The F-One Frigate V2 is the second generation of F-One's parawing, designed for downwinding, upwind tacks and open-water routes. Compared with the first version it has a higher aspect ratio, more ribs, a simplified bridle with no B connector, a system to pack it away instantly (Pack Assist) and a new vertical carbon bar. The idea is more wind range, more top-end speed and less hassle with the lines. Here we explain what changes, who it makes sense for and how it compares with the parawings we have in store.
What a parawing is and why it's growing
A parawing is a wing without inflatable tubes, similar to a small paraglider, that you control with a bar or a handle and stow in your fist once you're flying on the foil. That makes it the perfect tool for downwinding: you use it to get up and go upwind and, when you catch the bumps, you pack it away and ride down on the foil alone. If you're coming from winging, we explain it from the start in what wingfoiling is.
Change by change: what's new on the Frigate V2
1. Higher aspect ratio and 11 ribs
The wing is longer and goes from 9 to 11 ribs, with Ultra Light Ribs (ribs, mini ribs and diagonals). A longer wing generates lift with less drag and the profile stays tighter. In practice, it keeps accelerating when the wind picks up instead of overpowering, and the usable range widens.
2. Double Dynamic bridle, no B connector
The classic three-line bridle gives way to the Double Dynamic Bridle: it acts on the front and rear lines at the same time without a yoke or pulleys, and removes the B connector from the bar. Fewer connection points means fewer tangles and a cleaner bar area. The bridles are also between 10 and 15 cm shorter depending on the size, and oversheeting no longer makes it go backwards.
3. Pack Assist: pack and relaunch in seconds
The front bridles are made of spliced white lines. By sliding your hand a few centimetres along them, the wing goes neutral instantly, ready to pack away or relaunch, without needing a separate depower handle. In the month-long test published by the US shop MACkite, this was the standout point: the wing packs into your hand “the size of a grocery bag” and unfurls again in a moment.
4. New vertical carbon bar
A moulded carbon bar, longer at the front for a better grip and comfortable depowering, with EVA grip, EVA protection on all sides and a tube at the A point that protects your fingers when sheeting in and packing. The harness line attachment point can be moved back.
5. Less weight in the large sizes
In the 5.5 and 6.5 m² sizes the front uses 32 g fabric to hold its shape, while the rear and underside use a lighter, softer one: around 20% less weight in that area, according to F-One.
Sizes and wind ranges
| Size | Wind | Bar |
|---|---|---|
| 2.0 m² | 28+ knots | 21 cm |
| 2.5 m² | 24–40 knots | 21 cm |
| 3.0 m² | 20–38 knots | 25 cm |
| 3.5 m² | 18–36 knots | 25 cm |
| 4.0 m² | 16–32 knots | 25 cm |
| 4.5 m² | 14–25 knots | 35 cm |
| 5.5 m² | 12–22 knots | 35 cm |
| 6.5 m² | 10–20 knots | 35 cm |
Data from F-One distributors' spec sheets. Some distributors also list a 5.0 m² with no published range. Colours: Lava and Lilac. Includes wing, V2 vertical bar, harness line and backpack.
How it behaves
The Frigate V2 is a fast parawing, designed to be ridden at the top of its range: it likes being held at just the right angle and rewards good technique, with a very “connected” feel thanks to the two-level bridle. In return, it's not the one with the most low-end power: in MACkite's test, the rider was short of power with a 4 m² in 17-18 knots, and they recommend going up half a metre or a metre in size compared with what you'd use on other parawings. Its big asset is how quickly it packs away and relaunches, something that makes the difference in downwinding every time you fall or switch bumps.
Who is it for?
- Yes: intermediate to advanced riders who already get up on the foil easily and want to do downwinders, upwind tacks or open-water routes without carrying an inflatable wing, especially at spots with medium and strong wind.
- Not the best option: if you're learning to fly the foil (an inflatable wing is more forgiving), if your spot has light wind or if you want to jump and do tricks.
Alternatives we have in store
Right now the Frigate V2 isn't in our online catalogue; if you're interested, write to us and we'll tell you lead times and price. If you want to get started now, these are the parawings we have in stock:
| F-One Frigate V2 | Duotone Stash 2026 | North Ranger 2026 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construction | 11 Ultra Light Ribs, high aspect ratio | 30 g ultralight ripstop, segmented leading edge | Single skin with D-Rib |
| Control | Vertical carbon bar | Ergonomic handle with integrated lines | Bar with Depower Tab |
| Sizes | 2.0 to 6.5 m² | 2.2 to 5.6 m² | 2.2 to 5.2 m² |
| Strength | Top-end speed, Pack Assist | Upwind, depower and flying in light wind | Simple, light and very packable |
| Price at Popkite | Ask us | €919–1,019 | €599–749 |
The Duotone Stash 2026 stands out for its upwind ability and its depower, and for flying in very light breeze thanks to its 30 g canopy. The North Ranger 2026 is the simplest and most affordable, with a backpack designed to carry several sizes on the water.
Which board
For parawing downwinding the logical choice is a long, narrow board that gets up easily. We have the Duotone Skybrid SLS 2026, also designed for parawing, and the inflatable Duotone Downwinder Air if you travel often.
Frequently asked questions
What size Frigate V2 do I need?
It depends on your weight, your foil and your usual wind. The medium sizes (3.5–4.5 m²) are the most versatile for average-weight riders. Bear in mind it's not the parawing with the most low-end power: if you're torn between two sizes, the bigger one is usually the right call. Ask us with your weight and your foil setup.
Do I need a lot of experience to use a parawing?
You need to get up and fly the foil with confidence. Handling a parawing is quick to learn, but it's not a good idea to learn two things at once.
What exactly is Pack Assist?
A system on the front bridles that, when you slide your hand a few centimetres along the white lines, puts the wing in a neutral position so you can pack it away or relaunch it without it pulling.
What changes compared with the Frigate V1?
Higher aspect ratio and more ribs, Double Dynamic bridle with no B connector, shorter bridles, Pack Assist, a new carbon bar and less weight in the large sizes. The result: more range, more top-end speed and fewer tangles.
Thinking about it? Let's talk
If you're thinking about getting into downwinding, write to us: we'll help you choose a parawing, size and foil based on your weight, your level and your spot, whether you're interested in the Frigate V2 or prefer one of the ones we have in stock.
