NP FireFly PRO LTD

We thoroughly enjoyed the FireFly Pro we tested about a year ago, so when another FireFly Pro arrived at our door, we were a bit confused at first. A closer look cleared things up quickly: inside the box was the Firefly Pro LTD. Naturally curious, we unpacked it straight away in the garden. At first glance, the shape looked very similar to the latest version we had tested but the real updates revealed themselves in the materials. The Pro LTD features the newest fabrics NeilPryde is using across their premium wing range. So, what’s changed?

The most significant upgrade is the canopy. NP has moved from a 3×3 yarn to a much denser 5×5 in the main areas, with an even stronger 6×6 yarn in the highest-stress zones. The result is a wing that immediately feels incredibly solid. The leading edge and strut remain built with AeroTex, which feels impressively light, stiff and resistant both in the hands and on the water. AeroTex is a high-tech composite made from woven UHMWPE (Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene), finished in sleek black and reinforced with Aramid X-Ply at its core for exceptional strength and durability. If memory serves us right, the previous version used Aluula Aeris in the tips. For the LTD, NeilPryde has switched to White AeroTex Light, a slightly more flexible and lighter material that still delivers excellent durability and resistance. The wing comes equipped with its classic carbon mono handle, dual SUP valves and several battens to keep the canopy stable and locked in even in strong conditions. In short, the Firefly Pro LTD feels absolutely bombproof in the hands.

The Firefly Pro LTD is available in sizes ranging from 3.5 to 6m, in 0.5m increments. We tested the 3.5m, our favorite size for reviews, as it offers the perfect balance for freeriding, wave riding and throwing down freestyle moves in our usual conditions. Our test spot is known for being very gusty and light wind near the launch, while becoming noticeably stronger and more consistent as you head upwind, which makes it ideal to evaluate a wing’s range within the first session. The Firefly Pro LTD delivers an excellent low end, offering plenty of power and instant acceleration. The boom makes waterstarts even easier and everything feels tight, composed and locked in across the entire wind range, with virtually zero canopy flutter.

For freeriding, the wing feels agile and nimble. Its low-profile design makes transitions effortless, allowing the wing to move freely without ever feeling draggy. Power delivery is immediate, which helps tremendously on waterstarts or when recovering missed maneuvers. During the test period, we were lucky enough to score waves and swell and the Firefly Pro LTD really stood out. It flies neutrally and the stiff front handle makes guiding the wing through turns intuitive and precise. Full-length booms are often at a disadvantage in this regard, especially in smaller sizes, but this wing feels feather-light, effortlessly following along while riding waves. We always mix freestyle into our sessions, and with the powered conditions we experienced during testing, the lift was seriously impressive. It took a few attempts to dial in the landings, as the first jumps sent us so high that we had to bail and throw the board away, the height and drop were genuinely intimidating! Once we adapted, the wing delivered huge boosts with impressive hangtime. Rotations felt equally natural: the low drag and rigidity made spinning the wing almost effortless, to the point where doubles started to feel surprisingly easy.

That said, we always keep beginners in mind, and this wing is also a solid choice for those starting out. The combination of accessible power, easy handling and a relatively short span makes the ride intuitive and forgiving, helping riders progress quickly and confidently.

So, who is this wing for? Quite simply, anyone looking for a strong mix of performance, accessibility and durability. It’s extremely user-friendly and doesn’t require pro-level skills to unlock its potential. Thanks to its versatility, the Firefly Pro LTD works equally well for beginners and top-level riders, adapting effortlessly to different disciplines and riding styles. And of course, if you loved the previous version as much as we did, this LTD edition is a clear step forward, with meaningful upgrades in materials that you can feel from the very first session.