ALTIS Focus and Focus Hybrid 2026: parawing test and review
A new brand, but definitely not beginners: ALTIS hits the scene with two serious parawings, the Focus single-skin and the Focus Hybrid, and a price point that's set to shake up the market. Our testers, Hydro Gav and Hadou Brunner, pushed them to their limits on the water. We'll tell you what they're worth, who they're for, and how to choose between the two. The parawings mentioned are in the Parawings & pocket wings for men, women, and kids section of the shop.
Huge thanks to Hydro Gav and Hadou Brunner for their incredibly thorough tests.
The 2026 ALTIS Focus and Focus Hybrid are versatile parawings (power wings). The single-skin Focus is lightweight and starts at €685, while the Focus Hybrid is faster and more stable, starting at €770.
Hydro Gav and Hadou Brunner tested these wings in real-world conditions. Both are predictable and confidence-inspiring, pack up quickly, and feature a well-designed bar. They offer exceptional value for wings sold in shops. The Focus prioritizes ease of use and light wind performance, while the Hybrid excels in speed, upwind drive, and high-end range.
Who are the ALTIS Focus wings for?
ALTIS didn't just release another parawing; they offer two distinct wings for different goals. The single-skin Focus is the most accessible. It takes off early, is forgiving, and feels stable and easy to control from your very first runs. It also tracks surprisingly well upwind. This is the clear choice if you're new to parawing or still dialing in your technique. The Focus HybridThis is for the experienced rider who wants to maximize efficiency and speed. It also helps them get into position for a downwind run with excellent upwind performance.
Which version and size should you choose?
The single-skin Focus comes in five sizes, from 2.6 to 5.4 m². Just like with a kite, the size you need depends on your weight and the wind conditions.
| Size | Price | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| 2.6 m² | €685 | Light wind or strong wind, auxiliary wing |
| 3.3 m² | €705 | Strong wind, light rider |
| 4.0 m² | €730 | All-around, medium to strong wind |
| 4.7 m² | €750 | The most versatile for most riders |
| 5.4 m² | €775 | Light wind, heavy rider, early take-off |
The Focus Hybrid also comes in five sizes, from 2.8 to 5.6 m². The 4.2 m² is the benchmark all-around size, priced around €820 including tax. It delivers a performance level far beyond its price point.
| Size | Price | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| 2.8 m² | €770 | Light or strong wind, performance |
| 3.5 m² | €795 | Strong wind, comfortable rider |
| 4.2 m² | €820 | The benchmark size, the most versatile |
| 4.9 m² | €850 | Medium wind, tracking and speed |
| 5.6 m² | €875 | Light wind, downwind, heavy rider |
Technical Specifications
| Component | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Parawing (power wing): Focus single-skin or Focus Hybrid |
| Sizes | Focus: 2.6 / 3.3 / 4.0 / 4.7 / 5.4 m² · Hybrid: 2.8 / 3.5 / 4.2 / 4.9 / 5.6 m² |
| Canopy | 31 g hydrophobic spinnaker, reinforcements at stress points, solid battens |
| Bridle | Isolated and knot-free front lines at the start (low friction), sheathed handling battens |
| Bar | Carbon, ~23 mm diameter, Dyneema bridle, advanced depower handle, color codes |
| Weight (wing + bar) | Focus 3.3: 640 g · Focus 4.0: 710 g · Hybrid 3.5: 800 g (bar ~140 g) |
| Delivered with | Wing + bar + adjustable harness line + portable backpack included |
| Distribution | Network of specialized shops (online purchase available through a local shop) |
The ALTIS in video: two field tests
Two testers offer two complementary perspectives on the Focus and Focus Hybrid. We've got both reviews right here for you.
Hydro Gav
Hadou Brunner
Our detailed review of ALTIS parawings
We present the testers' findings without alteration.
Bag, bar, and bridle: attention to detail
Hydro Gav
Each wing comes with a portable backpack. This lets you carry a spare parawing on the water. If your wing is damaged, lost, or you want to change sizes mid-downwind, you can do it without returning to shore. This is a real safety advantage. The bar is a success, with a well-chosen length, comfortable grip, and intuitive color codes. The harness line system is one of the best Hydro Gav has used. It's ergonomic, comfortable even when overpowered, and detachable. The bridle follows the same logic, with white markers in the center and on the wingtips. This helps you identify the wing at a glance when packing.
Hadou Brunner
Hadou confirms the high level of finish. The Spi 31 g fabric is very light. Reinforcements are in all the right places, like the wingtips and trailing edges. There's a rod on the Leading Edge. For the bridle, the front lines are a bit thicker and, crucially, knot-free at the start. This means very little friction, so your hand slides smoothly without chafing. The lines are short; one arm's length is enough to pack, even for a 4 m wing. They are well differentiated by color codes. The carbon bar, with a diameter of about 23 mm and an EVA grip, uses a Dyneema bridge that frees up your hands. It has a well-designed advanced depower handle to manage power when the wind picks up. Hadou's recorded weights for wing + bar are: Focus 3.3 at 640 g, Focus 4.0 at 710 g, Hybrid 3.5 at 800 g.
On the water: stable, predictable, reassuring
Hydro Gav
In flight, both wings are immediately stable and predictable, which is reassuring. They turn cleanly. They stay positioned above your head and never become twitchy. Tacks and jibes are easy to execute on both the single-skin and hybrid. Packing remains excellent, even in larger sizes.
Hadou Brunner
Hadou observed the same. When pumping, there's little difference between the two. The single-skin is ultra-light. It flies in almost no wind and stays at the zenith with hardly any breeze. The bar ergonomics are successful; your front hand is never left unsupported. In strong winds, the Hybrid settles "on a rail." The more it is pushed, the more it gains speed and stability.
Focus Monoskin or Focus Hybrid: How to Choose
Hydro Gav
The two wings diverge in light wind. The Focus monoskin is easier in light wind. It takes off early, is forgiving, and remains simple and accessible. It points surprisingly well when the wind picks up. This makes it an excellent Swiss Army knife. The Hybrid, on the other hand, comes alive when the wind increases. It offers high-end stability. It loves to be driven with a harness, stays planted at high speeds, and delivers direct power. Thanks to its single-skin tips and ventilated section, it doesn't retain water after crashes. It relaunches even after big wipeouts.
Hadou Brunner
Hadou emphasizes one point: there's no difference in pointing ability between the two. They both go upwind equally well; the foil, board, and technique do the rest. The monoskin retains a slight advantage in maneuvers and jibes in light wind, where it pivots faster. The Hybrid gains in speed and stability. For a big upwind followed by a downwind, he clearly recommends it. You get faster, more comfortable upwind travel and enhanced glide sensations. In the same quiver, monoskin and hybrids complement each other depending on your riding style.
The stall test: the Hybrid's high-end advantage
Hadou Brunner
In strong, gusty wind, beyond the range of the 3.3 monoskin, Hadou experienced some collapses. Switching to the Hybrid in the same conditions resulted in zero collapses. The Leading Edge remains completely rigid. It's impossible to make it collapse even by pulling hard on the front lines. In the stall test, the Hybrid wins hands down. This doesn't mean the monoskin collapses easily. All monoskins eventually collapse past a certain point, but the hybrid significantly pushes that limit.
The price, an argument that could shake the market
Hydro Gav
The real breakthrough is here. Despite choosing to go through retailers rather than direct sales, ALTIS manages to cut prices. At around €820 including tax for a 4.2 m² Hybrid, you get a wing that performs far beyond what its price tag suggests.
Hadou Brunner
Hadou confirms: in shops, you get prices almost equivalent to brands that sell directly, without compromising on materials. He also commends the distribution approach. If you order online due to a lack of a nearby shop, you choose a reference store that receives a portion of your order. This encourages local advice.
Our opinion on ALTIS Focus
For a brand entering one of the most competitive categories in foiling, ALTIS has done a remarkable job. These wings don't feel like a first generation. They even lead the way on most points. Both testers agree: the Focus monoskin for ease and light wind, and the Focus Hybrid for speed, pointing, with high-end performance. It's up to you to choose based on your riding style, knowing that in the same quiver, the two complement each other perfectly.
FAQ: ALTIS Focus and Focus Hybrid parawings
ALTIS Focus or Focus Hybrid: which one to choose?
The single-skin Focus is the easiest to handle. It takes off early, offers a forgiving ride, and is perfect for beginners or for refining your technique. For riders who are already comfortable and looking for speed, upwind performance, and stability for downwind runs, the Focus Hybrid is the ideal choice.
Is the ALTIS parawing suitable for beginners?
Yes, especially the single-skin Focus. It's stable, predictable, and easy to understand from your very first runs, with excellent upwind performance. The Hybrid requires a bit more technique.
What size ALTIS parawing should I choose?
Just like with a kite, the right size depends on your weight and the wind conditions. The Focus ranges from 2.6 to 5.4 m², while the Hybrid is available from 2.8 to 5.6 m². We'll help you choose the perfect size based on your body size and your local spot.
How much does an ALTIS parawing cost?
The Focus starts at €685, and the Focus Hybrid at €770. The 4.2 m² Hybrid is around €820. The wing, bar, harness line, and portable backpack are all included.
What makes the Focus Hybrid stand out on the water?
This parawing truly comes alive when the wind picks up. It's more stable, faster, tracks on a rail, and won't stall at the top end. It's perfect for a big upwind session followed by a downwind run.
Does the ALTIS parawing come as a complete kit?
Yes, it does. It includes the bar, an adjustable and disconnectable harness line, and a portable backpack. This backpack lets you carry a spare kite on the water, which is a real safety plus.
We'll help you choose your parawing.
You don't need to live in the area. Just give us a call or schedule an appointment (phone or video) with one of our team riders. We'll provide remote advice to help you find the right model, size, and setup for your body size, your foil, and your spot. You can also test our parawings at our Pornichet test center.
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Sources: reviews of ALTIS Focus and Focus Hybrid parawings by Hydro Gav and Hadou Brunner (YouTube, July 2026). Adapted and summarized by GlissEvolution, without distorting the testers' statements.
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