The Best Light Wind Wings For 2023 | Tested and Compared

Jeff and Tucker discuss their favorite light wind wings for 2023. The F-One CWC Strike is the best wing for getting up on foil in light conditions. The North Nova Light Wind is a close second. The Duotone Slick SLS is third, followed by the Ocean Rodeo Glide and the North Mode.
Thank you for sharing the kiteboarding and wing foiling stoke with us! 🤙🏽 Please join us in the comments section and get a conversation started. We’re always happy to help!
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[@MACkiteboarding]

Links to the products discussed in this video... www.mackiteboarding.com/f-one-strike-cwc-wing/ www.mackiteboarding.com/2023-north-nova-light-wind-wing/ www.mackiteboarding.com/2022-duotone-slick-sls-wing/ www.mackiteboarding.com/2021-duotone-slick-wing/ www.mackiteboarding.com/2023-north-mode-wing/ www.mackiteboarding.com/ocean-rodeo-glide-aluula-a-series-wing/

[@mmccabe88]

Thanks for a great video guys. I had been hoping someone would create this piece of content for a while as we do not have a lot of wind here in Singapore and this was really helpful. Also really great to get two perspectives as it helps massively in making the right call. Keep up the great work.

[@MACkiteboarding]

Our pleasure! Thanks for watching Mike.

[@flyingpeew4570]

Like the way you guys share your insights, point out the difference in characteristics and highlight the trade-offs you are making when going out. In my experience it's the entire combination of rider, technique, wing, board, foil and condtions that should be taken into account. At the nearby pond I prefer to use a large front wing, once up I can pump through the lulls. If I can't get going with a 6m it's probably not going to be fun with a 7 or 8. The extra grunt comes at a price (handling / weight / top end). At sea I like to have enough power to push through the white water / make it out of the breaking zones a.s.ap.. So I add a couple of knots to estimate the low-end needed. Everything equal, in flat water I pick my 5m at >12knots, at sea I take that 5m when it's above 15 knots.

[@MACkiteboarding]

Completely agree FlyingPeew. I always rig larger sails in strong waves and current. Partly because I'm flying smaller/faster foils but also because it's nice to have that reliable power when things get nasty. -Tucker

[@johnschukei1708]

Thanks for all your videos! What's your viewpoint on the best foils to use in light winds? Different rider weight +80kg or -80kg.

[@martinomovies]

Fone 8m CWC is king for 90-110kg riders in lighter winds. When there is some shore break or chop, it provides a lot of balance for slogging, and when you're ready to go, it lifts you up quickly out of the chop. I've been out several times having a great time in the surf when much lighter riders can't get enough board speed to break out of the chop their 6m wings. However, not a fan of the handles and it's pretty cumbersome on transitions. Maybe V2 will address the handles...

[@MACkiteboarding]

Sounds like the F-One 8m CWC is your go-to for those lighter wind days! 🤙🏽 Here's hoping V2 has some surprises in store for you to make it an even better ride. Good winds to you, my friend. -Aaron

[@Retro_Velo_UK]

I have a CWC 8m and it’s one of my favourite wings, it doesn’t feel like a 8m wing, loads of grunt, never feels like it’s over powered. It’s really well balanced, just sits there, no dramas. I’m 90kg riding a 95ltr board.

[@MACkiteboarding]

Thanks for sharing the stoke, my friend. 🤙🏽 We were just chatting about the @FONECULTURE CWC 8m this morning, here at the shop. One of our absolute favorites as well. Good winds to you! -Aaron

[@Rom-lo7zs]

Tuck got me a Strike 7m up to N Michigan in one day and it’s my go to wing for summer thermals when there’s no wind in the forecast but the afternoon heat brings wind over Lake Michigan from the north. Had a sick amount of sessions specifically because of that wing. I call it the “Big Orange Session Maker.” 165lb and it gets up in 8 knots……

[@MACkiteboarding]

That's awesome to hear! 🤙🏽 The Strike 7m sounds like a great wing for summer thermals and lighter wind conditions. It's always exciting to find gear that helps us make the most out of our sessions and enjoy the sport even in less-than-ideal conditions. We hope you continue to have great sessions with your "Big Orange Session Maker"! Good winds! -Aaron

[@BenceGSzemes]

Thank you guys, this content is priceless! I hope you will do it on an annual basis! (If you can include the gong superpower at some point, that'd be amazing, because the price of that thing is very tempting...)

[@MACkiteboarding]

No problem Gabor. Since we don't offer Gong products you will not see them in our video series. -Tucker

[@RaulMartinez-ex2pc]

I have Takoon V2 5.5m for ligth wind (10-12 knots), and 4m for strong days. With my old flint 5.8 110 litter, that was easy to take off. My weight is 78kg and now I ride a 78 liter North seek 4.10 board. I think that for my size (173cm) it is a mistake to have larger wings, since they make it difficult to pump because of touching the water. I prefer to gain pumping skill with the 5.5m for light wind conditions.

[@MACkiteboarding]

Hi Raul, I tend to prefer 6-7m wings over an 8m as well as a more experienced rider at 6'3, 205 lbs. You get better handling, less drag at speed, and easier clearance for proper pumping technique. However, newer riders or those just looking for that "pull and go" type ride, the CWC and Nova LW are pretty amazing. For sure the "easy button" for riding in light winds. - Tucker

[@gnadzon]

Thanks for the very informative video! One question: I see a yellow rope from the backhand to the end of one side of the wing... what is for ?! @5:53 e.g.

[@MACkiteboarding]

Thank you for sharing the stoke with us, my friend! 🤙🏽 That is a safety tether for the GoPro camera. Good winds to you. -Aaron

[@richardmatison3591]

Great content. Thank-you! I'm 78kg and intermediate kite-foiler, can I get away with learning with a smaller hand wing and lower wind (for easier flatter water) if using a CF2400? Once it's 16+ knots it's pretty choppy.

[@MACkiteboarding]

You'll want a good 6m or larger for proper light wind. A huge foil will give you better low speed lift but also adds a lot of drag so you'll need more wing power to propel it. -Tucker

[@rolandjacques649]

Great video this info is most helpful, THANK YOU. Fwiw Around here we call 12-14 knots "good wind" LOL. Light wind is 8-12 and that's hot humid low density wind. Which is what I try to sail in 80% of the time. You should include the 8's in the your next light wind review. I'd like to know if you find the 8m much more difficult or cumbersome than the 7s of the same brand. Also like to know how they handle when you are slogging waiting for a gust. Hoping to see some better 8s Inter in the market in 2023.

[@mikeb1039]

Yep, our highest speed wind for the entire summer months is 12mph in an avg year. And I'm 225lbs...... Soooooo I bought a lift E foil. Now on to riding behind a boat and hopefully windsurfing. Then maybe eventually wing... Do you all find windsurf foiling easier than wing foiling in super light wind?

[@__nathan___]

I'm with you, Roland. A steady 14 knots would be awesome at my local spot! I totally agree they should review the 8m wings and comment on exactly what you mentioned: how heavy is it between gusts, how does it do in transitions? Also, I don't understand the whole 'weight based size recommendations'. Shouldn't it just be based on wind speed or maybe rider height (so you clear the wing tips off the water)? Why would you ever buy a 7m when you can buy an 8m??? The whole point is light winds!

[@apricotscrub]

@@__nathan___ agreed, I have the 6 and 8 cwc and the 6w is not for light winds at all vs the 8m. You'll need 12+ for the 6m while 8+ for the 8m

[@MACkiteboarding]

Thanks for watching our light wind review. 🤙🏽 We definitely understand how challenging it can be to wing in hot, humid and low density wind, so we're glad you found it helpful. Good winds to you, Roland. -Aaron

[@strekke1986]

​@@apricotscrub how much do you weigh and what's your set up?

[@markf3x]

Great info. I'd like to see a 2024 version of this video. How does the F-one CWC v3 compare or change things? Where does the Duotone Ventis fit in the picture?

[@MACkiteboarding]

We'll have a 2024 version later in the year along with those new LW brand releases. For now, this still holds true. The new Ozone Fusion 7.3m dual skin is an interesting one we are testing. Not as much low end as some of these but it's got incredible range, efficiency, and upwind/downwind angle. The Ventis has decent top end range and works well with DW style boards but isn't as grunty as something like a Loft Pro.- Tucker

[@lewiss66]

Thanks for the video. Could you make the same video but for The Best 'HIGH' Wind Wings For 2023

[@MACkiteboarding]

Great suggestion, my friend. 🤙🏽 We'll add that to our list for future videos. Good winds to you! -Aaron

[@andrewjamez]

the Matador LT has good low end pull as well.

[@MACkiteboarding]

Thank you for sharing your opinion, my friend. 🤙🏽 Good winds to you. -Aaron

[@bootstrap2979]

Does pensacola, fl have sufficient winds for this.. I am 6'3 225 lbs..

[@Moosecoaster]

In retrospect, how would the 2024 Duotone Ventis fit in/compare here? Interested in hard handles with 8m.. extended front handle might be nice.

[@MACkiteboarding]

The Ventis is really nice. Not as Grunty as some of the others but it has good handling and top end range for a light wind wing. Riders over 170lbs will want the 8m. -Tucker

[@carsonking3798]

Any info on a new CWC? I would also love to hear how the Strike 5.5 compares in lighter conditions. I use my 7m CWC almost exclusively because my 5m Strike V1 just hardly ever works in the conditions here. On the stronger days, we have consistent 14-15 knots but typical days on the 7m CWC are closer to 12 knots. I'm 200 lbs. I feel like my riding could really progress if I could just get some days on a smaller wing as the CWC is a big wing to learn transitions, particularly with the floppy handles.

[@MACkiteboarding]

The new CWC will launch soon. Bascially looking at the same changes as the Strike V3 which just launched.... You'll be happy to see they have a sewn in stiffner in the handles to make them less "floppy". www.mackiteboarding.com/2023-f-one-strike-wing-v3/

[@surfertbone4333]

I live at a light wind spot. My friend can do expert level tacks ever since they got the SLS slick. The speed and upwind ability is much improved from last year. No one should overlook this wing. Over 200 lbs beginners CWC 8m is a must. I am interested to demo one of the new North wings.

[@MACkiteboarding]

It sounds like your friend has been having a great time out on the water with the SLS Slick. 🤙🏽 Beginners over 200lbs should definitely check out the CWC 8m as they can get plenty of use out of it. Good winds to you, my friend. -Aaron

[@congadogg]

@@MACkiteboarding It sounds like you are using chat GPT to reply to comments :)

[@wildhogget69]

Sick of seeing my buddies out when my 6.5m slick cant cut it for me. Boom Strike 8M CWC, 8 knts of wind at 86kg!

[@MACkiteboarding]

For sure, it makes getting up super easy. -Tucker

[@GKaragiannis82]

Hello everyone. Thank you for the excellent content. I would like your opinion on the following questions. I am a beginner trying to come up on foil. My nearby beach most of the time has light wind conditions and invariably I will need a powerful wing. I am currently trying on a 5m and am quite underpowered. Currently the CWC V2 is on offer for about 1000 euros Vs the CWC V3 which is 1450 euros. Does anyone have an opinion on how the V2 compares with the V3? Is it worth the extra money or should I just grab a V2? Many thanks

[@MACkiteboarding]

That's a great question, my friend. 🤙🏽 A quick phone call might be the best way to suss this one out. Got time to chat? [phone]

[@dolcevitaspain9029]

V2 more fun and light. V3 is heavy ido not like it

[@giuvude80]

The CWC f-one (only 7-8 the 6 is failed to measure) is the best in the world for lightness power maneuverability ultralight wind area 7-12 knots, I don't understand now the f-one within one two years of wing did this amazing sail, how can you improve it if it's already so fu++king perfect???

[@MACkiteboarding]

It's great to hear that you have such high praise for the F-One CWC wing. It's always impressive when gear exceeds our expectations and performs exceptionally well. 🤙🏽 As for how F-One could improve on their design in the future, it's hard to say, but it's always possible that they will continue to innovate and make improvements that will take their products to the next level. Sometimes even small tweaks or changes can make a big difference in performance. In any case, it's great to hear that you are enjoying your F-One wing so much! Good winds! -Aaron

[@balanceinspiration5287]

You would be able to foil on pretty much any equipment in 12 to 14 knots. I can get up and flying in 6 to 8 knots and I'm not even using a dedicated light wind wing.

[@MACkiteboarding]

That’s impressive that you can get up and flying in 6-8 knots. 🤙🏽 Even our most dedicated riders who have access to all the latest gear and who have nearly all the time in the world to go winging can't make that claim. Legend. -Aaron

[@balanceinspiration5287]

@@MACkiteboarding You can easily find out, that there are ppl who pump themselves onto foil (with a wing) in ZERO wind. So 6-8 is not at all impossible with the right gear and of course technique. Most experienced riders live in high wind spots and don´t bother to put up with large boards and foils. I think many other comments here confirm this...

[@jennifercrawford6501]

How do these compare to Cabrinha Vision and Mantis?

[@MACkiteboarding]

The Vision 7 would be the only one that we'd compare. It's got a similar low end but the wingspan is more cumbersome than these models. -Tucker

[@Sportalcentro]

@@MACkiteboardinggreat content as always! I live in Italy and in summer the wind is everyday about 8-10 knots…I am 70 kg, 1,90 meters of height and I am thinking to buy a CWC 8 or a Vision 8. Which one do you suggest?:) thanks and greeeting from Italy!

[@JorgeEgrejasFrancisco]

Duotone Unit D/Lab 6.5 (it is Aluula stuff) is supposedly much better than the Slick 7m and is more comparable to the Ocean Rodeo Glide.

[@MACkiteboarding]

I'd say it depends on what you want from the wing. Personally, I get comparible, maybe better lightwind performance from the Slick 7 as the D/lab 6.5m but both do quite well. What I like about the Slick is is builds more apparent wind and has a higher top end range compared to most 7s. The Ocean Rodeo isn't as "easy" in light winds since it requires more pumping and technique but it's very fast once it takes off.-Tucker

[@JorgeEgrejasFrancisco]

@@MACkiteboarding Thank you very much, Tucker, for taking the time to express your honest opinion. Which BTW is a little different from some other KZbinr’s who stated that the D/Lab 6.5 is quite superior than the Slick, in light and also in stronger winds, due to the Aluula characteristics associated to a good wing construction. All in all, I ordered a D/Lab 6.5 because I value a lot the light and firm and quick response of Aluula’s (I have 3 Ocean Rodeo Aluula kites that I really love); I hope to get foiling in 10 knots with that wing and my Fanatic Sky TE 5.6 (105 l) with the 1750/300 Aero High Aspect set, taking into account my 72 kg weight and windsurfing experience 🤞 Cheers.

[@MACkiteboarding]

Love the Unit as well, you just get a bit more upper end range from the Slick. At your weight on that kit, you should have no problem getting going in 10kn with some practice. -Tucker

[@apricotscrub]

The cwc 8m is way better than the 8m nova lw. It's lighter and easier to transition, won't back wind as easy.

[@MACkiteboarding]

Appreciate your feedback Apricot! How much do you weigh? -Tucker

[@apricotscrub]

@@MACkiteboarding 85kg

[@robp3431]

I think you are overstating the wind strengths. You should be able to get going easily in 10kn.

[@MACkiteboarding]

Right on-thanks for sharing your opinion, my friend. 🤙🏽 Good winds! -Aaron

[@dolcevitaspain9029]

I bought 6m new fone 2024 and i do not like it. Is heavy. Strike 2 from 2022 was more fun and light. So i will sell my 6m

[@kryszczuk]

12 to 14kt is not lightwind.... just get a kite and u get going in 6kt.

[@MACkiteboarding]

A steady 12-14kn is pretty light as far as most wingers are concerned. Kiting is certainly an easier option when the wind is under 15kn but not everyone wants to kite or learn to kite. -Tucker