Test gear:
- Board: JP-Australia X-Winger PRO 5’0” x 25” (88 L)
- Wing: NeilPryde FIREFLY 5.0
- Foil: NeilPryde Glide Swift 800
- Spot: Chałupy (Poland), wind NW–NNW, 8–12 knots
After several sessions on the new 2024/2025 JP-Australia X-Winger PRO, I thought it was time to share my thoughts. Last season, I mainly rode the previous version – the 5’0” x 27” (95 L) – so I’ve got a solid comparison point. This year I went for the smallest available size: 5’0” x 25” with 88 litres of volume. The board kept the same length (153 cm) but is 5 cm narrower and has 7 litres less volume. I weighed it with footstraps: 6.5 kg.
New shape – better performance?
This year’s X-Winger looks much sleeker. Both the nose and tail have been narrowed down, and the board no longer feels boxy. There are deep cut-outs starting from the tail to about halfway down the board. These help with pumping and getting the board off the water quickly, and they also make planning noticeably easier. Once flying, the board feels more compact and responsive than you’d expect from its volume.
Stability and take-off
With the new narrower outline, the board isn’t quite as stable as its predecessor – especially in choppy conditions. I had to work a bit more on my balance when getting up. That said, once you’re on your feet, the board stabilises nicely. It pumps well and responds quickly to body input – just like the previous model.
Smooth touchdowns
The redesigned nose performs great when touching down. It doesn’t slow you down abruptly, making landings feel much smoother. This is a huge plus for riders still progressing or anyone who likes to jump – it’s easier to recover and lift off again after a touchdown.
Freeride, waves, and a bit of freestyle
With 88 litres, it might seem a bit big for freestyle. But in the air, it feels much smaller than it looks. The low weight and balanced shape make it easy to control mid-air. While hardcore freestylers might want something smaller, this one handles light tricks surprisingly well and offers great overall versatility.
Final thoughts
The new X-Winger is a well-thought-out evolution of a proven shape. The narrower outline, cut-outs and refined nose design all improve the riding experience – both on the water and in the air. It’s a great board for freeride, waves and even some light freestyle action.
If you’re aiming for maximum performance and minimum weight, go for the PRO construction. But if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly, allround version – the IPR should do the job just fine. Either way, it’s a great choice.
If the JP-Australia X-Winger sounds like your next board, go check it out at our store!