PPC Surge Wing

[Pasquales]

Just purchased a PPC 4.8 m surge wing to use as my daily driver for 11-18 knot wind range. For the past year.  I had been using a 6.4 m Slingwing for learning but found the wing gets overpowered easy.  Anyone have experience using this brand and model?

[Phils]

I got the 2.8 recently and have had a couple of sessions in 25-28 avg. winds.  I think it is a very good wing.  It is light and stiff and handles being overpowered very well.  A minor complaint is that my 2.8 tends to roll side to side a bit when depowered and flips upside down more often than an Fone when on the water.

[Pasquales]

Just unpacked the 4.8.  Interesting, two separate valves for inflating the leading edge and center strut.  Seems like a good idea for minimizing pressure spikes when pumping up.  I like the valves screws, just turn to deflate.  The carry bag is made well, like most kite bags.  Has a couple pockets , one really large one.  Webbing on one side to facilitate drying.  Wimpy limpy bags really bug me.  Let's see how it flies tomorrow fingers crossed...

[Pasquales]

Test rode the 4.8 PPC in 14-19 mph winds, riding Armstrong 1850/1250 and Quatro 5'8".  It's a lite wing but has plenty of power.  Today was quite gusty so a lot of time was spent riding depowered, but the wing never felt overpowered.  I really like the design of the trailing edge, and how kite principles were incorporated to reduce flutter. 

As Phils pointed out, the wing has a tendency to flip when resting on the water after a gust  .  I think this is due to the non-dihedral leading edge.  Personally, I find this a minor inconvenience.  I'd rather have a reduced weight, even if it involves making a flatter wing.   To mitigate flipping, after crashes I started grabbing the corner tips, and partially submerging them to bring water and weight on to the wing.   

My only complaint is the leash.  I've noticed other brands using old boady board style leashes, where your hand goes into a cuff, then is tied to a rope.   I prefer coiled polyurethane as I find the leash to be a bit abrasive to the skin.  Also it would be nice if there was a key pocket.   Overall  PPC designed a decent wing that I highly recommend.

[Wetstuff]

...nothing to add about the wing, but you mentioned a key pocket. All our cars recently have had 'smart' keys.  Even my fairly dumb, old Volvo water-wagon is electrified.  I learned about three cars back the hard way, I needed to carry a 'dumb' - 'entry only' key.  No saltwater issues...and it is very small. 

I doubt I would store it on the board or wing ..I lost both boards and kites in a prior life.

Jim

[Badger]

Wings don't need key pockets. What they do need is a pocket to put your name/phone number/email address in case it gets lost or you accidentally leave it somewhere. You could also put your key in it but I'd rather keep my key on me.

.

[Caribsurf]

I think he meant key pocket for the wrist leash

[Badger]

I think he meant key pocket for the wrist leash

Oops, that's right. My mistake. I've had the wing pocket on my mind since I bought mine and jumped on the opportunity to suggest it.

[paddlur]

How's the handles on those wings stiff,soft comfortable? Maybe close up pict be nice, are they in good position especially rear power handle? Looks like decent wings

[Phils]

I have used my 2.8 five times in the last 7 days and continue to be impressed by it.  The handles are great.  Stiff and comfortable.  First and 3rd work perfectly for me. 

[Pasquales]

Session 2 yesterday on the new 4.8 m, in more typical low end conditions at the local spot (10-15 mph).  I was fortunate to catch the early early afternoon 2 hr gusts, and found the PPC did a good job at keeping my 90 kg body up on foil.  This is primarily what I purchased the wing for.  Don't believe I'll use my old 6 m as much.  So IMHO this  wing is practical and has a wide range 12-30 mph of use.

[bstein]

I have the 3.8 and the 5.8. I really like how stable and light they are and how well they handle overpowered conditions. Very comfortable well placed handles.