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Ride Engine/Slingshot Bat Wing/H4 vs. NF2/H5
Posted: Fri Nov 15, 2019 3:29 pm
by adamj2281
So, I got into foiling on the Slingshot NF2 setup which is essentially a H5 wing. I'm loving it, got it rather quick, working on toeside riding mostly now and eventually losing the front strap.
I'm looking to just cruise around, play in waves, and want something really carvy and stable. The Ride Engine Bat Wing/H4 was suggested as a possible improvement over the H5. It's almost twice the area, so I know it will have a ton of lift, but is supposed to be carvy as well.
Any thoughts? I know it will take a couple of sessions to get used to, but if the H5 is working for now, is there a reason to try the H4?
I'll add it can be purchased rather inexpensively, so there's not a huge investment in it.
Re: Ride Engine/Slingshot Bat Wing/H4 vs. NF2/H5
Posted: Fri Nov 15, 2019 5:15 pm
by Jonpnw
I started foiling on the NF2/H5 as well and then went to the bat wing and never looked back . It is slower but so much more playful and surfy !!
Re: Ride Engine/Slingshot Bat Wing/H4 vs. NF2/H5
Posted: Fri Nov 15, 2019 5:23 pm
by grigorib
adamj2281 wrote: ↑Fri Nov 15, 2019 3:29 pm
So, I got into foiling on the Slingshot NF2 setup which is essentially a H5 wing. I'm loving it, got it rather quick, working on toeside riding mostly now and eventually losing the front strap.
I'm looking to just cruise around, play in waves, and want something really carvy and stable. The Ride Engine Bat Wing/H4 was suggested as a possible improvement over the H5. It's almost twice the area, so I know it will have a ton of lift, but is supposed to be carvy as well.
Any thoughts? I know it will take a couple of sessions to get used to, but if the H5 is working for now, is there a reason to try the H4?
I'll add it can be purchased rather inexpensively, so there's not a huge investment in it.
MacKite has H4 (RE Batwing) on sale for $150 now. Snap it - it's a sweet lightwind wing and you'll like it. It's not as perfect as Infinity or 633 wings but rides really well and you will enjoy it.
Also get a hook instead of your front strap - it will save your ankles and would be a nice transition for strapless riding.
Re: Ride Engine/Slingshot Bat Wing/H4 vs. NF2/H5
Posted: Fri Nov 15, 2019 5:35 pm
by adamj2281
Great comments from both of you, thanks.
Hook vs. Strap, I started with just a front hook, but it kept coming undone from leverage. I may go back to it now that I'm up and riding easily as it would be easier to get switching feet while still having something to leverage against on board starts. I'm frankly getting to the point now that I just ride on my strong side the whole time, toeside is getting easier. That's a good point though about swapping feet with the hook.
I'll get the batwing.
Re: Ride Engine/Slingshot Bat Wing/H4 vs. NF2/H5
Posted: Sat Nov 16, 2019 5:11 pm
by DukeSilver
Look at the new Slingshot Apollo 60 wing. It's got great low end, good speed potential and carves beautifully. I love mine - I'm addicted to riding it. I was on the H5 as well.
Re: Ride Engine/Slingshot Bat Wing/H4 vs. NF2/H5
Posted: Sun Nov 17, 2019 1:01 pm
by adamj2281
grigorib wrote: ↑Fri Nov 15, 2019 5:23 pm
adamj2281 wrote: ↑Fri Nov 15, 2019 3:29 pm
So, I got into foiling on the Slingshot NF2 setup which is essentially a H5 wing. I'm loving it, got it rather quick, working on toeside riding mostly now and eventually losing the front strap.
I'm looking to just cruise around, play in waves, and want something really carvy and stable. The Ride Engine Bat Wing/H4 was suggested as a possible improvement over the H5. It's almost twice the area, so I know it will have a ton of lift, but is supposed to be carvy as well.
Any thoughts? I know it will take a couple of sessions to get used to, but if the H5 is working for now, is there a reason to try the H4?
I'll add it can be purchased rather inexpensively, so there's not a huge investment in it.
MacKite has H4 (RE Batwing) on sale for $150 now. Snap it - it's a sweet lightwind wing and you'll like it. It's not as perfect as Infinity or 633 wings but rides really well and you will enjoy it.
Also get a hook instead of your front strap - it will save your ankles and would be a nice transition for strapless riding.
Batwing is on it's way, also grabbing a single hook again to see if it will make for a nice compromise between having some leverage and being able to gybe. I almost can do it with the strap, it just gets in the way, so I figure with a hook it may be easy. I haven't given strapless a honest go yet, just one session in too light of winds. It's coming, but frankly right now I like having the leverage with the strap on toeside tacks.
Re: Ride Engine/Slingshot Bat Wing/H4 vs. NF2/H5
Posted: Sun Nov 17, 2019 4:27 pm
by Cefirmeza
DukeSilver wrote: ↑Sat Nov 16, 2019 5:11 pm
Look at the new Slingshot Apollo 60 wing. It's got great low end, good speed potential and carves beautifully. I love mine - I'm addicted to riding it. I was on the H5 as well.
Compared to the Apollo, the black friday price for the bat wing seems unbeatable. At least until the price for the Apollo drops...
Re: Ride Engine/Slingshot Bat Wing/H4 vs. NF2/H5
Posted: Sun Nov 17, 2019 7:30 pm
by juandesooka
you will enjoy the bat wing. I have one that I thought would be good for sup foil, which it isn't really, but ended up being a fun kite alternative. I was trying to sell mine, as I haven't been using it enough and too many wings, but with how cheap they are now new (on sale) I think I'll just it. It has a lot of early lift and is really turny/carvey.
Re: Ride Engine/Slingshot Bat Wing/H4 vs. NF2/H5
Posted: Thu Nov 21, 2019 3:10 am
by Whattheflock
I love my H4 but would lay down some extra bucks for the new apollo If was in your shoes right now..
Re: Ride Engine/Slingshot Bat Wing/H4 vs. NF2/H5
Posted: Sat Mar 14, 2020 10:13 pm
by Cefirmeza
Whattheflock wrote: ↑Thu Nov 21, 2019 3:10 am
I love my H4 but would lay down some extra bucks for the new apollo If was in your shoes right now..
Since launching date haven’t heard of any experience or reviews on this Apollo wing.
Considering the similarity with the popular 633 it must be a nice and forgiving wing for wave freeride kite riding but maybe the price is a bit of a turn off for the hoverglide owners to make an easy upgrade.