Keen to understand the difference between High Aspect and Low Aspect (is that what the others are called?) foils.
Wanting to know why everyone likes the High Aspect ones and what benefits I would see with them.
I'm currently using a Go Foil Maliko 200 (1780sqcm) and starting to get some good flight with the ding but also looking to get into Foil Surfing once I can consistently paddle straight (see other post...).
This thread has some background on different aspect foils.
www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Stand-Up-Paddle/Foiling/Armie-s-Top-10-Foil-Design-Principles?page=1#9
The key is speed.
High aspect ratio are much more efficient (lift/drag) than low aspect ratio foils, fins, wings...
But they have less lift force, and need higher speeds to avoid stalling.
So, if you have the technique to generate speed (on takeoffs) and never slow down under a minimal speed, you can get an aspect ratio that work only above this threshold and avoid the drag of lower AR foils.
If you do not have yet the technique for the AR, you just wont fly.
Note that keeping a high speed is much easier while learning Wing foilers than SUP or surf foilers.
The feeling is different, HA wings have more glide. Once you experienced and feel comfortable on a HA wing it is hard to go back to LA wing.
The lift is more gradual on the HA wing, and the speed you get makes you more stable that is why I think HA wings are not only for experienced foiler.
But once again the ratio is not everything.
I agree with French foiler . In prone foiling I find the high aspect wings more stable than the mid-low aspect options.
Cranking hard turns on high aspect wings is more difficult but can be done . Once you get used to the extra speed and glide it does make it hard to go back to the lower aspect wings.
It kind of feels your walking everywhere instead of running.
Can of worms here
What is HA?
Like a glider at 33:1?? or
the Moses at 10:1
Or Axis at 8:1??
The wings above would pump very well and give amazing glide.
If you want to turn on waves you would be looking at a mid-aspect ratio under 6 IMO. Compromise between glide and turning.
Like this
Or even better
Select to expand quotefoilsunnycoast said..
I agree with French foiler . In prone foiling I find the high aspect wings more stable than the mid-low aspect options.
Cranking hard turns on high aspect wings is more difficult but can be done . Once you get used to the extra speed and glide it does make it hard to go back to the lower aspect wings.
It kind of feels your walking everywhere instead of running.
For me cranking hard turns on a foil in decent waves is just about as good as it gets ! and my 1050 does it easy without having to learn any new technique ,and it's fast as hell, but hey if someone comes up with a foil that does that pumps easy and glides forever then Im up for it, but I suspect it's asking the impossible.
Some more Aspect Ratios in picture.
Looks like most surf wings are in the Aspect Ratio = 5 to 7 range. Even the "High Aspect" Go Foil NL Series are barely breaking 7.0
I have the NL130 which is a shorter stubbier version of the 190. Therefore much lower than the NL190 = 7.0
See NL130 (TOP) NL190 (Middle) vs Go Foil IWA (Great Generation 2 wing but now consider slow and fat Red).
So many foils now are now like the shape of the middle one ( nl 190 ) Maybe everyone has come to the same conclusion
