Test & Review
Wingfoil
Wing Test: Ensis Spin 3.1, 4.1, and 5.1 m2 by Kevin.
Published June 3, 2022 · by The GlissEvolution Team
Kévin, a GlissEvolution team rider, put the ENSIS Spin 3.1, 4.1, and 5.1m² wings through their paces for you:
The Ensis Spin is a wing designed for Freestyle-Wave riding.
► Ensis Spin wing usage ranges for my body size:
- 3.1m² <15 knots="" strong="">
- 4.1m² = 10-12 knots to 20-25 knots
- 5.1m² = 8-10 knots to 15 knots
► Unboxing the ENSIS Spin wing:
The Ensis Spin wingfoil wing comes with a leash and a repair kit. Crucially, it also includes its pump nozzle adapter. We recommend grabbing a spare to keep in your car, just in case.
Right away, we appreciate the beautiful quality of the materials and the excellent finish of the seams, which give an impression of reliability and solidity. Not a single thread out of place.
The Ensis Spin wing foil bag is basic, just like the Score's. But what truly matters is the wing inside.
► Construction highlights of the ENSIS Spin wing:
The construction of this Spin is rock-solid. It features plenty of reinforcements on the Leading Edge, strategically placed patches for good load distribution, and reinforcements under the handle connections. This is a huge durability guarantee.
The canopy is made of triple Ripstop, making it super robust. The 2 PVC windows are positioned close to the strut, which provides more power and less flapping of the canopy.
There are 4 battens on the Trailing Edge + a dyneema Trailing Edge reinforcement. This results in less flapping and more tension in the canopy and Trailing Edge.
It has little dihedral, like a gull wing. So the profile is flatter compared to the Score.
This Spin's weight is in the market average. It's a bit lighter than the Score.
Regarding measurements, this Spin is more compact than the Score.
It comes in 9 sizes, from 1.8m² to 6.1m². You'll easily find the wing that suits your body size.
► The advantages of the Ensis Spin wing:
- Good handle placement regardless of size.
- Stiffness of the wing, with a stable profile.
- Dimension, stiffness, and handle placement. During transitions, the length of the handles makes them easy to find.
- In free surf, very good stability.
- Comfortable for freeride.
- The PVC windows provide good visibility.
- The inflation valves are simple and effective.
- Ultra-solid construction.
- Double One pump with a large hose on the central strut. Quick deflation.
- Its short wingspan is perfect for freestyle and beginners.
► My take on the Ensis Spin wing:
At 67kg, the 4.1 is my go-to wing.
All three wings deliver immediate power for a quick start. They're easy to control in flight: just move your hands on the long handles or adjust the opening to neutralize the wing.
The curved shape of the central strut allows for easy on/off mode. This helps you manage excess air more easily. Simply open with your back hand to neutralize the wing.
They require a bit more dynamism than the Scores to get going, but with pumping, the power is still immediate.
While riding, the Ensis Spin wing foil wing is truly silent, with no flapping of the canopy and fluttering of the profile. It offers perfectly sound behavior and a feeling of stability.
During maneuvers, the Ensis Spin wing foil wings pivot naturally. Jibes are effortless.
When you're carving through front side and back side transfers, the ENSIS Spin lets you place your front hand above your head. The wing effortlessly switches to the other tack, giving you total freedom.
The wing is super easy and pleasant for pumping and surfing; it's a real pleasure.
While riding, the PVC windows provide sufficient comfort for seeing downwind. Of course, nothing beats checking by holding your wing like an umbrella.
Despite a lower **aspect ratio** of the **profile** than the Score wings, it goes upwind extremely well. The ENSIS Spin wing foil wing is fast; with the 4.1 and 3.1, I was able to achieve Vmax above 20 knots without any problem and with very good **stability** of the wing.
They are super maneuverable and responsive, truly living up to their name: SPIN.
When it comes to surfing, pumping in the swell, or freeflying, I completely forget about it, whether front-side or back-side. It's super enjoyable.
When the wind picks up, the ENSIS Spin 3.1 becomes an extension of you, letting you carve through swell and waves.
I find the 5.1 a bit heavy, especially since I use it in very light wind. This is a sensation I didn't have with another brand.
As soon as there is sufficient wind **pressure** in the wing, from 8 knots, this feeling of **weight** disappears.
► Weaknesses:
- The bag is a bit small, with no external pocket for 2 or 3 accessories.
- The weight is heavier than a Unit V2.
- The valve is specific to Ensis, so don't lose it.
- It saturates a bit at the top end compared to the Score. This is due to the more compact profile, which has less wingspan.
► The ENSIS Spin: Key Takeaways
This ENSIS Spin wing foil is compact, perfect for linking maneuvers. It's also a great choice for the beginner rider who doesn't want to be weighed down by bulk.
While riding, I had no problem getting the hang of it; this Spin is easy and comfortable in all types of riding: freeride, freefly, downwind, upwind, with great control during maneuvers.
Its small wingspan makes maneuvers even easier and ideal for a beginner, with less wingtip contact with the water.
I find this Ensis Spin super versatile and perfect for all types of riders. I'm very happy with it, whatever the conditions. It's comfortable, compact, powerful, stable, and balanced.
In a word, versatility.
Damien Giardin, the designer behind Reedin and formerly Naish wings, has created another fantastic wing foil wing.
Here's a link to Blaz Muller's Spin vs. Score comparison:
See you on the water, Kevin.
Key Features
| Section | Key takeaway |
|---|---|
| Unboxing the ENSIS Spin wing | The Ensis Spin wingfoil wing comes with a leash, a repair kit, and its pump nozzle adapter. |
| Construction highlights of the ENSIS Spin wing | The Spin's construction is solid. It features extensive reinforcements on the Leading Edge, strategically placed patches for optimal load distribution, and reinforced handle connections. |
| Advantages of the Ensis Spin wing | The handles are well-placed for any rider size. |
| My take on the Ensis Spin wing | At 67kg, the 4.1 is my go-to wing. |
| Weaknesses | The bag is a bit small, with no external pocket for 2 or 3 accessories. |
| The ENSIS Spin: Key Takeaways | This ENSIS Spin wing foil is compact, perfect for linking maneuvers. It's also a great choice for the beginner rider who doesn't want to be weighed down by bulk. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What should you know about unboxing the ENSIS Spin wing?
The Ensis Spin wingfoil wing includes a leash, a repair kit, and its pump nozzle adapter. I recommend grabbing a spare adapter to keep in your car, just in case.
What are the construction highlights of the ENSIS Spin wing?
The Spin's construction is solid. It features extensive reinforcements on the Leading Edge, strategically placed patches for optimal load distribution, and reinforced handle connections. This ensures durability. The canopy is made from super-robust triple Ripstop.
What should you know about the advantages of the ENSIS Spin wing?
The handles are well-placed for any rider size. The wing offers stiffness with a stable profile.
My feeling about the ENSIS Spin wing: what to remember
At 67kg, the 4.1 is my go-to wing. All three sizes deliver immediate power for quick starts, easily controlled in flight by shifting your hands on the long handles or adjusting the opening to neutralize the wing.
Its weaknesses: what to remember
The bag is a bit small, with no external pocket for 2 or 3 accessories. The **weight** is heavier than a Unit V2.
What are the key takeaways for the ENSIS Spin?
This ENSIS Spin wing foil is compact, perfect for linking maneuvers. It's also suitable for beginner riders who don't want to be weighed down by bulk. On the water, I had no trouble getting the hang of it. This Spin is easy and comfortable for all types of riding: freeride, freefly, downwind, and upwind, with excellent control during maneuvers.
Got a question about the gear mentioned here?
The GlissEvolution team rides what they sell. They are available to answer your questions in person at the Pornichet store or by phone.
