PPC M1-L

Review

After using PPCs original M1 wing for the last 6 months, I am super excited to finally get my hands on the new PPC M1-L.

The M1-L wing is supposed to be lighter and softer than the original M1, which would suit me as a lighter weight rider (~58kg). I’m not wingfoil racing and I generally found the original M1 a bit too direct (or stiff) for my skill set and the general conditions I prefer to ride. So far we have received the M1-L in 5.0m and 6.0m. As I write this the 3.0m and 4.0m are currently sold out in New Zealand. This means I was only able to take those 2 bigger sizes for a spin and my review is based on my experience with the 5.0m and 6.0m.

First impression unpacking:

The canopy feels very light and nice and crisp (as to be expected from a new wing). PPC uses their signature performance Dyneema thoughout the center part of the leading edge to insure rigidity, while the rest of the frame is constructed with Dacron to keep the cost down. The canopy is made up of PPCs own custom fabric that ensures a tight canopy tension and doesn’t soak up water (so your wing stays nice and light even after a few hours on the water).

The carbon handles are nice and slim while being long enough to give plenty of options where to hold them.

A generous size bag makes packing easy. It also includes a repair kit with spare battens, a valve adaptor and valve repair tool (in case you get sand or dust in your valve) and some rip stop repair tape to get you back on the water should you have a mishap.

Setting up:

The PPC M1-L wing pumps up to 8 PSI. Pumping up and (partially) releasing pressure is easy with the twist-and-lock valves (same as an inflatable SUP), the adaptor to fit on your pump is included. No more fiddling along with cold and tired fingers, struggling to open a valve!

The M1-L seems to have a deeper draft than the M1, which is promising for it’s bottom end. It feels nicely balanced and light in the hands.

On the water:

The M1-L handles exactly as expected. It has a lot lighter feel than the M1 and is a lot softer without compromising on stability. This enables a more forgiving pumping technique and doesn’t require such a high skill set to get the performance out of the wing.

The 6.0m has a fantastic bottom end performance and did get me flying in next to nothing (6-8 knots on a floaty midlength board). I didn’t test the top end of the 6m as I could easily change down to the 5m and being of shorter stature I prefer smaller wings (I don’t think I ever used a 6m wing before!).

The 5.0m is nice and balanced, very fast and super stable (but not too hard). It is easier to use than the M1 and has a wide wind range. The M1 is more direct, faster, like a sports car, the M1-L is your Subaru Outback – it does it all very well. For most people I would think the M1-L 5.0m will cover 80% of average conditions. If you are light like me or have reasonably consistent wind, then maybe the 4.0m is preferred. Or get both….

I haven’t had a chance yet to try either the 3.0m or 4.0m, however they will be delivered (hopefully) next month, so watch this space!

My wishlist for the PPC M1-L:

When it comes to performance, there is nothing to complain or improve about in my opinion. Though there are two things I wish could be improved regarding the M1-L in general:

Due to the rigid handles its packing size is fairly large. Not ideal for our limited space in the van, though seems pretty standard and not an issue for most people I reckon.
The M1-L unfortunately only come in full square meter sizing. For Bevan and I as a couple travelling together, it feels like it would be great to have the sizes inbetween as well (i.e. 3.5m, 4.5m, 5.5m) to make it easier to share a quiver.

Conclusion:

A fantastic wing that delivers exceptional performance without breaking the bank. The PPC Surge wings have been amazing reliable workhorses, alias the M1-L is my new favourite wing, can’t wait to get my hands on the other sizes. And yes, I will just have to fight with Bevan over the perfect size (as he likes them as well) or we may just need two get two full quivers….