The Feel Nobody Talks About
Soft wings (e.g., F-One Origin) yield a plush, forgiving ride—15–20% more low-end power via flexy canopy, easing pumps in 10 knots but fluttering in gusts (less direct steering, per Wingpassion tests).
Rigid designs (e.g., Duotone Strike Aluula) lock in 25% crisper handling for 20+ knots, with stiff frames cutting drag 10% for speed demons, but demanding precise inputs.
Physics of Canopy Tension
Draft Stability: A rigid frame maintains the wing's aerodynamic profile (draft) even under heavy load. This prevents the center of effort from shifting back, which causes back-arm fatigue.
Soft wings "breathe" with the wind, absorbing gusts like a suspension system, which is smoother in chop but less efficient for upwind racing.
Choosing Your Ride
Softs: Absorb chop (smoother in waves), ideal for freeride cruising.
Rigids: Transmit feedback (better jumps), ideal for freestyle and racing.
Hybrids like Reedin Supernatural split the difference with 80/20 rigidity.
Wing Comparison
Sources & Further Reading
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