Niviuk Kode 2 P

Having flown the Kode P and the Kode 2P (both in the 16m size) within a couple days of each other at the same site, I feel like I can slot them into a decent initial comparison. My main mini wing until now has been the Skywalk Spirit 85kg+ (18m), but I've spent time on the 75kg+ (16m) version of the Spirit and Tonic. After flying the Kodes, the Kode 2P feels almost like the Kode P and the Spirit had a baby, taking just slightly more after the Kode P than the Spirit, particularly at the edges of control. These three wings offer a nice spectrum. If you look at the technical specs for the three wings, the Kode 2P sits in between the other on a couple of fronts—aspect ratio and wingspan—so my subjective feelings make sense. Add to that the braking design (braking tips first on Kode P with wingtip reefing rings vs full rear edge config with longer travel on the Kode 2P and the Spirit), and the hybrid character starts to make even more sense. There's a poppy buoyancy factor to the way the Spirit flies (with a porpoisey tendency), whereas there's more of a speed-style character to the Kode P. The Kode 2P seems to share a bit of the Spirit's style, but handles reminiscent of the Kode P when you're really getting after deep turn inputs. But, unlike the sharpness of the Kode P, the Kode 2P wants to settle quicker and easier like the Spirit, returning to neutral more automatically. The Kode P undoubtedly requires a bit more active management, which is the big allure for choosing it. A standout factor on the Kode 2P is the flare (which seems very intentional based on the Niviuk product page). It's pronounced like the Spirit, but has a harder end point. Probably the strongest, cleanest flare and end point of any mini wing I've flown. Very comforting to land. I think the Kode 2P is for someone (if flying top end of weight ranges like me) who wants a fun, light mini wing that delivers strong safety margins, but maybe doesn't want the active demands of the Kode except for when you push it. Super refined wing, and I probably would have snagged it if the Kode P weren't available. Small preference point is I like the toggle handles of the Spirit and Kode P better. The Kode 2P shares a similar ultralight unstructured loop like you find on the Skin 4P. Pretty lucky times to have such incredible choices in this sub-genre of wings!