Double Dip: NP FireFly & FireFly Pro

The Firefly Pro LTD was one of our favorite wings of 2024, so when the email to test the new Firefly and Firefly Pro landed in our inbox, we couldn’t wait to get our hands on them!

Both wings come in practical windsurf-style bags, a perfect match for their setup, as they each include a single carbon handle. The Firefly is built around a Dacron frame, and one standout feature is its smart material selection. The main sections of the leading edge and strut use standard high-quality Dacron, but the wing tips are built with a slightly more flexible Dacron, softening the feel and delivering a smooth, responsive ride. The canopy construction marks a major upgrade over last year’s model: the bulk of it is now made from a robust 5×5 yarn, while the trailing edge area features a 6×6 yarn. The result is a wing that not only feels premium but is clearly built for long-term durability.

So, how does the FireFly Pro differ? This is where things get exciting. The Pro version replaces the standard Dacron with Aerotex for most of the leading edge and strut. Unlike trendy experimental fabrics that appear and disappear, Aerotex is a proven, high-tech composite made from woven UHMWPE (Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene). It features a sleek black finish and incorporates Aramid X-Ply in the core for added strength, durability and minimal stretch, all while keeping weight low. To dial in the feel, Aluula Aeris is used on the Pro’s wing tips. It’s slightly more flexible than Aerotex, providing just the right balance of stiffness and flex for a controlled yet lively ride.

The same day the wings arrived, we headed straight to the beach. Tarifa offered up classic Levante conditions, offshore, gusty wind but with a nice surprise: some decent waves instead of the flat-choppy water we usually get. Perfect conditions to put the new FireFly through its paces. Once rigged, we went for our first water start and immediately felt that familiar, solid connection from last year’s Pro LTD version, which was impressive, considering this was the standard FireFly and not the Pro. The wing delivers solid power but controlled, handling gusts with surprising ease. There was no canopy flutter at all – everything felt tight and perfectly tuned. Its reduced leading edge and strut diameter, along with a compact wingspan worked in our favor, especially for water starts on our small sinker board. Within just five minutes of cruising, we felt confident enough to push into freestyle territory, and wow, does this wing deliver! Our very first basic jump exceeded all expectations for height and hangtime. After a few (massive) boosts, we realized why: the great mid-air control from the highly balanced single-handle design. The single carbon handle and the wing’s exceptional balance make it not only easy to jump high, but also to stay in control during rotations and transitions. It's fast, responsive and has that rare combination of agility and predictability that we freestylers love. Once we’d worn ourselves out throwing tricks, we shifted to wave mode. And as expected, the FireFly completely depowers when flagged out, following on the wave and allowing us to position it effortlessly. It let us focus purely on surfing without needing to manage the wing, just the way it should be. We ended the session grinning ear-to-ear, realizing this isn't just an advanced rider's toy – it's a remarkably versatile wing that performs brilliantly for everyone, from beginners to freeriders, freestylers to wave enthusiasts. A true do-it-all wing that actually delivers on all fronts.

A few days later, we were treated to another run of solid conditions and it was time to put the FireFly Pro to work. Right from the start, its differences were subtle but significant: the Pro is lighter and noticeably stiffer, something we immediately appreciated on the water. The overall feeling is quite similar to the standard Dacron version, but the Pro shines in the details. If we had to sum it up, we’d call this one of the most accessible high-performance wings we've ever tested. The power delivery is very smooth and super-efficient, making it easy to regain speed after transitions, when pumping between waves or just in a plain water start.

In freestyle, the extra stiffness and reduced weight make it feel even more agile. It offers exceptional lift and precision during jumps, which really stood out. It felt so effortless and responsive that we found ourselves trying new tricks just because the wing kept asking for more. On the waves, the experience mirrored the Dacron version: balanced, light and easy to flag out. But where the Pro steps up is in linking waves and generating speed between them thanks to its instant power. We’re confident this wing would absolutely shine in lighter wind surf sessions, though we didn’t get those conditions during our test period. After several sessions, the conclusion was clear: the FireFly Pro felt like it was outperforming us. Not once did we feel held back by the wing – if anything, it showed us where we could improve. It’s a top-tier, performance-driven wing that still manages to stay fun, intuitive and forgiving.

We genuinely enjoyed and liked both versions of the FireFly for their accessible yet high-level performance, but you might now be wondering: which one do I choose? The answer, of course, depends on what you're looking for in a wing. The FireFly is the perfect companion for riders at all levels, from those taking their first tacks to seasoned riders exploring different disciplines. It’s a wing that will grow with you, no matter if your passion leans toward freeride, waves or freestyle. It’s user-friendly, balanced and versatile for every stage of your winging journey. The FireFly Pro on the other hand is all about refined, easy-to-access performance. It’s designed for riders who want that extra edge, whether you're pushing your limits in freestyle, carving perfect lines on a wave, even racing or simply cruising with maximum efficiency. The Pro version gives you that top-tier performance without making you work harder for it.