Inbound: ELEVEIGHT WFS and WFS Pro

Eleveight’s OG wing, the WFS, is back, with the upgraded V6, and the new Pro V2, with its shiny Aluula Gold frame shimmering in the sunlight. We got hold of the Eleveight crew to find out more…

Morning team. So tell us about the design brief behind the WFS V6 and WFS Pro V2 – how do the two wings differ for their intended riders?

Great to catch up with you. The WFS was our very first wing, developed back in 2019. As the sport has grown and evolved, so too has the WFS. The core DNA remains the same though, as the WFS is designed to be a true freeride wing that’s versatile enough for cruising, wave riding, and even freestyle.

For the WFS V6, the focus was on reducing weight and refining the canopy tension to make the wing even more responsive, with quick power delivery and efficient pumping. We introduced our new X6 ripstop on the trailing edge to help distribute load more efficiently, keeping the canopy clean and stable under pressure, without flapping or distortion even under load. The new strut shape improves the connection to the canopy, and the optimised load transfer between strut and boom enhances control. Combined with the new carbon boom, the wing is lighter, more direct, and with a balanced feel that’s perfect for freeriders at any level. 

The WFS Pro V2 takes things a step further. It’s based on the same freeride DNA but is built for maximum performance. The inflatable frame is made from Aluula, which gives it a much stiffer, more responsive feel. With a thinner leading edge and strut, the lift-to-drag ratio is improved, and a touch more sweep in the design keeps the pressure point rock solid. The weight reduction is noticeable in how it handles, but the bigger benefit is in the performance, especially for advanced riders as the Pro feels incredibly dynamic, direct, and stable even at higher speeds. 

The WFS V6 is pitched as ‘the wing for every level & condition.’ How did you balance both accessibility for beginners and performance for the more advanced riders?

For us, that’s exactly what defines a good freeride product, as it has to be ‘plug & play'. We wanted a wing that makes performance easily accessible. If a beginner can feel comfortable straight away, they’re going to progress much faster, no matter the conditions. At the same time, that same wing needs to deliver enough performance for advanced riders to keep pushing their limits and a good plug & play wing can also do that. It’s not that one thing which is good for beginners is bad for more advanced riders, as both groups need performance stability with light and direct handling.

To build the best product for a wide variety of users, we focused on premium materials so the wing is light, durable and reactive, but just as important is how we test our products. We run a very comprehensive R&D process with our test team, and made sure the WFS performed consistently in all kinds of conditions and rider levels.

What upgrades in materials or design does the V2 have over its predecessor?

While the material selection between the WFS Pro V1 and V2 remains largely the same, using Aluula for the inflatable structure and X4 ripstop for the main canopy, we’ve made some upgrades too. One of the key improvements is the addition of X6 ripstop in the trailing edge. This helps reinforce the wing where it matters most, especially under load.

We’ve also upgraded the CS Wing Bar to a full carbon version. It’s not just lighter and stiffer but also has a new ergonomic shape with pistol grips that make riding more comfortable and controlled. But perhaps the biggest leap forward is in the wing’s shape DNA. The new strut design creates a more refined connection with the canopy, and we’ve increased sweep in the wingtips to improve pressure point stability. These refinements make the V2 feel tighter, more reactive, and more powerful when pushed to the limits.

Can you walk us through the refinements made to the strut shape and canopy connection on both models?

The new strut design features a longer, more direct connection to the canopy, which improves responsiveness and load transfer. The strut angle in the end section also makes the boom positioning more ergonomic and gives more space for your back hand. That refined angle between the boom and strut creates a better feel overall, giving the rider a much more direct connection to the wing and better control, especially during fast transitions or maneuvers..

Tell us about the difference between the CS Wing Bar and the new carbon boom…

For this new generation, we’ve made some key upgrades. First, we switched to a carbon boom to make it lighter and significantly stiffer, which boosts the direct feel of the wing dramatically. The new pistol grips are also a big improvement. They’re better aligned with the strut, and the front grip, in particular, is really useful for one-handed riding, whether you're cruising downwind or surfing waves. Overall, the new boom setup gives riders more control and a more connected riding experience.

What role did rider feedback play in the development of these latest generation designs? Were there any standout requests or issues you needed to focus on?

Rider feedback is absolutely essential to our development process. Feedback comes from two main sources. Internally, we work with our riders and team as many of us within the company are passionate wingers, and we’re always sharing ideas and input directly with the development team. Then there’s the external layer with our dealers and partners who talk to customers daily and see new trends forming on the ground. Both sides are equally valuable, and it’s through this continuous feedback loop that we’re able to refine and improve our products year after year.

Last one… Anything else cooking in the Eleveight kitchen currently that we should know about?!

Absolutely – development never stops here! Our team is already deep into the product cycle for the next wing range. We’ll be keeping the same core lineup, but you can expect some exciting changes, particularly with new materials and wings optimised for light wind conditions.