INBOUND: PPC M1-X & M1-L Wings

Two new M1 wings to suit different rider requirements and complement the well-received original… and a high-profile investor too. Exciting times over at PPC HQ…

Firstly, let’s kick things off by understanding what the difference is in the names – what do the letters X and L stand for on these M1 variations?

The M1-X is our freestyle model, while the M1-L is a lightweight and budget-friendly version. Essentially, we wanted to make different versions of the M1 to suit different types of riders, considering their abilities and weight, ensuring there’s an option for everyone.

Going a bit deeper into the M1-X, which itself is very lightweight – what materials did you use in this one?

Correct. We used a slightly lighter grade of canopy fabric to bring the overall weight down. This, combined with our new carbon handles, significantly reduces the overall weight, giving the wing a snappier, more reactive feel. The canopy is a custom performance Maxikote fabric, specifically engineered to reduce porosity. We designed this fabric to be incredibly resilient – winging is one of the highest stress use cases for any material, and the high-performance spinnaker fabric construction is perfect for this application.

And what kind of benefits are riders going to enjoy when they’re out on the M1-X?

Riders will experience direct power and response, providing a dynamic feel that’s unique to this wing. It’s also super stable when parked, which makes it ideal for wave riding. The M1-X is slightly more forgiving than the original M1, offering improved low-end performance, particularly for smaller sizes. This makes it an excellent choice for lighter riders.

Moving to the M1-L, what’s the difference here compared to the X?

The M1-L uses a combination of standard Dacron and Dyneema throughout the leading edge, where it’s most needed. Performance-wise, it’s quite similar to the M1-X, but at a much lower price point. We’ve been testing with Dyneema for the past three years in New Zealand, and we’ve officially partnered with Dyneema as their official wing brand. This partnership allows us to continue developing even better fabrics suited specifically to wings. The M1-L is perfect for anyone getting into the sport – it’s a performance wing at a very attractive price.

And what’s the relationship between these two models and the original M1?

Both models are designed to complement the original M1. The only criticism we received about the M1 was that it was too powerful and too direct, so we knew we needed to design a new wing with a more forgiving feel. With the M1, we aimed straight for the top, and now we’re filling in the gaps to offer options that suit different rider preferences and skill levels.

How difficult has it been to manufacture using Dyneema compared to traditional Dacron?

Through extensive prototyping and testing, we learned a lot about manufacturing with Dyneema – some things we’d never share, as everyone would copy us. I could list a hundred things not to do with Dyneema, but that knowledge is hard-earned! There are so many critical aspects to get right in the manufacturing process to achieve perfect canopy tension. Ultimately, the way the frame is built determines that tension, and even a tiny change can make a big difference.

We’ve briefly mentioned the handles already, but tell us more about the handle setups on these wings.

Our goal was to design ultra-lightweight, comfortable, full carbon fiber single-molded handles that reduce forearm fatigue and make winging more enjoyable. These new handles have really elevated the wings to a whole new level. We’ve received consistent feedback from customers saying they can wing for hours without feeling any fatigue, allowing them to enjoy longer sessions – which is a big win for us. One of the main points was to ensure there was nothing sharp; the entire handle was extensively tested to achieve that.

Where does the bulk of your testing and development take place, and what conditions do you generally get there?

Most of our testing takes place in Auckland, New Zealand, where we’re fortunate to have some of the most variable conditions in the world. We get cold air, hot air, gale winds – essentially, we can experience four seasons in a single day. We work with a small group of riders who help push the limits, whether it’s wave riding or racing. This means we know our products are suitable for everyone, from the weekend warrior to the hardcore athlete.

And what do you love most about these new wings and the M1?

What I love most is the positive feedback we’re getting from users who are absolutely in love with these new wings. It’s always rewarding to hear that the improvements we’ve made are making a real difference for riders.

You’ve had Jimmy Spithill come into the shop and purchase some wings, and a few months later, he became an investor in PPC. What’s that been like for the company?

Jimmy’s a no-nonsense kind of guy. He saw the performance of our products, and having him on board has been a huge factor in bringing in broader interest. His input on the design of the wings and boards has been invaluable. His experience working with some of the world’s best performance engineers in yachting has been a game-changer for PPC, helping us push our designs even further.