ALTIS Focus and Focus Hybrid 2026: parawing test and review
A new brand, but not beginners: ALTIS arrives with two serious parawings, the single-skin Focus and the Focus Hybrid, at a market-disrupting price. Two testers, Hydro Gav and Hadou Brunner, pushed them on the water. We'll tell you what they're worth, who they're for, and how to choose between the two.
Thanks to Hydro Gav and Hadou Brunner for their very comprehensive tests.
The ALTIS Focus and Focus Hybrid 2026 are versatile parawings (power wings): the single-skin Focus, light and accessible from €685, and the Focus Hybrid, faster and more stable from €770.
Tested by Hydro Gav and Hadou Brunner in real conditions: two sound, predictable, and reassuring wings, quick packing, a well-designed bar, and rare value for money for wings sold in shops. The Focus aims for ease and light wind, the Hybrid for speed, upwind performance, and high-end range.
Who are the ALTIS Focus wings for?
ALTIS didn't just release another parawing: the brand offers two wings with distinct objectives. The single-skin Focus is the most accessible: it takes off early, is forgiving, remains sound and easy to understand from the first sessions, and already goes surprisingly well upwind. It's the obvious choice if you're new to parawing or still refining your technique. The Focus Hybrid is for the already comfortable rider who wants to maximize their performance, speed, and upwind ability to position themselves effectively before a downwind run.
Which version and size to choose?
The single-skin Focus comes in five sizes, from 2.6 to 5.4 m². As with a kite, the size depends on your weight and the wind.
| Size | Price | Who it's for |
|---|---|---|
| 2.6 m² | €685 | Light rider or strong wind, auxiliary wing |
| 3.3 m² | €705 | Strong wind, light rider |
| 4.0 m² | €730 | Versatile, medium to strong wind |
| 4.7 m² | €750 | The most versatile for most riders |
| 5.4 m² | €775 | Light wind, heavy rider, early take-off |
The Focus Hybrid also comes in five sizes, from 2.8 to 5.6 m². The 4.2 m² is the versatile benchmark, around €820 including tax: a performance level far above its price.
| Size | Price | Who it's for |
|---|---|---|
| 2.8 m² | €770 | Light or strong wind, performance |
| 3.5 m² | €795 | Strong wind, comfortable rider |
| 4.2 m² | €820 | The reference size, most versatile |
| 4.9 m² | €850 | Medium wind, upwind and speed |
| 5.6 m² | €875 | Light wind, downwind, heavier riders |
Technical Specifications
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Parawing (power wing): single-skin Focus or Focus Hybrid |
| Sizes | Focus: 2.6 / 3.3 / 4.0 / 4.7 / 5.4 m² · Hybrid: 2.8 / 3.5 / 4.2 / 4.9 / 5.6 m² |
| Canopy | 31g hydrophobic spinnaker, reinforcements at stress points, strong battens |
| Bridle | Isolated and knot-free front lines at the start (low friction), sheathed handling battens |
| Bar | Carbon, diameter ~23 mm, Dyneema bridle, advanced depower handle, color codes |
| Weight (wing + bar) | Focus 3.3: 640 g · Focus 4.0: 710 g · Hybrid 3.5: 800 g (bar ~140 g) |
| Delivered with | Wing + bar + adjustable harness line + portable backpack |
| Distribution | Network of specialized shops (online purchase possible via a local shop) |
The ALTIS in video: two field tests
Two testers, two complementary perspectives on the Focus and Focus Hybrid. We've included both reviews right here for you.
Hydro Gav
Hadou Brunner
Our Detailed Review of ALTIS Parawings
We present the testers' findings without distortion.
Bag, Bar, and Bridle: Attention to Detail
Hydro Gav
Each wing comes with a portable backpack that allows you to carry a spare parawing on the water. If your wing gets damaged, lost, or you want to change sizes mid-downwind, you can do it without returning to shore-a real safety advantage. The bar is a success (well-chosen length, comfortable grip, intuitive color codes), and the harness line system is one of the best Hydro Gav has used: ergonomic, comfortable even when overpowered, and disconnectable. The bridle follows the same logic, with white markers in the center and on the wingtips to identify the wing at a glance when folding.
Hadou Brunner
Hadou confirms the high level of finish: very light 31g Spi fabric, reinforcements in the right places (wingtips, trailing edges), and a rod on the Leading Edge. For the bridle, the front lines are a bit thicker and, crucially, knot-free at the start, so there's very little friction-your hand glides smoothly. The lines are short (one arm's length is enough to pack, even for a 4m) and clearly differentiated by color codes. The carbon bar (approx. 23mm diameter, EVA grip) features a Dyneema bridge that frees the hands, with a well-designed advanced depower handle to manage power when the wind picks up. Weights recorded by Hadou (wing + bar): Focus 3.3 at 640 g, Focus 4.0 at 710 g, Hybrid 3.5 at 800 g.
On the Water: Stable, Predictable, Reassuring
Hydro Gav
In flight, both wings are immediately stable, predictable, and reassuring. They turn cleanly, stay positioned overhead, and never become twitchy. Tacks and jibes are easily executed on both the single-skin and hybrid, and folding remains excellent, even in larger sizes.
Hadou Brunner
Hadou made the same observation: when pumping, there's little difference between the two. The single-skin is ultra-light, flies in almost no wind, and stays at its zenith with barely any breeze. The bar ergonomics are successful; the front hand never feels empty. In strong winds, the Hybrid locks "on a rail": the harder it's pushed, the more it gains speed and stability.
Focus Single-Skin or Focus Hybrid: How to Choose
Hydro Gav
It's in light wind that the two wings diverge. The Focus single-skin is the easiest in light wind: it takes off early, is forgiving, remains simple and accessible, and points surprisingly well when the wind picks up-an excellent Swiss Army knife. The Hybrid, on the other hand, comes alive when the wind increases: with high-end stability, it loves to be driven with a harness, stays planted at high speeds, and delivers direct power. Thanks to its single-skin tips and ventilated section, it doesn't retain water after falls and relaunches even after big crashes.
Hadou Brunner
Hadou emphasizes one point: there's no difference in upwind performance between the two; they both go upwind equally well (the foil, board, and technique do the rest). The single-skin maintains a slight advantage in maneuvers and jibes in light wind, where it pivots faster. The Hybrid, however, gains in speed and stability: for a big upwind followed by a downwind, he clearly recommends it for faster, more comfortable upwind travel and tenfold gliding sensations. Within the same quiver, single-skin and hybrid wings complement each other depending on usage.
The Stall Test: The Hybrid's High-End Advantage
Hadou Brunner
In strong and gusty wind, beyond the range of the 3.3 single-skin, Hadou experienced some collapses. Switching to the Hybrid in the same conditions: zero collapses. The Leading Edge remains completely rigid; it's impossible to make it collapse even by pulling hard on the front lines. In the stall test, the Hybrid wins hands down. This doesn't mean the single-skin collapses easily: every single-skin eventually collapses past a certain point, but the hybrid significantly pushes that limit.
The Price: An Argument That Could Shake Up the Market
Hydro Gav
The real breakthrough is here. Despite choosing to go through resellers rather than direct sales, ALTIS manages to break prices: at around €820 including tax for a 4.2 m² Hybrid, you get a wing that performs far above what its price tag suggests.
Hadou Brunner
Hadou confirms: in shops, you get prices almost equivalent to those of brands that sell directly, without compromising on materials. He also commends the distribution approach: if you order online due to a lack of a nearby shop, you choose a reference store that receives a portion of your order, to encourage local advice.
In Summary: Our Opinion on the ALTIS Focus
For a brand entering one of the most competitive foil categories, ALTIS has done a remarkable job. These wings don't feel like a first generation; they even lead the way on most fronts. Both testers agree: the Focus single-skin for ease and light wind, the Focus Hybrid for speed, upwind performance, and high-end range. It's up to you to decide based on your riding style, knowing that in the same quiver, the two complement each other perfectly.
FAQ: ALTIS Focus and Focus Hybrid Parawings
ALTIS Focus or Focus Hybrid: which one to choose?
The single-skin Focus is the easiest: it takes off early, is forgiving, and suitable for beginners or for refining technique. The Focus Hybrid is aimed at the rider who is already comfortable and looking for speed, upwind performance, and stability for downwind positioning.
Is the ALTIS parawing suitable for beginners?
Yes, especially the single-skin Focus: it's sound, predictable, and easy to understand from the first runs, with good upwind performance. The Hybrid requires a bit more technique.
Which ALTIS parawing size to choose?
As with a kite, it depends on your weight and the wind. The Focus ranges from 2.6 to 5.4 m², and the Hybrid from 2.8 to 5.6 m². We'll advise you on the right size based on your build and your spot.
How much does an ALTIS parawing cost?
The Focus starts at €685 and the Focus Hybrid at €770. The 4.2 m² Hybrid is around €820. The kite, bar, harness line, and portable backpack are included.
What makes the Focus Hybrid stand out on the water?
It comes alive when the wind picks up: more stable, faster, it locks onto a rail and doesn't stall at the top end. Ideal for a big upwind followed by a downwind.
Does the ALTIS parawing come complete?
Yes: bar, adjustable and detachable harness line, and a portable backpack that allows you to carry a spare kite on the water, a real safety plus.
We'll help you choose your parawing
No need to live in the area: call us or make an appointment (phone or video) with a rider from our team. We'll advise you remotely to find the right model, size, and setup according to your build, foil, and spot. Our parawings are available for testing at our Pornichet test center.
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Sources: reviews of ALTIS Focus and Focus Hybrid parawings by Hydro Gav and Hadou Brunner (YouTube, July 2026). Adapted and summarized by GlissEvolution, without misrepresenting the testers' statements.
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