Armstrong XPS Bladder

The Armstrong XPS Bladder is a replacement internal bladder designed for the Armstrong A-Wing XPS wing, the brand's Cross Panel Sail design that preceded the current Mk II generation. Available as either a leading edge or strut bladder, each is sized to match one of the nine A-Wing XPS wing sizes from 2.6 m through 8 m. Armstrong describes these bladders as durable and easy to install, making them a straightforward field or home repair option when an original bladder develops a leak or puncture.

Leading edge bladders and strut bladders are sold separately rather than as a mandatory set, so riders can replace only the component that needs attention. Leading edge bladders are priced at USD 69.99 and strut bladders at USD 39.99, which is slightly below the direct pricing on Armstrong's own storefront (USD 74.99 and USD 44.99 respectively). Armstrong also offers a combined bladder set on its website for riders who need both components at once.

• Type: Replacement inflatable bladder
• Compatibility: Armstrong A-Wing XPS wing (original generation)
• Components available: Leading Edge or Strut (sold individually)
• Leading Edge sizes: 2.6 m, 3.0 m, 3.5 m, 4.0 m, 4.6 m, 5.3 m, 6.1 m, 7 m, 8 m
• Strut sizes: 2.6 m, 3.0 m, 3.5 m, 4.0 m, 4.6 m, 5.3 m, 6.1 m, 7 m, 8 m
• Leading Edge price: USD 69.99
• Strut price: USD 39.99

These bladders are for any rider who owns an Armstrong A-Wing XPS wing and needs to restore it after a bladder failure. Punctures from reef contact, over-inflation, or general wear over multiple seasons are common reasons for replacement. Because the A-Wing XPS line spans from the compact 2.6 m up to the large 8 m, the bladder catalog covers the full range of riders — from high-wind specialists flying the smaller sizes to light-wind foilers on the bigger wings.

It is worth noting that these bladders are specific to the original A-Wing XPS generation. Armstrong lists a separate bladder product for the A-Wing XPS Mk II, so buyers should confirm which generation of wing they own before ordering. The size printed on the wing's canopy should match the bladder size selected.

Within Armstrong's accessory catalog, the XPS Bladder sits alongside the XPS Mk II Bladder, replacement wing battens, and valve and repair components. The original A-Wing XPS wing is now discontinued on Armstrong's site, having been succeeded by the A-Wing XPS Mk II, but bladder availability ensures existing XPS owners can keep their wings in service rather than replacing the entire wing after a simple bladder failure.

For riders comparing repair costs, the combined price of a leading edge and strut bladder (roughly USD 110 at retail) is a fraction of a new wing's cost, which ranged from around USD 940 to USD 1,100 depending on size when the XPS was in production. Keeping a spare bladder in a gear bag is a practical step for travel sessions where replacement wings are not readily available.