Thanks Nikita! If you don't mind, how much do you weigh and what board do you use primarily?
Also, buy a different stab. I so don't regret moving on from the 215. Haven't had a cut since I stopped using it.
Select to expand quoteBullroarerTook said..
Thanks Nikita! If you don't mind, how much do you weigh and what board do you use primarily?
Also, buy a different stab. I so don't regret moving on from the 215. Haven't had a cut since I stopped using it.
I'm relatively light at 74kg, that's the main reason I'm reluctant to go to a bigger rear wing. I don't want to make Flow 1000 more stable than it is currently. I'd be keen to demo the 295 stab if I can find someone that has one locally though.
I think the i76 rear stab was too big for me, not because it wasn't balanced, but because it was too stable. Great for learning gybes, but harder to ride swells.
I ride the Severne Alien 115, same as Swoosh. I've been using this board with the i76 and Flow 1000, hence I could compare the foils directly.
Select to expand quoteNikita said..
I've had over 10 session on my Flow 1000 now, so I thought I would add my review. Prior to switching to the Flow 1000, I was riding the Slingshot i76 so I wanted to post a compassion, because so many people talk about the SS foils on Seabreeze.
Flow 1000 Vs Slingshot i76 Summary
If you want an easy to learn on, and easy to carve foil that is less likely to injure you if you accidentally hit it, then I'd go for the SS i76.
If you want to go a bit faster, get going easier, go downwind harder, and wider wind range from a single wing, then go for the Flow 1000.
Carving
In my experience, the i76 is easier to carve. That's not to say that the Flow 1000 doesn't carve well - it definitely does, it's just not as forgiving as the i76. I've found that with the Flow 1000, you need to carefully balance the roll and 'rudder' inputs (back foot pressure) during a turn. If you don't balance them correctly, it'll tend to side stall. If you get the balance right, it's awesome to carve! The i76 doesn't need you to be so precise with your turns, it's more forgiving.
Downwind
After switching to the Flow 1000 it was immediately obvious that you don't lose speed as quickly as you do on the i76 when you turn downwind to gybe. This means that you can carve wider turns, catch swells, and go downwind much easier. This is one of my favourite things about the Flow 1000. I76 needs more power to keep it moving through the water than the Flow 1000.
Early foiling
I was originally hesitant to switch to a 1000cm foil from the 1500cm i76, because I thought that I'd lose some bottom end performance (ie. I wouldn't get going as early). It turns out that it's actually easier to get foiling on the Flow 1000 in light wind compared to the i76. Flow 1000 has less drag and accelerates noticeably quicker to foiling speed compared to the i76. That means less pumps required to get flying, which is a win in my books.I also find riding the Flow 1000 in high wind (~25kts) easier than the i76. I attribute this mainly to the lower drag, hence faster downwind riding to wash off apparent wind.
Swell riding
I think the rear stabiliser was a bit too big for me on the i76. Or maybe I should have been riding the shorter fuselage, because it was a bit too stable in pitch for me. This made gybing easier, but swell riding was harder, as I found it hard to quickly pitch the nose down to ride down the wave. I tried shimming the stabiliser for less lift, which helped, but still wasn't ideal on bigger waves. It was nice and balanced on flat water. The main advantage of the i76 in the waves, is that it's slower, so you don't outrun the waves as quickly as you do on the Flow 1000.For me, Flow 1000 is more fun to ride swells with. Pitch control is not an issue as it was on the i76, and carving is great once you're used to it. It is faster, so you do have be mindful not to outrun the waves. Ultimately, I prefer the Flow 1000 in waves, because it's not as stable in pitch as the i76, which makes it more playful.
Design/Construction
Flow 1000 is a clear winner when it comes to design and construction. The front wing to fuse attachment on the i76 is not great, as it fills up with water and provides an ideal corrosion environment for the fuselage. Wing wobble is guaranteed to develop over time. An whilst there are workarounds to fix it, it's still annoying. Mast to fuse connection on the i76 is also not ideal and tends to break if you jump it. I know that because Swoosh snapped the mast to fuse bolts on my SS foil when he jumped it. Luckily the wings floated.Considering the SS i76 and Flow 1000 weight exactly the same amount, Flow 1000 is noticeably stiffer and stronger.The main thing I don't like about the Flow 1000 is how sharp the wings are; Especially the rear wing tips - great for hydrodynamic efficiency, bad for my feet/legs if I hit them. I really liked how smooth and blunt the wings were on the i76. I was never worried about cutting my feet on the i76 wings. I'd take the extra drag penalty for wings that are not sharp.
It'd be awesome if you had video to show you downwinding/carving decent size ocean swells with the Flow 1000.
I haven't found pitch control to be a problem with the Infinity 76 and it's pretty quick in big swells downwind (23 knots) - you must be really flying if you're going faster 
Select to expand quoteNS320 said..Randwick said..
Thank you all for the great reviews and info here. About 4hrs in on this as my first foil with a Hover 131. I weigh 69kg and purchased the 1250 & 900 front wings. I have to use -0.50 with the 1250 in all wind strengths. To maintain a scientific approach I am currently working the foil mast aft before trying the 900. My concern is quality; the mast is painted and already peeling in the fuselage connection and at the mast to hull plate Anyone else had experience here? Have emailed Fanatic already. Very surprised it's not an anodised mast and that I did not notice this less than desirable finish at point of purchase!
No issues with finish on my Flow foil.
Update - Fanatic NSW distributor has replaced my mast, via the customer focused team at Kite & SUP Newcastle, with an anodised one.
Select to expand quoteNikita said..
I've had over 10 session on my Flow 1000 now, so I thought I would add my review. Prior to switching to the Flow 1000, I was riding the Slingshot i76 so I wanted to post a compassion, because so many people talk about the SS foils on Seabreeze.
Flow 1000 Vs Slingshot i76 Summary
If you want an easy to learn on, and easy to carve foil that is less likely to injure you if you accidentally hit it, then I'd go for the SS i76.
If you want to go a bit faster, get going easier, go downwind harder, and wider wind range from a single wing, then go for the Flow 1000.
Carving
In my experience, the i76 is easier to carve. That's not to say that the Flow 1000 doesn't carve well - it definitely does, it's just not as forgiving as the i76. I've found that with the Flow 1000, you need to carefully balance the roll and 'rudder' inputs (back foot pressure) during a turn. If you don't balance them correctly, it'll tend to side stall. If you get the balance right, it's awesome to carve! The i76 doesn't need you to be so precise with your turns, it's more forgiving.
Downwind
After switching to the Flow 1000 it was immediately obvious that you don't lose speed as quickly as you do on the i76 when you turn downwind to gybe. This means that you can carve wider turns, catch swells, and go downwind much easier. This is one of my favourite things about the Flow 1000. I76 needs more power to keep it moving through the water than the Flow 1000.
Early foiling
I was originally hesitant to switch to a 1000cm foil from the 1500cm i76, because I thought that I'd lose some bottom end performance (ie. I wouldn't get going as early). It turns out that it's actually easier to get foiling on the Flow 1000 in light wind compared to the i76. Flow 1000 has less drag and accelerates noticeably quicker to foiling speed compared to the i76. That means less pumps required to get flying, which is a win in my books.I also find riding the Flow 1000 in high wind (~25kts) easier than the i76. I attribute this mainly to the lower drag, hence faster downwind riding to wash off apparent wind.
Swell riding
I think the rear stabiliser was a bit too big for me on the i76. Or maybe I should have been riding the shorter fuselage, because it was a bit too stable in pitch for me. This made gybing easier, but swell riding was harder, as I found it hard to quickly pitch the nose down to ride down the wave. I tried shimming the stabiliser for less lift, which helped, but still wasn't ideal on bigger waves. It was nice and balanced on flat water. The main advantage of the i76 in the waves, is that it's slower, so you don't outrun the waves as quickly as you do on the Flow 1000.For me, Flow 1000 is more fun to ride swells with. Pitch control is not an issue as it was on the i76, and carving is great once you're used to it. It is faster, so you do have be mindful not to outrun the waves. Ultimately, I prefer the Flow 1000 in waves, because it's not as stable in pitch as the i76, which makes it more playful.
Design/Construction
Flow 1000 is a clear winner when it comes to design and construction. The front wing to fuse attachment on the i76 is not great, as it fills up with water and provides an ideal corrosion environment for the fuselage. Wing wobble is guaranteed to develop over time. An whilst there are workarounds to fix it, it's still annoying. Mast to fuse connection on the i76 is also not ideal and tends to break if you jump it. I know that because Swoosh snapped the mast to fuse bolts on my SS foil when he jumped it. Luckily the wings floated.Considering the SS i76 and Flow 1000 weight exactly the same amount, Flow 1000 is noticeably stiffer and stronger.The main thing I don't like about the Flow 1000 is how sharp the wings are; Especially the rear wing tips - great for hydrodynamic efficiency, bad for my feet/legs if I hit them. I really liked how smooth and blunt the wings were on the i76. I was never worried about cutting my feet on the i76 wings. I'd take the extra drag penalty for wings that are not sharp.
Great review Nikita, I don't know if you are as good at reviews as swoosh 
(joking)
But this is a good information summary for people trying to pick the right one, in a world with lots of foil options
Select to expand quotesunsetsailboards said..motogon said..
I'm planning to move to Fanatic foils from SS and trying to decide which one to choose as I want to use that foil for wind and wing foiling. Currently using SS I84 foil with 48 rear wing for windfoiling. It works great, very maneuverable, easy to ride combo. Would Flow 1500 provide same lift and behavior?
Related question: is anybody using Fanatic Aero HA foil for windsurfing?
I have the HA 1750 with the 80cm fuselage... I need to try these out wind foiling...I have been using it for winging, and it is such a nice foil. Replaced my Slingshot 99 and 76, although the 76 has a more satisfying turn. Build quality, fit, and finish is really good on the Fanatic foils. Total setup weight is on the heavy side, but it is stiff and built very sturdy.
When you have chance to test that setup, please do, and let us know. I'm very interested in your opinion.
So I finally got my hands on the Fanatic Aero High Aspect 1750, but then I needed wind. In the SF Bay Area in the winter time it takes a Viking in the Congress to accomplish that but fortunately we have that this year! :roll: Anyway. Here follows my review of wind foiling the HA1750.
First, the fuselage pocket for the aero line (wing & surf) and the flow (wind) lines are different. So you need the aero fuse for the aero foil. This is 10 cm shorter than the wind foil fuse and nearly all of that is in front of the mast. Couple that with the higher aspect and the net is a center of lift that is 10 cm farther back compared to the flow line. Since I run the flow line full back on my stingray I simply moved the meat forward 10 cm which is basically the very front of the box. I wanted apples to apples for my first time.
How did it go? According to my GPS the take off speed of the aero 1750 is nearly 1 mph lower (just over 6) compared to the Flow 1500. It is also about a mph slower on the top end. That 10 cm means we lose a bit of pitch stability and gain in pump ability. At the end of the day the foil performed great and I look forward to more sessions with it. Take care to make sure you put the foil between your feet as always or get anal like me and measure it to the nth degree. I will be dropping the foil a touch farther back now that I can.
Cheers!
Another session on the HA1750. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend it as a windfoil for anyone who wants a surfy ride. You won't win a drag race with it, but you'll foil up early and be able to stay up in very light winds.
Select to expand quoteazymuth said
It'd be awesome if you had video to show you downwinding/carving decent size ocean swells with the Flow 1000.
I haven't found pitch control to be a problem with the Infinity 76 and it's pretty quick in big swells downwind (23 knots) - you must be really flying if you're going faster
It has been a while, and I haven't made any videos for ages. My wife did take a couple of quick videos of me at the end of a session yesterday. I was very tired by this stage, so my sailing was getting sloppy, but I do a few gybes on swells, and carve up a couple of others. I should really remember to bring a GoPro next time. It was so fun though
Select to expand quoteNikita said..azymuth said
It'd be awesome if you had video to show you downwinding/carving decent size ocean swells with the Flow 1000.
I haven't found pitch control to be a problem with the Infinity 76 and it's pretty quick in big swells downwind (23 knots) - you must be really flying if you're going faster
It has been a while, and I haven't made any videos for ages. My wife did take a couple of quick videos of me at the end of a session yesterday. I was very tired by this stage, so my sailing was getting sloppy, but I do a few gybes on swells, and carve up a couple of others. I should really remember to bring a GoPro next time. It was so fun though
Thanks for sharing, nice turns - looks like a great spot
Swoosh, I hear I missed you tearing it up on the Fanatic Flow at the train recently, anyway the locals were impressed, come back again soon 
Bring Nikita too and we will have a flowfest
Select to expand quotetonyk said..
Swoosh, I hear I missed you tearing it up on the Fanatic Flow at the train recently, anyway the locals were impressed, come back again soon
Bring Nikita too and we will have a flowfest
Come to Manly tonyk - there are no jetskis
Select to expand quoteNikita said..tonyk said..
Swoosh, I hear I missed you tearing it up on the Fanatic Flow at the train recently, anyway the locals were impressed, come back again soon
Bring Nikita too and we will have a flowfest
Come to Manly tonyk - there are no jetskis
Yes i have to do that too
Was a fun sail! But it's super busy down there, between it being low tide, all the jetskiers and wingdingers, it was hard work finding some space. Water was pretty murky (due to low tide?), I hit the sandbar going almost flat out trying to sail up towards KFC. Will need some more local knowledge next time haha. I think I spotted 2 wingdingers with support boats too that just floated around as additional obstacles... WTF!
But all the palaces kick up a pretty wicked wake for jumps, just annoying that they usually have like 2-3 jetskiers hiding behind them, have to try not to land on them
Select to expand quoteswoosh said..
Was a fun sail! But it's super busy down there, between it being low tide, all the jetskiers and wingdingers, it was hard work finding some space. Water was pretty murky (due to low tide?), I hit the sandbar going almost flat out trying to sail up towards KFC. Will need some more local knowledge next time haha. I think I spotted 2 wingdingers with support boats too that just floated around as additional obstacles... WTF!
But all the palaces kick up a pretty wicked wake for jumps, just annoying that they usually have like 2-3 jetskiers hiding behind them, have to try not to land on them
Wow sounds like hell at the train
For me it must be like going to work on the freeway each morning, after a couple years I got used to it
What about the noise, of Fanatic flow 1000, I hear it make an annoying whistling noise when you foil is that true ???
It's the stab. My 215 sounded like a string section warming up for a concert. I bought a different stab (295 from the aero series) and the foil went dead quiet.
Select to expand quoteBullroarerTook said..
It's the stab. My 215 sounded like a string section warming up for a concert. I bought a different stab (295 from the aero series) and the foil went dead quiet.
thanks, can you please send me the link to find this 295 stab, to avoid any mistakes :)
Select to expand quoteResbi said..BullroarerTook said..
It's the stab. My 215 sounded like a string section warming up for a concert. I bought a different stab (295 from the aero series) and the foil went dead quiet.
thanks, can you please send me the link to find this 295 stab, to avoid any mistakes :)
Try running some 240 grit sandpaper along the trailing edge of the front foil and stabilizer to slightly blunt the trailing edge.
www.fanatic.com/foil/foils/surf-sup-wing-foils/aero-1500-al-30
It's the stab from this set. Sandpaper should work too, but you only need to do the stab.
Hello, I have been riding Slingshot foil with i76 front wing for a while, and I found it easy and forgiving, so I improved quickly to decent foiling level, just close to get the jibe sort out.
I had similar experience you had comparing fanatic foil with 900 wing and my SS 76, I was on 6.7 sqm sail and a afriend of mine on 5.7 with the fanatic, and while I was struggling in 10-11 ish knts of wind to get the stuff going, my friend succeded in getting to flight with the theoretically less low end performing 900 wing.
I feel the SSi76 not so responsive to pumping in so low end range; it may be my board is heavier too (it flyes very well but is a bit heavy; 135 lt, 11 kg more or less), or my technique lacking, but the fanaticv was clearly faster on the water as well.
Another factor that I would change the SS for another foil is the stiffness of the entire combo which is questionable on the beach, but even more on the water; when I cross waves on the route (big chops I would call them) the foil starts wobblyng has having a sort of low frequency responce, typical of heavy not stiff equipment.
All that said, from a foil I would like to:
-get airborne with small sails from at least 10 knts with 5.7 or below that with 6.7 sqm sails
-carve and do jibes, duck jibes, 360 etc (or support my learning through these)
-freeriding upwind, downwind effectively and comfortably with decent (not warp but decent) speed, so far with the SS I got to 18-19 knts of speed, I guess I can handle more than that, at least 2-4 knts more.
I would say I am a proficient windsurfer, and decent folier up to now with 40 ish session on the belt.
The new Fanatic would be lighter as they claim (they listened your suggestions?!), stiff for sure, but is going to sustain flyght with 10 knts of wind with the 1000 front wing? Is going to support my desire for manoeuverability and trickery?
Can you please give me any feedback on those points?
thank you so much for any advice.
Ciao
Edoardo
Simple answer is yes.
Also theoretically the smaller higher aspect wings are not disadvantaged in windfoiling compared to larger lower aspect wings. They would have better lift to drag, and therefore will keep you foiling with less sail power. Need a tiny bit more board speed for initial flight which means an active pumping technique is required. But this board speed is also easier to achieve with a less draggy wing in tow.
Where less active sailors may prefer the low aspect foils, if you want ultimate low wind performance you want a higher aspect more efficient wing.
There is a myth out there that larger low aspect wings mean smaller sail sizes which is false. You can just as easily run an efficient high aspect wings with small freeride/wave sails. The higher aspect wings just also accommodate a lot of sailors who want to sail more "freerace/slalom" style where they prefer to be more powered or are used to a particular sail style.
Thank you swoosh for kind replay. Nikita here was reporting less effort pumping to male the fanatic 1000 fly compared to the ss 76,, and i had the same impression,; when i pump the 76 i feel Is so dragging that the equipment accelerates very Little requiring lots of effort to reach Flying Speed on marginal sub 10 knts wind. It May Be that lift to drago radio plays a big Role there or more than that the surface friction drag, or that my pumping technique Is weak :-).Just to calibrate what do you mean by Active pumping? 10+ guerilla like pump cycles or 2-3 pumps to get on Flying?
Select to expand quoteswoosh said..
There is a myth out there that larger low aspect wings mean smaller sail sizes which is false. You can just as easily run an efficient high aspect wings with small freeride/wave sails. The higher aspect wings just also accommodate a lot of sailors who want to sail more "freerace/slalom" style where they prefer to be more powered or are used to a particular sail style.
Technically, you're correct, but this kind of misses the point. Foiling gives the option to either use a relatively small sail with an upright stance, which is great for playing with waves and chop, or to use a larger sail with a more hiked out stance, great for more speed. With a small sail, it's pretty easy to have hour-long sessions without ever using the harness. Using a larger sail in the same conditions has me use the harness all the time, and I also switch from my waist to a seat harness, otherwise my back will start complaining after an hour. Basically, the larger sail means more effort.
The same is true for a smaller high aspect foil: to get onto the foil, you'll need more board speed, and unless you've got very good technique, a bit more muscle and effort. With a Starboard 800 front wing, I have to pump until I reach 13 knots board speed before the foil is stable. With a large Slingshot wing (i84 or i99) in the same conditions, I just step on the back to pop the board out, and sheet in. Very different.
So if you're willing to spend a bit more effort, a smaller, high aspect foil and a larger sail go quite well together. If you just want easy fun, a larger, lower aspect foil and smaller sail are a great combo. But that does not mean it has to be this way. I've sailed the faster 800 front wing with a 5.6 freestyle sail, and the Slingshot i84 with an 8.5 cambered sail, and had plenty of fun both times. As your technique improves, the differences also mean less - if you're foiling through all your jibes, never crash, and use the harness 100%, then a large sail and small foil are easy. But if you have to pump a lot after bad jibes, and have to uphaul a large cambered sail after crashes, the "small sail - large wing" combo is a lot easier.
Thank you Boardsurfr for your comment and insights.
my experience (limited i admit) with the SSi76 is that if it is relatively windy the behaviour is as you described; i feel pull from the harness, get on the back foot and hop it goes. The problem is in marginal winds, such as 10-11 knts. In this case also the i76 needs to get to some speed, and wind alone is not enough to get there; I start pumping but the board accelerates very slowly and the exercise become exhausting very soon. I was used to pump on to the plane while windsurfing and I was recon as one of the quickest to get going, so I believe my technique is (was) good enough (can always improve, Balz Muller does it better ...). Side by side with the fanatic 900 with 5.7 sail (I was on 6.7 ezzy hydra so powerfull sail), and I noticed the acceleration was much faster, after 3 pumps he was already ahead of me and was able to transfer the weight on the mast foot to flatten the board and get momentum while I was not...missing speed.
Generally I like to be powered up and go with the harness, and have no problem doing so, there is though a point in which any sail is not enough, and I would like to get that point to the lowest possible wind given the sail I got. What I saw happening is sort of contradicting the paradigm of large wing small sail and small high AR wing big sail; was exactly the opposite, that is why I was surprised, and why I am asking.
If there is something I need to learn myself to do the same with an high AR foil with small sails, I am more than glad to get suggestion to evolve along the windfoiling root.
So far what I got observing ss76 and fanatic 900 foils behaviour, is that low AR foils have the advantage of being able to fly, and maintain flight at low speed, so reassuring and friendly behaviour if you whant to stay on a slow moving wave or within the learning path of a beginner, since on the foil any speed seem to be much higher to the novice than the real one. The price for that is more drag, and low end I am afarid a more efficient high aspect foil may get going with less sail provided enough pumping to reach flight speed, once in the air the foil is so efficient that much less sail is needed.
The ultimate question is: is the pumping required something I can do or learn to do? or is this something only pros or close to pros (people with more than 100 session/year) can do without having shoulder dislocation or an heart attack? I am not a 'passive' windsurfer but not a pumping evil either so to say.
cheers
Select to expand quotedimacced said..
The ultimate question is: is the pumping required something I can do or learn to do? or is this something only pros or close to pros (people with more than 100 session/year) can do without having shoulder dislocation or an heart attack? I am not a 'passive' windsurfer but not a pumping evil either so to say.
cheers
I learned it in one season
Most pain I get is from elbow tendonitis (previous issue from rock climbing). However, I'm also learning to add in more foil pumping. I'm still not 100% coordinated, and my race board with high AR pumps a lot different than my hybrid board with low AR, but I can pump both now. Shove front foot forward and coordinate the movement, most of the effort being in the legs and hip movement.
Pumping was easier to learn on the high AR race kit because of the way the volume and footstraps are positioned, as well as the tail width. However, once I learned it there, pumping the i76 on the hybrid foil as well as pumping onto plane with a fin started to make a lot more sense.
Wish I had better videos of what my hips/legs are doing but low AR/i76 in light wind with 6.6:
Select to expand quoteboardsurfr said..swoosh said..
There is a myth out there that larger low aspect wings mean smaller sail sizes which is false. You can just as easily run an efficient high aspect wings with small freeride/wave sails. The higher aspect wings just also accommodate a lot of sailors who want to sail more "freerace/slalom" style where they prefer to be more powered or are used to a particular sail style.
Technically, you're correct, but this kind of misses the point. Foiling gives the option to either use a relatively small sail with an upright stance, which is great for playing with waves and chop, or to use a larger sail with a more hiked out stance, great for more speed. With a small sail, it's pretty easy to have hour-long sessions without ever using the harness. Using a larger sail in the same conditions has me use the harness all the time, and I also switch from my waist to a seat harness, otherwise my back will start complaining after an hour. Basically, the larger sail means more effort.
The same is true for a smaller high aspect foil: to get onto the foil, you'll need more board speed, and unless you've got very good technique, a bit more muscle and effort. With a Starboard 800 front wing, I have to pump until I reach 13 knots board speed before the foil is stable. With a large Slingshot wing (i84 or i99) in the same conditions, I just step on the back to pop the board out, and sheet in. Very different.
So if you're willing to spend a bit more effort, a smaller, high aspect foil and a larger sail go quite well together. If you just want easy fun, a larger, lower aspect foil and smaller sail are a great combo. But that does not mean it has to be this way. I've sailed the faster 800 front wing with a 5.6 freestyle sail, and the Slingshot i84 with an 8.5 cambered sail, and had plenty of fun both times. As your technique improves, the differences also mean less - if you're foiling through all your jibes, never crash, and use the harness 100%, then a large sail and small foil are easy. But if you have to pump a lot after bad jibes, and have to uphaul a large cambered sail after crashes, the "small sail - large wing" combo is a lot easier.
I think you miss my point. The point is you can run a smaller high aspect foil + small sail + upright stance. I do it every session.
From back to back sailing I can say a flow 1000 Has superior low end performance to a i76. Even the guys who are now sailing the phantasm gear are finally cottoning onto performance benefits of higher aspect foils.
I usually run anywhere from 2-3m smaller sail than non foilers, and 0.5-1.5m smaller sail than other foilers regardless of foil config.
Nothing wrong with a i76/84/99 and they were arguably the best when they first came out, but I would only buy it now if it was cheap second hand, essentially you are investing in a dead ecosystem. Doesn't look like slingshot will be building new wings for the hoverglide platform.
Select to expand quoteboardsurfr said..
Technically, you're correct, but this kind of misses the point. Foiling gives the option to either use a relatively small sail with an upright stance, which is great for playing with waves and chop, or to use a larger sail with a more hiked out stance, great for more speed. With a small sail, it's pretty easy to have hour-long sessions without ever using the harness. Using a larger sail in the same conditions has me use the harness all the time, and I also switch from my waist to a seat harness, otherwise my back will start complaining after an hour. Basically, the larger sail means more effort.
The same is true for a smaller high aspect foil: to get onto the foil, you'll need more board speed, and unless you've got very good technique, a bit more muscle and effort. With a Starboard 800 front wing, I have to pump until I reach 13 knots board speed before the foil is stable. With a large Slingshot wing (i84 or i99) in the same conditions, I just step on the back to pop the board out, and sheet in. Very different.
So if you're willing to spend a bit more effort, a smaller, high aspect foil and a larger sail go quite well together. If you just want easy fun, a larger, lower aspect foil and smaller sail are a great combo. But that does not mean it has to be this way. I've sailed the faster 800 front wing with a 5.6 freestyle sail, and the Slingshot i84 with an 8.5 cambered sail, and had plenty of fun both times. As your technique improves, the differences also mean less - if you're foiling through all your jibes, never crash, and use the harness 100%, then a large sail and small foil are easy. But if you have to pump a lot after bad jibes, and have to uphaul a large cambered sail after crashes, the "small sail - large wing" combo is a lot easier.
boardsurfr - I think you've summed it up well.
Wing width often gets overlooked in these high/low aspect debates.
In my view if you want to crank hard turns on waves and tight carves on windswells - around 830mm is the max width that's gonna work.
I cut down my 926 PTM high aspect wing to 830
Moderate width partly explains why the Infinity 76 is a demon carver when you have the experience to control the lift at speed.
Also why the Infinity 65 is still the most epic carving wing I've ridden/seen
Select to expand quoteboardsurfr said..
snip...
With a Starboard 800 front wing, I have to pump until I reach 13 knots board speed before the foil is stable. With a large Slingshot wing (i84 or i99) in the same conditions, I just step on the back to pop the board out, and sheet in. Very different...
There are wings in between 800cm2 and 2000+cm2. Just sayin... A lot of mid aspect wings 1000-1400 are quite fun to sail and really don't give up much if anything to the bigger low aspect wings, especially if you aren't hauling a lot of kg around. What they do give up as swoosh and others have mentioned, they gain back in glide where the bigger wings grind to a halt in a lull.
