Hi Evil...have been using a NP Helium 7.5 this winter (unfortunately) and think it is a really good thing for winds up to 16-17K. After that it starts getting a little back handy. During the Lord Howe trip this year we had quite a few days where the weapon of choice was the iSonic 122 with the 7.5 Helium. This was being used in about 11-15K and it certainly was efficient in getting the board up and planing and staying there. It is a great feeling planing in that light wind, comfortable, no chop, blue sky, blue water...oh where was I?
So...yes i do think they work as advertised.