Hoping the collective knowledge can help steer my future board process. Appreciate the input in advance. Use primarily for SUP, eventually more wing as I improve, some prone but not much.160-175 lb/72-77kgs rider. Decent SUP skills riding 6'1"x26x115L board on Armstrong foils location Oahu, Hi, USA. Figure I'll be looking at 95-115L for my sweet spot, based on prior experiences targeting ~105. I tend to beat up my gear so want some durability over weight. Can fit up to ~7'6"+/- inside my car for transport security.
Kalama- ostensibly great design, the original and "standard", limited availability in the 7'10" 102L size. Available 92L board smaller than I think I'd want. Limited range of foil mast movement, may be 'workable' but not 'optimal' with Armstrong. My personal E3 construction has been great. Includes center front foot strap holes and foot arches
Armstrong- obvious compatibility with my current foil. Potential issues if I switch to rear based foils (gong/gofoil etc). 7'2" @ 107; 6'8" @ 96L below the lengths of the 'Cuda sweet spot. 7'7" likely more volume than I need @ 121L and starting to get wide. Comes with Board Bag; adjustable rear foot pad. reported durability is very good. Has rounded front chines found on earlier E3 style DW boards; more of rudder style tail. Likely more initial stability vs KT/Kalama/apple tree based on hull and internet reports.
KT-Production boards just hitting the market; unknown build quality (though generally well regarded). Sizing appears better aligned at my size @ 7'4"x105L and 7'7"x110L,& 7'x100L. Initial reports highly regarded. Most cross compatible track at 16". Tail design is more unique with a pulled upward pintail. Front rounded hull will be less laterally stable than others. Some potential structural concerns with the abrupt fold at the mast plate. No bag/strap insets.
Appletree- don't know much about them. Heard they are durable. DW board yet to really hit market. Applicable volumes appear wider than competition. More rounded hull/tail shape.
Axis-don't know much about them, design seams aligned toward Kalama.
Amos-sizing similar to Armstrong. More difficult to order/import. very impressed with the one I saw in person.
Other local custom-I'd prefer a more tested design for the cost. Else wise Is likely just dive in myself.
Based on that rationale I'm currently leaning toward the KT @ 7'4 or 7'7" with the 7'2" or 7'7" Armstrong as #2. But am concerned I'm sacrificing either length or volume with Armstrong. I'm crossing the Kalama off as they're apparently sold out as of now, and I have concerns on track length, otherwise it'd likely be #1. May revisit Amos, but think the final cost will be much more than competitors.
Re KT- design looks more evolved in my opinion (minus the gimmick of the step) over the Armstrong and makes sense due to later release. Pricing is same minus bag.
Curious of others thoughts and input both on brand and sizing. Thanks and cheers!
I have a 7'10 Barracuda and it is great. From your list I think it would be KT or Armie as next option. The KT has a nice full deck pad and longs tracks. If you ever need to put on a roof rack a full pad is good. Armie foils really do want a longer box as the mast base plate is so oversized you run out of room
quickly. With forward foils I think the kick
tail that KT has will reduce the tail drag likelihood when riding. Not sold on the shape of the KT. Perhaps now they have Kane de Wilde as a team rider he might steer the design shape to be simpler and less gimmicky. That rounded bottom just doesn't ooze stability to me. Maybe you can persuade a few Aussie M2O competitors to sell you their board in Oahu. Save someone the excess baggage fees to get back home. There should plenty of good boards floating around at end of July.
Select to expand quotebaldy123 said..
Maybe you can persuade a few Aussie M2O competitors to sell you their board in Oahu. Save someone the excess baggage fees to get back home. There should plenty of good boards floating around at end of July.
Genius. Also get on the Oahu used whatsapp. I've seen smoking deals on there lately. You also didn't mention the freedom Dagger. I might be able to dig up a discount code for those if you message me.
That's some good information guys. I'm traveling to Oahu in Dec from Aotearoa NZ and hoping to bring back a Kalama or something similar with me. I've looked on FB market place for boards but will try what you suggested above. Also riding Armie gear so will consider what you mention about tracks etc. Hoping to rent or borrow a board while I'm there. Anyone traveled with foil gear to Hawaii and have any tips or feedback.?
Thanks
I ride Armstrong and bought a 7'2 Sunova elite and it works great with HS and HA foils.Then I tried the new 1750MA Armstrong wing and realized I needed more front track. Because Armstrong has a large mast foot you can't slide it full forward on the Sunova because the rear plates would come out of the track. I ended up making longer stainless steel plates to go in the tracks to bridge the rear opening so I could get the mast full forward and also using longer M7 screws so I could also add a ppc mast wedge to the front of the mast , I'm using performance mast too.
Compared the Armstrong 7'2 board to the Sunova 7'2 and it's track ps are another 2' further forward on the Armstrong and the board also has tail rocker which the Sunova doesn't ,hence me using the mast plate shim. Despite the fact the Sunova has longer boxes 14' compared to Armstrong 13' they start further back.
If considering using Armstrong MA foils with other boards,it's not only mast track position to consider but also board rocker.
I have also been going through the pain of this decision matrix for a couple months.
I'm 82kg riding Armstrong MA and HA foils with new mast, experienced winger and sup surfer.
I've justified spending another 3K AUD into the foiling black hole as a multiple discipline board, light wind winging, prone paddle up, sup foil and down winding in that order. I actually doubt I'm ever going to really do down winding much because by definition when it's windy I'll be winging or kiting. Plus we don't get allot of great days around Sydney when it's suitable for DW but I want to be able to give it a try. I think allot of people would be in the same boat so it's hard to make a decision right now,
Kalama Kuda- fantastic build quality and probably the most optimised for DW but limited distribution or availability here.
KT-- they look great but no availability here.
Sunnova Elite - lots of people have these and I've ridden a few, good prices on the lower tech versions and plenty of availability. Track is well placed for everything, you can't really go wrong.
Naish Hover DW - nice boards look like the easiest to learn DW on but too expensive for a big brand product imho
Amos Sultan - This was my first choice, light, super build quality and made in Australia but the build time 6-8 weeks I couldn't wait.
Armstrong DW...I ended up buying their 7 2 107L version which was available now , comes with a good board bag as well , build quality has been great on my Armie FG boards so hoping it will be the same. Plus I know the tracks are right.
Early days will see how it goes.
"Sunnova Elite - lots of people have these and I've ridden a few, good prices on the lower tech versions and plenty of availability. Track is well placed for everything, you can't really go wrong...Yeh I don't agree, they are not plug and play on the MA without some longer plates and a mast shim, also I wouldn't like to try and use the smaller MAs on it.
Select to expand quoteKB7 said..
I have also been going through the pain of this decision matrix for a couple months.
I'm 82kg riding Armstrong MA and HA foils with new mast, experienced winger and sup surfer.
I've justified spending another 3K AUD into the foiling black hole as a multiple discipline board, light wind winging, prone paddle up, sup foil and down winding in that order. I actually doubt I'm ever going to really do down winding much because by definition when it's windy I'll be winging or kiting. Plus we don't get allot of great days around Sydney when it's suitable for DW but I want to be able to give it a try. I think allot of people would be in the same boat so it's hard to make a decision right now,
Kalama Kuda- fantastic build quality and probably the most optimised for DW but limited distribution or availability here.
KT-- they look great but no availability here.
Sunnova Elite - lots of people have these and I've ridden a few, good prices on the lower tech versions and plenty of availability. Track is well placed for everything, you can't really go wrong.
Naish Hover DW - nice boards look like the easiest to learn DW on but too expensive for a big brand product imho
Amos Sultan - This was my first choice, light, super build quality and made in Australia but the build time 6-8 weeks I couldn't wait.
Armstrong DW...I ended up buying their 7 2 107L version which was available now , comes with a good board bag as well , build quality has been great on my Armie FG boards so hoping it will be the same. Plus I know the tracks are right.
Early days will see how it goes.
did you say above your weight ?
keep us all in the loop. i'm eyeing off same board
i had a little chuckle - as reports come in from many beach shores across australia as people hear the faint shouting of 4 letter words as all us mugs take the plunge this year. 
Like KB7, I'm not looking specifically at doing DW runs, as it introduces a whole lot of logistics and risk issues, especially by yourself.
I just want to be able to walk across to the beach and either paddle up ( hands or paddle ) and ride 1 to 3 foot rollers.
Select to expand quoteKB7 said..
I have also been going through the pain of this decision matrix for a couple months.
I'm 82kg riding Armstrong MA and HA foils with new mast, experienced winger and sup surfer.
I've justified spending another 3K AUD into the foiling black hole as a multiple discipline board, light wind winging, prone paddle up, sup foil and down winding in that order. I actually doubt I'm ever going to really do down winding much because by definition when it's windy I'll be winging or kiting. Plus we don't get allot of great days around Sydney when it's suitable for DW but I want to be able to give it a try. I think allot of people would be in the same boat so it's hard to make a decision right now,
Kalama Kuda- fantastic build quality and probably the most optimised for DW but limited distribution or availability here.
KT-- they look great but no availability here.
Sunnova Elite - lots of people have these and I've ridden a few, good prices on the lower tech versions and plenty of availability. Track is well placed for everything, you can't really go wrong.
Naish Hover DW - nice boards look like the easiest to learn DW on but too expensive for a big brand product imho
Amos Sultan - This was my first choice, light, super build quality and made in Australia but the build time 6-8 weeks I couldn't wait.
Armstrong DW...I ended up buying their 7 2 107L version which was available now , comes with a good board bag as well , build quality has been great on my Armie FG boards so hoping it will be the same. Plus I know the tracks are right.
Early days will see how it goes.
I tried the kt a demo model 7,4 with the Armstrong HA1525, I still have more than 2 inches free on the front on the box. I positioned the foil using the kdmaui method. Great board, highly recomendable. I'm going for the 7,7 and 110 for my 80 kg.
Select to expand quotePacoo said..KB7 said..
I have also been going through the pain of this decision matrix for a couple months.
I'm 82kg riding Armstrong MA and HA foils with new mast, experienced winger and sup surfer.
I've justified spending another 3K AUD into the foiling black hole as a multiple discipline board, light wind winging, prone paddle up, sup foil and down winding in that order. I actually doubt I'm ever going to really do down winding much because by definition when it's windy I'll be winging or kiting. Plus we don't get allot of great days around Sydney when it's suitable for DW but I want to be able to give it a try. I think allot of people would be in the same boat so it's hard to make a decision right now,
Kalama Kuda- fantastic build quality and probably the most optimised for DW but limited distribution or availability here.
KT-- they look great but no availability here.
Sunnova Elite - lots of people have these and I've ridden a few, good prices on the lower tech versions and plenty of availability. Track is well placed for everything, you can't really go wrong.
Naish Hover DW - nice boards look like the easiest to learn DW on but too expensive for a big brand product imho
Amos Sultan - This was my first choice, light, super build quality and made in Australia but the build time 6-8 weeks I couldn't wait.
Armstrong DW...I ended up buying their 7 2 107L version which was available now , comes with a good board bag as well , build quality has been great on my Armie FG boards so hoping it will be the same. Plus I know the tracks are right.
Early days will see how it goes.
I tried the kt a demo model 7,4 with the Armstrong HA1525, I still have more than 2 inches free on the front on the box. I positioned the foil using the kdmaui method. Great board, highly recomendable. I'm going for the 7,7 and 110 for my 80 kg.
That's a good data point. where'd you demo out of curiosity?
I had a separate thought today after putting a ding in my current board taking it out of the car
.
perhaps putting the 2k toward foil drive may be $$better spent???
for those of you who have them I'm curious to hear your thoughts. Everyone I've spoken with raves about them.
Mahalo & Cheers!
Select to expand quoteHdip said..baldy123 said..
Maybe you can persuade a few Aussie M2O competitors to sell you their board in Oahu. Save someone the excess baggage fees to get back home. There should plenty of good boards floating around at end of July.
Genius. Also get on the Oahu used whatsapp. I've seen smoking deals on there lately. You also didn't mention the freedom Dagger. I might be able to dig up a discount code for those if you message me.
Just found out about this! Are you referring to 'foil mart Hawaii'? If not I'll PM you my info to get added; thanks!
Select to expand quoteKB7 said..
Kalama Kuda- fantastic build quality and probably the most optimised for DW but limited distribution or availability here. Select to expand quotethere's availability here. Just had a container land and only 710 in stock. Another container due first week of August.
Select to expand quotewanabxtrm said..
Just found out about this! Are you referring to 'foil mart Hawaii'? If not I'll PM you my info to get added; thanks!
Yeah, Foil Mart Hawaii thread.
