Took me some time to write my first impressions on the T1, but here we go…
Construction: the Wing is a solid product, well built with quality materials and attention to the details (no signs of imperfections or carbon fiber fabric distortions on any surfaces, great job). The kit arrived with q.ty 2 SS M8 bolts to connect the Monowing to the Mast and a hex wrench to complete installation.
Water test
Spot: Belmont Shore, Long Beach California
Wind Conditions: 9-13 knots
Kite: 2021 Duotone Mono 11m
Board: AR Custom Shapes 99cm
Mast: Aluminum Slingshot Hover Glide 90cm
Due to the local conditions my session lasted 1 hour and half which was just enough to get used to the setup and figure out some of the differences to my traditional Foils (I have been going through quite few setups in the past 3 seasons and currently owning a Armstrong A+ with several HS wings and stabs).
First notable feature is how drag-less it feels/rides: there is no resistance of the Monowing in the water in comparison to a traditional setup. On the three axis the T1 behavior is comparable to what every foiler is custom to but the yawn is definitely looser and more responsive to the rider inputs; this naturally translates into easy to handle/drive pivotal turns and extremely fast direction changes that are blast but needs anticipation on kite steering and sharper handling to fully enjoy the ride (at least for the larger size kites) Maneuverability is insane, it responded sharply and quickly to all the inputs providing confidence to ride it more aggressively after each tack and jibe. It lifts off the water easily and at low speeds but it is very fast too when charged with the kite in full power in the downwind legs.
The stance is definitely personal but I think the ideal/optimal for the Monowing is narrower than a traditional foil which should translate into an easier foot change and very comfortable starting point to push the limits on the free-riding style.
The T1 is definitely an amazing Foil which will feel like a breath of fresh air compared to what the majority of kitefoilers enthusiasts have been practicing since the beginning of the discipline.
These are my first impressions and I will try to follow up with more details once I will have few more hours of practicing.
Happy New Year fellow kiters!!!