FreeWing V5 7m Wingfoil Review: What's the best light wind wing?

• Posted on 31 December 2024
• By Ryan "Rygo" Goloversic
• Posted in Best wing for Florida summers, Freewing Air, Freewing Review, Lightwind wing
• 0

Whats the best lightwind wing for Florida? 

Every summer as the wind drops, we get the same question from locals regarding wings for light wind. The answer is more nuanced than a particular model or size! Simply put, it's the biggest and lightest wing you can handle to generate the speed needed to get on foil. The board and the wings need to be on point or you won't be having much fun. That said, we're going to do a review on the latest light wind wing we've been testing to share some real on the water testing with real anecdotes and ideas for you to process. If you are looking for a killer wing to get out in the summers, the FreeWing Air Light Wind is a modern solution to a timelss problem and we'll share what you can expect in this review. 

I recently got my hands on the FreeWing AIR V5 Light Wind 7m Wing and put it to the test in some pretty challenging conditions. Two construction options are available: Team Edition with the super-stiff Ho’okipa leading edge and Ultra X canopy and Standard Edition with Code 95. This wing is built to handle everything from gusty winds to ultra-light breezes. I tested both editions across a few different setups and locations to get a feel for how this wing performs in real-world scenarios.

Rider insights

Test 1: Gusty Winds at Hood River, OR – 9 to 17 Knots

My first test was at Hood River with a 65L AK Phazer board and Tracer 1300 wing. Hood River is notorious for gusty conditions, and this day was no exception, with the wind blowing between 9 and 17 knots.

The most noticeable improvement for me was the carbon boom. After years of using soft and hard handles, the boom felt like a dream. The balance was incredible—especially when I needed to fly the wing one-handed on my knees while getting out past the wind shadow. Pumping was super responsive, thanks to the stiff canopy, and I couldn’t believe how much control I had, even with inconsistent wind.

Pro Tip: This session reminded me how crucial the waist leash is. Trust me, you don’t want to swim out with a wrist leash dragging your arm down! The waist leash made a massive difference in comfort.

Test 2: Light Winds Behind a Jetty – 7 to 10 Knots

Next up, I took the 7m FreeWing AIR V5 out in 7 to 10 knots behind a jetty. This time, I used the 95L Nomad board with a 2050 Plasma foil for some extra light-wind power.

Even with barely any wind, the 7m wing delivered enough power to get me moving. The wing was so efficient that I was able to pump up the board and get onto a plane in almost no wind. However, managing such a large wing with a light wind or longer board takes some practice. I found myself clipping the water more often than usual, but the wing’s responsiveness saved me every time. Just a quick lift and the wing recovered beautifully. It felt like the wing knew exactly where I wanted it to go.

Test 3: Chest-High Waves – 7 to 12 Knots

For the final test, I tackled some chest-high rolling waves with winds at 7 to 12 knots. The current was moving in the same direction as the wind, so it was sapping a lot of power from the wing.

I went back to the 95L Nomad and Tracer 1300 combo for this session, and let me tell you—it was a challenge. I really had to wait for the gusts, but once they came, the 7m wing got me up on the foil in no time. Most riders that day stayed on the beach complaining about the lack of wind, but the FreeWing 7m delivered and kept me shredding waves. I will say this was more work than pleasure at first. Learning to wait for gusts, learning to be patient with myself and conditions was tricky. However, my eyes were opened to the importance of using the right tools. A larger wing might not have been as fun but it would have made my take off easier with the tough conditions. I was riding with my friend Jeff Hamilton who was using a 900 wing and a 6m! He's been dedicated to wing for a few years and this speaks to the value in time on the water vs relying on just the gear. That said, get will level the playing field. We were the only two willing and able to tackle these conditions.  

The FreeWing AIR V5 7m: Key Features and Benefits

Let's talk about some technical design aspects and the real world benefits or applications I found in testing. 

1. Three-Strut Design

The three-strut setup stabilizes the additional area in the wingtips, making the wing feel more balanced and responsive. This design also gives the wing a lower aspect ratio, helping maintain stability when flying.

• Benefit: The additional struts make it easier to control the wing in stronger winds and choppier water, which is a game-changer for light wind performance. Small riders will need this extra control when riding a large wing. 

2. Ho’okipa Leading Edge (team edition) 

Feature: The leading edge is made from Ho’okipa, an incredibly strong composite that uses Ultra-PE fibers. It’s 32x stronger than polyester and gives the wing extra stiffness.

• Benefit: When the wind dies, or if the wing starts to dive, the leading edge helps it recover quickly. I never felt out of control, even in the shifty conditions of Hood River. The speed is key here as you need the extra response when your wing is so large. 

3. Ultra X Canopy 

Feature: The Ultra X canopy is a durable 3-layer material that is lightweight but incredibly strong. It's four times more durable than traditional woven canopies.

• Benefit: The canopy’s stiffness makes pumping feel more direct. The wing doesn't bag out over time, which keeps it performing like new for longer. I can't see myself going back to traditional canopies. they just feel dated now. This is something you will need to feel yourself to understand. 

4. Prepreg Carbon Pistol Grip Boom

Feature: A slim 23mm diameter boom with a soft-touch EVA grip, weighing just 345 grams.

• Benefit: The boom gave me total control, especially when I needed to fly the wing one-handed. Once you try the boom, there’s no going back to regular handles. My favorite aspect is reaching for the grip on water starts. It's much easier than using the luft handle and makes my starts faster and more fluid. Transitions are easier and I can make micro adjustments with my hands. Booms are superior in every way. Yes, that is my subjective opinion but my gut says it's the future for all wings. 

5. Waist Leash

Feature: The recoil leash attaches to the waist instead of the wrist, keeping your arms free.

• Benefit: I can’t overstate how much easier this makes paddling out. Without a heavy wrist leash, it feels like you have total freedom to move. No more getting your arm jerked back when swimming or on a fall. My least favorite part of learning was getting my arms jerked around when recovering my wing. 

6. Compact Travel Bag

Feature: The bag is vented, with enough space for the wing, pump, and accessories.

• Benefit: The bag makes packing and transporting the wing super convenient. It’s also made from recycled plastic, which is a nice eco-friendly touch. The boom is removable so you can compact the bag if you need but the large bag is spacious enough to simplify packing. 

Common light wind wing questions 

This review and testing of all this gear has given me some deeper perspectives and stronger insights to help new riders out with light wind wing foiling questions.

A lot of riders wonder, “How do I improve performance in light wind conditions?” It’s a combination of time on the water, building skills, and using the right tools. Use a light wind wingboard! Something long and narrow with a hydrodynamic hull that builds speed and releases from the water effortlessly will make the difference every time. Pair this with a large wing with a boom, and magic happens. I do find the boom provides more control and options for hand placement. I wasn’t a boom guy before, but I do advocate you make the switch. I suspect booms will be standard in five years on all wings. Handles are too limiting and likely will fade into some kind of after-market add-on.

Another question I hear a lot on Instagram or at demos is, “What is the best size foil for a light wind wing?” It comes down to weight and where you are willing to compromise maneuverability to glide performance. 1600 is a sweet spot for most riders, regardless of weight. You get lots of glide and pump efficacy with a manageable but wide arching turn. It’s not razor sharp like a 900 or flowing like an 1100, but it serves its purpose when the wind is fickle. Now, the 2050 wing is a true secret weapon, but it comes at a cost. You will feel like you’re flying in next to no wind! Just don’t expect to take sharp turns and be ready to get overpowered. Especially if you’re a small rider, someone who weighs 130 pounds will be able to wing in 6 knots, but they will be lit out of their mind at 11 knots.

Regarding wind speed and how you can go, I actually made a video on this a while back after testing this wing. I’ll share it here, but from my testing and conversations with other riders, the 7-knot threshold plus or minus a knot or two seems to be the standard with the right equipment and skill.

One final anecdote is about a common big-wing issue. That is, “How do I recover from my wing tips hitting the water?” This is an expected trade-off when your wing is taller than you! You’ll want to be cognizant of where you point your leading edge. Keep the wing facing the sky, and if you happen to catch a tip, try to aim the wing up or simply let it flag out and pump the foil. This is annoying and sure to happen, but it’s part of the light wind game. With practice, you can mitigate and recover faster.

Conclusion: Is the FreeWing AIR V5 Light Wind 7m Worth It?

In a word—yes. The FreeWing AIR V5 Light Wind 7m stands out as a reliable, powerful, and highly responsive wing for light wind conditions. From gusty river sessions to barely-there breezes, this wing delivered consistent performance and helped me make the most out of every session. While the Team Edition is an investment, the added durability and performance justify the cost for serious riders.

If you want a wing that can handle the trickiest light wind conditions while remaining fun and manageable, this one’s for you. Just be prepared to get spoiled—after using the Ultra X canopy and pistol grip boom, there’s no going back!

Written by Ryan "Rygo" Goloversic: 

Rygo is a globally recognized kiteboarder, digital marketing specialist and an advocate for wakestyle kiteboarding. An avid waterman, he's passionate and knowledgeable about all things watersports from wingfoil to wake. When he's not writing articles, you can catch him competing on the KPLxGKA world tour or grinding it out in the gym.