Wingfoiling the new V2 PNG 1300 from Axis Foils - wing deflate for a paddle home

I have been lucky to have tested a prototype of the V2 PNG 1300 for a month now. The priority has been downwind sup foiling, but I have used it sup foil surfing in small waves and wingfoiling upwind to do a deflate before paddling home. Given my focus is downwinding, the V2 1300 is the only wing I will now ride, superseding my original PNG 1300 (now 5 years old), ART Pro 1401, 1180 Spitfire, 1270 Proto Spitfire. These are all great wings, each with their respective merits, but since having the V2 PNG 1300, it is telling that I have used no other wing for downwinding. At 85 kgs (187 lbs), 55 years old, with below average bumps, I much prefer bigger, liftier front wings for downwinding. At this stage of my downwind journey my priority is 100% foil time rather than speed, therefore I am reluctant to move to smaller, higher aspect foils, while faster, are much harder to paddle up. Paddling up at the start is usually fine, but half way down the run when you are knackered and the bumps are like a washing machine, or have dropped off, I want the wing that is easiest to paddle up. If I had better quality bumps I might reassess my current strategy. So, for this reason (ease of paddling up), the PNG 1300 is my wing of choice. It seems the V2 has eliminated the faults of the V1 PNG 1300. It is nicer to turn, easier to control and much faster. The V2 does not seem to compromise the ease of the paddle up in any way either. These positives also apply to wingfoiling too, as it seems to truck upwind really well and is able to be controlled in a lot of wind with a big sea state. The V2 PNG 1300 fits on a black fuselage, whereas the V1 was on a red fuselage. The V2 is a complete re-design with a new foil section too. The V2 PNG 1300 is also great for light wind wingfoiling, but I mostly apply it to downwind sup foiling. Many aspiring downwind sup foilers will agree that the biggest problem in their life is paddling up onto the foil, which is not easy, unless you are lucky enough to have perfect bumps, which I never have. If the V2 PNG 1300 goes some way to solving the paddle up problem, then it is an absolute winner. I have had the V2 screaming down big ocean swells and have still managed to control it. Of course, there are better suited wings for big swells, but when the majority of my runs are tricky, smaller bumps, I will happily accept the challenges of controlling a bigger wing, over not being able to paddle up onto the foil. Also, often my wind and bumps drop out during my run, so the insurance of a lifty front wing, especially if you are fatigued, is very reassuring. The V1 1300 could be a bit slow in trying to keep up with the swell, or, getting off a dying bump and over to the new wave energy, however, the V2 is a huge speed improvement. With the V2 PNG 1300 I am currently using a black short length original fuselage with a 365/55 Skinny rear on an 80cm carbon mast, with it set quite far back in the boxes. I am happy to try different combinations and set ups as the conditions permit. I have used this same downwind set up in small surf with the V2 1300 and found it a lot of fun. Easy to paddle up onto the foil on small waves, yet still able to control the foil once on the wave (obviously not if the surf was bigger). I was able to pump out and link a few waves for as long as my energy lasted. Small waves are great practice for downwinding.
Here's the official info from Axis:
The AXIS PNG 1300v2 boasts low stall speeds, lower drag, better acceleration, better turning and a significantly higher top-end speed - thanks to its finely tuned High Camber (High-lift) / Low-drag foil section. The 1300 v2 has reduced surface area (1632 sq cm) compared to the previous PNG 1300 (1712 sq cm), but with the addition of its new foil section, it achieves the same capacity for early lift. Vastly improved turning and a balanced lift distribution ensure a smooth, stable and comfortable ride, with predictable pitch control that makes navigating between bumps and pumping a breeze. This stability is crucial for light wind or novice downwinders, offering a more agile manoeuvrable experience than the original PNG 1300. We’ve also extended its glide range, for unlocking new distances and manoeuvres when pumping flat water. You’ll be amazed at how much further you can glide between pumps without losing speed or height. An amazing addition for dock starters, of all levels. The lower drag, improved glide and reduced stall speed are fantastic for those who are progressing and have found that the bigger slow wings are just not much fun anymore. Use the PNG 1300v2 for SUP/Prone surfing when in smaller or lower energy surf. The amount of lift that the wing creates to get you moving and stay up on micro-waves is astounding. And let’s not forget that the AXIS PNG 1300v2 transforms what’s possible for some of the lightest winds while winging.