The Aerodynamic Advantage
The 2026 North FireFly Pro utilizes a new material called Aluula Aeris. This composite allows for Leading Edge (LE) diameters that are 20% thinner than standard Dacron wings while maintaining higher stiffness. A thinner LE reduces aerodynamic drag by approximately 15% at speeds of 25 knots.
Upwind Gains
For race foils, the reduced drag allows the wing to fly further forward in the window, improving upwind angles by 5 to 7 degrees.
When paired with stiff Aerotex wingtips, the wing generates lift 18% earlier in light 10-knot winds for an 80 kg pro rider.
Cost vs. Performance
Similarly, Duotone’s D/LAB series uses full Aluula frames to drop the weight of a 4.5m wing to 2.1 kg. This 25% weight reduction enhances control in overpowered conditions, but these high-modulus material wings typically cost 30% more than their standard counterparts.
| Feature | Standard Dacron | Aluula Aeris |
|---|---|---|
| LE Diameter | Standard | -20% Thinner |
| Drag @ 25kts | Baseline | -15% Reduction |
| Price Premium | -- | +30% Cost |
Sources & Further Reading
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