Slingshot Glide Craft V1 vs Flow Craft V2: Which Wing Foil Board Should You Choose?

Choosing between the Slingshot Glide Craft V1 and the Slingshot Flow Craft V2 is really a choice between easy progression and higher-speed efficiency.

Both boards sit in the modern Slingshot wing foil range, both are designed around clean take-offs and smoother touchdowns, and both work well with the wider Slingshot One-Lock foil system. But they are aimed at slightly different riders.

Choose the Glide Craft V1 if you want more stability, more forgiveness and a board that makes wing foiling feel easier while you build confidence. Choose the Flow Craft V2 if you already foil regularly and want a faster, narrower, more efficient board that rewards better technique.

Quick answer: Glide Craft or Flow Craft?

Rider need	Best choice	Why
First proper wing foil board	Glide Craft V1	More stable, more forgiving and easier to live with while learning.
Progressing from beginner to intermediate	Glide Craft V1	Still accessible, but not so basic that you will outgrow it straight away.
Rider already foiling both ways	Flow Craft V2	Faster, narrower and more efficient once your technique is there.
Light-wind efficiency	Flow Craft V2	The longer, narrower mid-length outline carries speed well into take-off.
Messy UK chop and nervous starts	Glide Craft V1	The wider outline gives a calmer platform for starts, resets and transitions.
Smaller foil, faster foil or more advanced freeride	Flow Craft V2	Better glide and a more connected performance feel underfoot.

Why buy a Slingshot wing foil board from The SUP Company?

Wing foil boards are not something you want to guess on. A board can look right on paper, but if the volume, width and outline do not match your weight, ability and local conditions, progression becomes harder than it needs to be.

At The SUP Company, we are a specialist watersports retailer with physical shops, real foil knowledge and the option to get proper advice before you buy. For wing foiling, foils and technical demo kit, our The SUP Co x Lymington Try It Now service is there to help suitable customers compare equipment properly before committing.

You can also browse the full Slingshot collection, including wings, foils, masts, tails and complete setups.

The main difference in plain English

The Glide Craft V1 is the easier board. It has more width, more volume in the larger sizes and a more forgiving feel. That makes it the better choice for riders who are still working on starts, touchdowns, gybes and staying relaxed in choppy water.

The Flow Craft V2 is the faster board. It uses a longer, narrower mid-length style outline, which helps it carry speed, release cleanly and feel more direct once you are up and riding. It is better for riders who already have the basics and want a board that feels more efficient and less bulky.

The simple way to think about it is this:

Glide Craft V1: best for confidence, stability and progression.
Flow Craft V2: best for glide, speed and performance progression.

Slingshot Glide Craft V1 overview

The Slingshot Glide Craft V1 is the more accessible board in this comparison. It is designed for riders who want a modern wing foil board that still gives them enough stability to progress without feeling like they are constantly fighting the board.

This is not a flat, slow beginner plank. It still has a modern hull shape, clean release and a direct feel underfoot. The difference is that it gives you more margin for error than the Flow Craft V2.

Choose the Glide Craft V1 if...

You are learning to wing foil properly and want a board that helps rather than punishes you.
You can get going, but you are still working on consistency, gybes and transitions.
You ride in typical UK conditions where wind, chop and tide are not always perfect.
You want a board that is forgiving but still modern enough to keep as you improve.
You are a heavier rider and need more volume without going to an old-school oversized shape.

Glide Craft V1 size options

Volume	Length	Width	Approx. weight	Best suited to
70L	5'3" / 160cm	24" / 61cm	5.0kg	Lighter progressing riders or competent riders wanting a smaller board.
80L	5'4" / 162cm	24" / 61cm	5.2kg	Intermediate riders around the 65–80kg mark, depending on skill and conditions.
90L	5'6" / 168cm	25" / 63.5cm	5.6kg	A strong all-round size for many progressing adult riders.
105L	5'9" / 175cm	26" / 66cm	6.3kg	Heavier riders, newer riders or anyone wanting more confidence in rougher water.
120L	6'0" / 183cm	27.5" / 70cm	6.9kg	Bigger riders, early-stage progression and those wanting maximum float in the range.

Slingshot Flow Craft V2 overview

The Slingshot Flow Craft V2 is the more performance-biased board. It is aimed at riders who already know how to foil and want a board that gets moving efficiently, releases cleanly and feels more alive underfoot.

The narrower outline reduces drag and gives the board a quicker feel. That helps when you are using faster foils, trying to get going in lighter wind, or wanting a board that does not feel wide and corky once you are up on foil.

Choose the Flow Craft V2 if...

You are already getting consistent flights and want a faster, more efficient board.
You want to move away from a wide beginner board without going too small too quickly.
You ride smaller or faster foils and want a board that matches that feel.
You are interested in carving, linking turns, riding swell or improving your light-wind range.
You prefer a board that rewards technique rather than doing everything for you.

Flow Craft V2 size options

Volume	Length	Width	Approx. weight	Best suited to
45L	5'1" / 155cm	20" / 51cm	4.1kg	Advanced lighter riders wanting a compact, low-volume board.
55L	5'4" / 162cm	20.5" / 52cm	4.4kg	Advanced riders who are comfortable with lower-volume starts.
65L	5'7" / 170cm	21" / 53cm	4.7kg	Competent intermediate to advanced riders wanting speed and efficiency.
75L	5'9" / 175cm	21.125" / 53.6cm	5.0kg	A popular one-board size for capable riders who want glide without too much bulk.
85L	5'11" / 180cm	21.5" / 54.6cm	5.4kg	Heavier intermediate riders or those wanting more float with the Flow Craft feel.
95L	6'2" / 188cm	22.5" / 57cm	5.8kg	Larger progressing riders wanting mid-length efficiency without dropping volume too far.

Which board is better for beginners?

The Glide Craft V1 is the better choice for most beginners and early intermediates.

When you are learning, stability matters more than ultimate speed. You need a board that lets you climb on, kneel, stand, reset and recover without wasting all your energy before you even get flying. The Glide Craft gives you that friendlier platform.

A confident or athletic beginner could use the larger Flow Craft V2 sizes, but for most first-time wing foil board buyers, the Glide Craft V1 is the safer and more sensible call.

For a full setup, pair the board with a suitable Slingshot foil such as the Slingshot One-Lock Wing QuickStart Package and a wing from the Slingshot range.

Which board is better for progressing riders?

This depends on what “progressing” means for you.

If you are progressing from short flights to consistent rides, choose the Glide Craft V1. It will give you a better chance of repeating take-offs and improving your control.

If you are already gybing, riding both directions and starting to feel held back by a wide board, choose the Flow Craft V2. It will feel quicker, cleaner and more efficient.

Which board is better for light wind?

The Flow Craft V2 has the stronger light-wind argument for capable riders because the longer, narrower outline helps the board carry speed into take-off. That extra glide can be very useful when the wind is marginal and you are trying to build board speed before the foil lifts.

However, light wind only helps if you can stand, pump and control the board properly. If you are still learning, the extra stability of the Glide Craft V1 may get you flying more often because you will waste less energy falling in and resetting.

Which board is better in UK chop?

For typical UK wing foiling, especially around tidal venues, chop and confused water are part of the game. This is where the Glide Craft V1 makes a lot of sense for newer riders.

The wider platform feels calmer during starts and touchdowns. That confidence is valuable when conditions are not clean, the wind is gusty or you are launching from a busy beach or estuary.

The Flow Craft V2 can still work very well in chop, but it asks more from the rider. It is better once you are comfortable managing a narrower board and keeping your speed through transitions.

Board volume: how to choose the right size

Board volume is not just about rider weight. It also depends on experience, water state, wing power, foil size and how much time you actually get on the water.

As a broad starting point:

Beginner: body weight in kg plus 20–40 litres.
Progressing intermediate: body weight in kg plus 0–20 litres.
Confident intermediate: body weight in kg around equal volume, or slightly under if conditions allow.
Advanced rider: below body weight in litres if you are happy with lower-volume starts.

For example, an 85kg rider learning in UK conditions may be better on a 105L Glide Craft than trying to force themselves onto an 85L Flow Craft too early. The smaller board may look more advanced, but the right board is the one that gives you more quality time on foil.

Best Slingshot board by rider type

Best for first-time wing foil board buyers: Glide Craft V1

The Glide Craft V1 is the better first choice for most riders. It is easier to stand on, easier to recover and more forgiving while you are learning the timing of wing power, board speed and foil lift.

Best for heavier riders: Glide Craft V1

The Glide Craft V1 goes up to 120L, which gives bigger riders more practical options. If you are heavier, do not be tempted to go too small too soon. A board with enough float will help you progress faster.

Best for efficient freeride: Flow Craft V2

The Flow Craft V2 is the better choice if you already foil and want more speed, better glide and a board that feels less like a beginner platform.

Best for smaller foils and faster riding: Flow Craft V2

As your foil gets faster and smaller, the board needs to help you build speed efficiently. The Flow Craft V2 suits this better than the Glide Craft because it carries speed more cleanly and feels more direct underfoot.

Best one-board choice for most improving riders: Glide Craft V1

For most customers who are still building consistency, the Glide Craft V1 is the more sensible all-rounder. It gives you a better safety net and will still be fun as your riding improves.

Can you demo before buying?

For technical wing foil kit, the best answer is often to try or discuss the setup properly before buying. The The SUP Co x Lymington Try It Now service is designed for customers who are actively choosing equipment and want expert advice before committing.

Demo availability depends on the product, rider suitability and current demo stock, but the principle is simple: we would rather help you choose correctly first time than see you buy a board that looks right online but does not work for your riding.

Finance and delivery

Both the Glide Craft V1 and Flow Craft V2 are premium wing foil boards, so it is worth building the right package around them rather than cutting corners on the parts that matter. Finance options are available on qualifying orders, which can be useful when investing in a complete setup.

You can read more on our finance options page. Delivery options and timings can vary by item, size and location, so please check the product page or contact the team if timing is important.

Final recommendation

For most riders, the safer choice is the Slingshot Glide Craft V1. It is the board that will help you progress, build confidence and enjoy more sessions in real UK conditions.

Choose the Slingshot Flow Craft V2 if you are already foiling regularly and want a faster, more efficient board that will reward better technique and help you move into more performance-focused riding.

If you are unsure, start with your weight, current ability, local conditions and the foil you plan to use. Or speak to The SUP Company team and we can help match the right Slingshot board, foil and wing setup for the way you actually ride.

Shop the full Slingshot range at The SUP Company

FAQs

Is the Slingshot Glide Craft V1 better than the Flow Craft V2?

It depends on your level. The Glide Craft V1 is better for beginners and progressing riders because it is more stable and forgiving. The Flow Craft V2 is better for capable riders who want more speed, glide and efficiency.

Is the Slingshot Flow Craft V2 suitable for beginners?

For most beginners, the Flow Craft V2 is not the first choice. A confident or athletic beginner may manage the larger sizes, but most new wing foilers will progress faster on the more stable Glide Craft V1.

What size Slingshot Glide Craft should I choose?

As a broad guide, beginners should usually look at their body weight in kilograms plus 20–40 litres. Progressing riders can often go closer to body weight plus 0–20 litres. Heavier riders and those learning in choppy UK conditions should avoid going too small too early.

What size Slingshot Flow Craft should I choose?

The Flow Craft V2 is usually best for riders who already foil. Many intermediate riders will choose a volume close to body weight in kilograms, while advanced riders may go below body weight if they are comfortable with lower-volume starts.

Which board is better for light wind?

For capable riders, the Flow Craft V2 is usually the better light-wind board because the longer, narrower outline carries speed well into take-off. For less experienced riders, the Glide Craft V1 may still be better because the extra stability helps you start and reset more easily.

Which board is better in chop?

The Glide Craft V1 is usually easier in chop because it gives more stability during starts, touchdowns and transitions. The Flow Craft V2 can still work very well in choppy water, but it suits riders with stronger balance and better board control.

Do the Glide Craft V1 and Flow Craft V2 come with a foil?

No. These boards are supplied as board-only products. Foil, wing, leash and accessories are sold separately. If you need a complete setup, look at the wider Slingshot range or ask The SUP Company team for advice.

Can I use Slingshot One-Lock foils with these boards?

Yes, both boards are designed to work with standard foil track systems, making them suitable for use with Slingshot One-Lock foils and other compatible foil systems. Always check compatibility if mixing brands.

Can I try a Slingshot board before buying?

Demo opportunities may be available through The SUP Co x Lymington Try It Now service, depending on product availability and rider suitability. It is worth applying or contacting the team if you are choosing between sizes or complete setups.

Which board should most people buy?

Most newer and progressing riders should choose the Glide Craft V1. Riders who are already confident on foil and want a faster, more efficient board should choose the Flow Craft V2.

Slingshot Glide Craft vs Flow Craft Buying Guide