INBOUND – VAYU AURA X3

 Some serious modifications make Vayu’s latest Aura X3 wing a big step beyond its predecessor. So exactly what’s changed? We dialled up the Vayu hotline to find out…

The Aura X3 is described as VAYU’s most advanced wing yet. How has it evolved from the popular Aura X2?

The Aura X3 takes everything riders loved about the X2 and pushes it further. The new STRUT X frame makes the leading edge ten percent slimmer, reducing drag and giving the wing a more responsive and precise feel. With the full Aluula Aeris X airframe, it is stiffer, faster, and even more stable through gusts. The result is a wing with a wide usable range that flies early, stays comfortable when fully powered, and feels perfectly balanced in the hands.

The ten percent slimmer STRUT X leading edge is one of the big changes. How does that reduction in diameter affect performance?

You feel it straight away. The thinner leading edge cuts through the air with less resistance, which means quicker acceleration and higher upwind angles. The benefit is a much larger wind range, with more low-end power and the same control at the top. In the surf it drifts smoothly, while in freeride mode it holds shape and drive even when pushed hard.

What made the Aluula Aeris X the right choice for this model over other ALUULA options?

We tested different versions and Aeris X stood out immediately. It delivers an excellent strength-to-weight ratio with incredible tear resistance, yet it feels alive rather than rigid. Aluula Gold remains a proven high-performance fabric in our industry, and Aeris X builds on that legacy with new strength-to-weight and durability gains. It gives the X3 that fast, crisp reaction when you load it, but still keeps a smooth, connected feeling even in strong gusts.

Aeris X is also fully recyclable, which is a real shift from the industry norm. Was this a key factor in choosing to use this material?

Yes, it was. Everyone in this sport cares about the ocean, so using a recyclable composite that also improves performance was a clear decision. It is not only about building faster wings but building them in a smarter way. Aeris X is a step forward for both performance and responsibility.

What refinements have been made to the Carbon Boom and Click Boom system?

We received excellent feedback on the Carbon Boom, so its design remains the same. Riders love the stiffness, light weight, and direct feel. The updates focus on compatibility. The Aura X3 now works with both our Click Boom system and our rigid handles, giving riders the freedom to choose their preferred setup. The Click Boom TPU parts are also now made from a higher-density compound, which improves rigidity and durability, small upgrades that make a real difference in long-term performance.

You call the X3 a true “all conditions” wing. How did you tune it to cross wave, freefly, and race disciplines?

The key was balance. We worked on canopy tension and frame stiffness until the X3 powered up early, drifted neutrally when flagged, and stayed rock solid at speed. It has the drive of a bigger size but the control of a smaller one. You can take it into waves, cruise for hours, or push race angles on the same session. The 6.5 LW version of the X3 has also proven itself on the racecourse in lighter winds. It comes without extra struts to stay efficient and reach better angles when going upwind.

You also recently released the Aura V4. Can you please give us a quick overview of that one too while we have you here?

Yes. The Aura V4 takes the Aura feel and makes it more accessible. It is a boom-only wing designed for freeride and wave use. The leading edge is four percent slimmer than its predecessor and built from Aluula Aeris X, DKC 160, and Teijin Dacron, which makes it light, durable, and stable. It has that easy power delivery and smooth drift that make every session fun. If the X3 is about ultimate performance, the V4 is about making the feeling of that performance easier to reach for everyone.