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To celebrate its 30th anniversary, RRD delivers one of its most advanced wings yet, the Evolution Gold Wing. This latest creation is a showcase of RRD’s relentless pursuit of lightness, stiffness, and aerodynamics, using next-generation materials to push performance to the max. At its core, the Gold Wing combines Aluula with Insignia Dacron reinforcement inside the leading edge. This hybrid structure increases torsional stiffness while keeping weight exceptionally low. There are also some mini battens along the trailing edge that maintain a clean profile, even at high speeds.
Visually, on the beach, you can immediately tell that this wing is a high-quality product: the Aluula sheen, tight canopy tension, and clean panel layout all point to a product designed with precision. The Quick Lock system allows seamless switching between carbon boom and rigid handles, adapting perfectly to rider preference.
For this review I was riding the 4.5m with the boom, in 16 to 25 knots, in both waves and flat water. From the very first pump on the water, the Gold Wing feels highly precise and connected. Power builds instantly thanks to the tight canopy, giving the wing a really crisp and reactive character. It feels firm in the hands, and well-balanced between the back and front hands, with a compact draft that keeps the power forward and easy to control. You immediately understand this is a wing built for speed and precision.
Once locked in, this wing excels in straight-line speed and upwind drive. The wing holds its profile even when fully powered, allowing you to lean hard on the foil without losing control. In the gusts, it doesn’t distort or flap, instead it transfers extra energy directly forward, giving you a fast acceleration and a solid edge pressure. Where this Gold Wing really shines is in freestyle and jumping. The stiff frame loads energy efficiently before take-off, resulting in explosive pop and crazy vertical lift. In the air, the wing remains incredibly stable, with no unwanted twist or flex, making rotations and grabs feel controlled and predictable. It delivers clean hangtime and easy landings, especially with the carbon boom setup that enhances micro-adjustments mid-flight.
In transitions, the wing feels precise rather than forgiving. Tacks and jibes are sharp and efficient, with immediate power on the exit. Compared to softer wings, it demands slightly cleaner technique, but the reward is a direct and performance-driven feeling. While it’s not a pure wave wing, once flagged out it becomes very neutral, drifting consistently without yanking. Its low weight and balanced center of gravity make it easy to adjust during long bottom turns.
To surmise, RRD’s Evolution Gold Wing shows itself to be a precision tool built for riders who demand direct power, uncompromising stiffness, and top-end control.
