Light Wind Master: F-One Strike CWC Full Review

UPDATE: After flying the 7 for a few sessions now I've got a good feel for it and how it compares to the 6m. The 7m has a bit more grunt on the low end, less work getting going but it's for sure more cumbersome and slower to build speed. For me at 195lbs and a fairly advanced level, the 6m has nearly the same low end. It takes more work and technique to get it going but it's faster and easier to handle once your are up and flying. For heavier riders or those with less experience, the 7m is the easy button for light winds. - Tucker
Pricing and details...
www.mackiteboarding.com/f-one...

[@ryangustafson889]

Love this man! Ryan

[@MACkiteboarding]

Love you too Ryan ;) -Tucker

[@murraybruce3802]

Hey Tucker. Is that a 1/2 strap back foot strap? I like using the front foot strap and that might be a good option for trying to get my back foot in the strap. Btw; you gave me great advice on beginner board size. The Quattro 115 rocks! When I get my gybes down I’ll be back for a 95 liter board. Baby steps!

[@MACkiteboarding]

Good eye Murray! Yes, I prefer a back hook. Allows me to move my back foot actively but also gives some more control in jumps. Side benefit, it's much safer for your ankles. -Tucker

[@lakedistictfoilers2387]

Hi Tucker, another great review, thank you. I'm liking the wing....but even more interested in the board, which you seem to be enjoying. I've looked at Appletree, really like their ethos (and made in Europe rather than China), and that Appleslice looks interesting. Have you reviewed it yet? is that the 90 litre? what do you think of it?

[@MACkiteboarding]

Yeah, loving the 90L appleslice. The dims are similar to what I like best for a "do it all" kind of board but that extra 5-10L of volume really helps in light winds and landing jumps. It's really efficient and stable for it's size. Love those chunky, square rails on narrower boards. Agree, love that it's made in Europe and that the construction is not built for 3-5 years but rather a lifetime as long as you keep it in good repair. Coming from a surf background, it's much more of a family heirloom poly longboard in that way than a potato chip "break and toss it" kind of model. I'm filming a review now. I've been riding it all summer, was just waiting for our stock to arrive before releasing the hounds ;) -Tucker

[@stkl23]

Tucker, what would you say is the upper wind limit for this wing? And what could be a complementary wing? The 4.2 Strike? Or rather the 5?

[@MACkiteboarding]

Great question Stkl23! I'm 200lbs, I've found it has ideal power in 10-20kn. Could probably take it to 25kn but the 5m would be much better in that 18-25 range. I'd probably put this with a 4.2m for maximum range or a 5m if you want an ideal power all the time. -Tucker

[@alexandersu3395]

Hi Tucker, I am 165 lbs 5ft 6in and able to wing foil with a cabrinha X2 5 m in 15 knots and kite foil in 8 knots. I want to get a 7 or 8 m wing to go out in the lightest wind possible. What size would you recommend? What is a realistic minimum wind for wing foiling?

[@MACkiteboarding]

At your weight I would avoid anything larger than 7m. A good 6m with some technique should get you your max light wind. 7m will be a bit more "easy button" starting but you'll max out quickly. -Tucker

[@jayboo175]

Hey tucker , which wing do you prefer the fone cwc 6 or the ozone wasp 6 ? You have given really good review for each wing

[@MACkiteboarding]

Hey Jay, Tough call. Both are excellent wings. I guess for the lightest winds, I'd choose the CWC for it's low-end grunt. However, the Wasp C2 6m does have more top-end range, jumping height, and apparent wind ability so I'd choose that one if the wind was above maybe...14kn or so. Really, I'd be happy with either, it might just affect what my step-up wing size would be... 5, 4.5, 4m....First world problems we have here :) -Tucker

[@jayboo175]

@@MACkiteboarding hey thanks a lot !! And are the wingspan similar on both . I was afraid that the ozone tips would catch a lot on the water

[@MACkiteboarding]

@@jayboo175 Yes, fairly similar. Maybe a little wider in the effective clearance on the Wasp v2 but nothing major if you have proper technique. -Tucker

[@dksurfer]

Tuker, could you do a comparison review of the CWC 7 or 8 vs OR Glide A 7M? can not decide which light wind wing to get out of these choices.

[@MACkiteboarding]

Hey Daniel, I have a "Best lightwind wings" video I've been eager to release but I need to get my hands on an Aluula 7m before I do. Those wings will certainly be featured in that one. I will say the 6m Aluula has been a favorite of mine for light winds lately. -Tucker

[@hegohaize7450]

@@MACkiteboarding waiting for that! Really interesting to have a killer light wind wing

[@justinrobinson701]

Nice review man!! How does the Strike 6m compare to the Swing v2 5.5m?

[@MACkiteboarding]

The Swing is a bit lighter and has higher top end so it's great in decent wind and waves. The Swing is pretty HA so it's a bit more cumbersome. Especially for shorter riders and hard pumping techniques. The Strike has way more grunt and pumping ability which makes it far better for light winds. That compact shape is great for keeping stiffness and giving you more space for hard pumping without dragging tips. -Tucker

[@stkl23]

Does the Strike CWC come with a valve adapter that fits on your WMFG kite pump?

[@MACkiteboarding]

Yes, it does. Your WMFG also comes with the adapter included. Maybe you lost it?

[@stkl23]

@@MACkiteboarding Mine came with a bag of adapters but none seems to fit on an iSUP-valve (which is what the Strike seems to have).

[@MACkiteboarding]

@@stkl23 You should also have a pump adapter in your Strike accessory kit.

[@patrickfrank4356]

Hi Tucker. I need your advise. Im riding the 5m strike. Now i want to buy a light wind wind. What would you recommend. 6 or 7 CWC. I live in Switzerland and most of the time have to ride in light gusty wind condition. Im a bit worried of the size and weight of the 7m. Im 183cm and 80kg. Thanks for your help and your cool reviews. Patrick

[@MACkiteboarding]

I'd go for the 6m Patrick. It sounds too similar to the 5m but it's a completely different design and has a lot more power. I would not suggest the 7m for you unless you just really struggle to have good pumping technique. -Tucker

[@patrickfrank4356]

Thanks Tucker. Why not 7m? Any disadvantages of the 7?

[@sambaker589]

@@patrickfrank4356 what did you end up going for, 6 or 7?

[@patrickfrank4356]

@@sambaker589 i bought the 6, but would have prefered the 7😂😂. 5 and 7 would be the better quiver for me. and altough its quite big still easy to handle.

[@kennethtucker5193]

@@patrickfrank4356 I have the Swing V2 5m and trying to make the decision about the 6m or 7m CWC, myself....tough decision since I hear do's and don'ts for both sizes. I'm 150 pounds and still learning but the light wind Summer days are coming. Recs?

[@miltabib]

How do you compare it with the swing 6m? Should I sell my swing and go with this one?

[@ericbeland9284]

I have made the switch, hopefully I will not regret. My 6 swing was real pleasure in light wind.. 🤞

[@MACkiteboarding]

Great question. Without question, the CWC is better than the Swing 6 in light winds. I love the light weight of the Swing but that wide wingspan and lack of frame rigidity does leave it wanting in light winds. The CWC fixes those issues with a more compact, powerful design and significantly improved rigidity for powerful pumping. In terms of handling, it feels like a Swing 4.2-5m wing and the low end is a good 1-2 knots lower for me compared to the Swing 6. -Tucker

[@MACkiteboarding]

You won't regret it Eric. The CWC is magic. -Tucker

[@Mickfoil1]

How would you compare this to the ARmstrong a-wing 5.5 or 6.5 ...if you tried that wing?

[@MACkiteboarding]

Hi M, Yes, I've tried the A-wing 5.5. The CWC is much more light wind focused with more low-end grunt and canopy tension for more power in the pump. -Tucker

[@Mickfoil1]

@@MACkiteboarding OK have you tried the 6.5 a wing ?

[@Mickfoil1]

And have you tried the 5.5. A Wing v2 ? More canopy tension. Basically I already have the 5.5. A Wing v2 and struggle in 10 knots wind , can't get foil off water. Using 1850 hs Armstrong on 99l 5'11 armstrong board . I weigh 90kg. Want to know if should get the 6.5 Armstrong a wing...

[@MACkiteboarding]

@@Mickfoil1 I have not had the opportunity yet. Also, I try not to comment too much on brands we do not carry. -Tucker

[@Mickfoil1]

@@MACkiteboarding ahh OK thx no worries ...are you going to review the 7m cwc ?

[@NeoVdV]

How does it compare to the New North Nova light wind ??

[@MACkiteboarding]

Great question. Very comparable for most people. As a heavier rider I actually prefer the Nova LW for it's stiffness and hard handles but very similar low end performance. - Tucker

[@NeoVdV]

I'm about 82kg (naked) but always using a wetsuit all year, from a 2mm in summer to a 5/4 mm in autumn. What makes the weight going up to much more, incl boots, cap and gloves. The 8m wing seems a bit much but that's what's recommended for my weight. I was more leaning to the 7m. I'm a total newbie ! Only got out on my board about 8 times and ½ of them with not enough wind. I have the Starboard Foil X Wing 145 lit and now use the Cabrinha X2 6m² The board is big and heavy. Didn't yet on foil once.

[@frankle8861]

How would you compare it with the Duotone Slick? With a comparible size.

[@MACkiteboarding]

Very different wings. The Strike creates lots of upward pull or "lift". The Slick is the exact opposite, it makes a lot of forward pull. I'd say for new riders, the Strike is easier to get going in light winds. Also better for riders on smaller boards/foils. That being said, an experienced rider can use technique and a slightly larger board/foil and get the Slick going in less wind. Because it's got so much forward pull, it makes building apparent wind and momentum really easy. So, once you are up it's going to be easier through lulls and transitions. Make sense? -Tucker

[@Surfingpilotlife]

@@MACkiteboarding I don’t get it really. So for an experienced rider with a small board and foil, the strike is better on the the low end to get you going on foil, because of the lift/ upward momentum? But the slick is better once you are on foil in lulls? I am looking for the best wing to go in lightest wind with small gear. Thx max

[@ClivehWright]

Funny, I am trying to decide between the two as well! Coming from the Echo I do like the boom and the Strike handles look a bit sloppy.

[@frankle8861]

@@ClivehWright got myself the Slick 7m. More forward pull for light wind days convinced me. Also like the bar from Duotone. The wide handles also do the job I noticed.

[@jacobstr]

Curious how the wind range compares. 8m strike cwc has a range of 6 - 15 vs 6 - 16 for the 7m slick. Weight and wingspan are also on My mind. I’ve already got a 5m slick which I quite like but might switch it up with a second wing and try the strike if I can find it.

[@tom-foil]

Only 6 minutes review? Come on Tucker we know the strike is your favourite wing on the market 😉 Pretty sure it would still be faster than most 6m on the market don't you think?

[@MACkiteboarding]

LOL. I think you are the first person to ask for a longer video. I'm typically droning on too long :) I'd say the 6m will get up and going faster than most 6m wings out there but it's no speed demon in terms of terminal velocity. I'm 100% fine with that, it's still fast enough for 99% of uses. It's designed for light winds, and it does that phenomenally. Still needs more testing to say if it's my favorite 6m of all time but it's certainly in contention. -Tucker

[@tom-foil]

@@MACkiteboarding I enjoy your long reviews 😉 your review of the strike 5m is 15mins long and we can clearly see how much you love this so I'm a bit worried the CWC didn't get as much praise in such a short review, perhaps a follow up soon after more time riding it?

[@MACkiteboarding]

@@tom-foil Hey Tom, not the case at all. Just trying to work on being more concise with our videos since we've gotten some feedback that I drone on too much. I'm a huge fan of the CWC. In fact, it will make my top 3 lightwind wing video for 2021. If you'd like to chat specifics I'm available at 800.622.4655 or [e-mail]

[@Surfingpilotlife]

@@MACkiteboarding I would love to see your pick of top 3 lightwind wings!!! Please do one!