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NeilPryde recently launched their Pro series, starting with the Fly II Pro, where they use the latest, lightest, stiffest and most durable materials to fine-tune their wings for peak performance. The Firefly is their versatile wing designed for freestyle and surf, but also beginner friendly which we really enjoyed riding previously, so when we heard it had now got the Pro treatment in their range we were eager to put it to the test.
The first thing that caught our attention was the bag: it’s narrow and long because this wing (as its sibling) uses a bar instead of short handles, meaning it can’t be folded. Once we unpacked it, we immediately noticed the advanced material blends. The Firefly Pro uses Aerotex for the strut and leading edge, except for the tips, where Aluula Aeris is employed. Aerotex is a high-tech composite made from woven UHMWPE (Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene) with a sleek black finish, reinforced with Aramid X-Ply in the core for exceptional strength and durability while keeping the weight impressively low. The Aluula Aeris material on the tips is slightly more flexible but still maintains high durability and resistance. The canopy is made from a robust 3×3 yarn fabric with reinforcements in high-stress areas. Additionally, it has separate SUP valves, allowing to inflate the leading edge and strut to different pressures.
When we took it to the beach for our first session, the reduced leading edge diameter, thanks to the Aerotex and Aluula material mix, was immediately noticeable. The wing’s compact span is another standout feature that later proved to be excellent for waterstarts, tricks and wave riding. But the real highlight in the Firefly Pro LTD is the Mono Handle, a carbon bar along the strut that offers an ultra-rigid feel. It features a drop grip design that positions the strut closer to the body, providing maximum power, easy gybing and optimal comfort while riding, even one-handed on the waves.
With the comfortable leash set, we hit the water on a sinker board. The Mono Handle made water starts incredibly easy, allowing for quick hand positioning and, combined with the wing’s great low-end and short span, made the whole process a breeze. During our first tack, the wing impressed us with its exceptional upwind capabilities.
At our home spot in Tarifa, where we encounter a mix of conditions, the Firefly Pro excelled across every session and discipline. It’s agile, fast and highly responsive, with its compact span making freestyle moves super slick and controlled. After adjusting to its rotation speed and lift, we were nailing our moves right from the first session, with plenty of potential for further progression. For downwinders and wave riding, the experience was seamless, riding one-handed felt natural, allowing us to focus on body positioning within the wave. The carbon bar and short span probed again its ease to maneuver and exit the wave when the speed dropped.
What about beginners? The Firefly Pro LTD offers a smooth learning curve. We all know how frustrating water starts can be when you're inexperienced, but the Firefly Pro’s combination of power, easy handling and short span makes it much simpler. Once flying, hand positioning is intuitive, and during transitions, there’s minimal resistance, making the wing forgiving yet responsive. It’s the kind of wing that makes progression fast and frustration minimal, letting less experienced riders focus on having fun and gaining confidence. It's also worth noting that this wing would be an excellent choice for younger riders!
In short, the NeilPryde Firefly Pro’s biggest strengths are its performance and accessibility. While many high-performance wings can be technical and hard to handle, the Firefly Pro manages to deliver top-tier performance with user-friendly experience, making it a standout choice for riders of all levels, from beginners to seasoned pros.
