might be best to call the shop to discuss. Short story... North is coming a long. Their alloy is kind of like most others out there. Axis alloy is still probably the most refined. The North alloy does come with a really nice bag and covers so you get a complete kit. The North Carbon is the best bang for your buck with carbon. Nice quality and great price. Armstrong still wins on carbon over all brands by a long shot due to premium construction, materials and build quality. North is cheaper and still good. The North foils are coming along. The HA are nice and user-friendly but not crazy high performance, which is probably better for most people. The MA are in the same boat. Hope that helps.

[@avinashbikha]

@@REALmattnuzzo thanks Matt! That's very useful info! 🙏🙏

[@avinashbikha]

Hi Matt, a few more questions before I pull the trigger on the Nova v3: 1) is a 6m v3 lighter than v2? 2) the v2 was a bit heavy at the back which was especially noticeable in light wind jibing. Has this been addressed for v3? And 3) how does the wingspan of 6m v3 compare to 6m *V1*? Thanks! Still loving the Top Gun shots!

[@christianknake-cx5gi]

Looks very similar to the Slingwing V3

[@REALmattnuzzo]

It’s actually quite different. The Slingwing v3 has a deeper draft, more low end and is easier to ride. The Nova 23 has a flatter profile, is faster upwind and a little harder to handle. The Nova 23 is actually much closer to the Javelin in feel and performance.

[@jorgeroman6723]

Nice

[@mtumix]

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