Select to expand quotepatronus said..Windoc said..
At your 57 kg I'm really surprised you find the Armstrong 85 mast unusable. At over 90kg it's my feeling that I really only start to feel undesired flex with my 1125. All of the smaller HAs and HS foils feel really good to me on the 85. This being the case, it sounds like Armstrong has had enough criticism of flexible connections and a softer mast flex and possibly lots of us who just don't know any better have adapted to the so called "engineered" flex. I am hoping to see a stiffer Armstrong mast in the near future as the entire system is so nice to use and customer support is amazing. Good luck in your new relationship 
.
I am not good enough to separate 'flaws' in equipment from technique. What's the problem and symptoms of the Armstrong flex compared to say Axis?
Armstrong is loose at the connections. Flip the board over and move the foil around and you'll see how the connection points are super loose. Not saying it can't be ridden like this. But let's not pretend Armstrong gear is something it's not. It's not Axis and it's not Cedrus.
Select to expand quotecct305 said..patronus said..Windoc said..
At your 57 kg I'm really surprised you find the Armstrong 85 mast unusable. At over 90kg it's my feeling that I really only start to feel undesired flex with my 1125. All of the smaller HAs and HS foils feel really good to me on the 85. This being the case, it sounds like Armstrong has had enough criticism of flexible connections and a softer mast flex and possibly lots of us who just don't know any better have adapted to the so called "engineered" flex. I am hoping to see a stiffer Armstrong mast in the near future as the entire system is so nice to use and customer support is amazing. Good luck in your new relationship .
I am not good enough to separate 'flaws' in equipment from technique. What's the problem and symptoms of the Armstrong flex compared to say Axis?
Armstrong is loose at the connections. Flip the board over and move the foil around and you'll see how the connection points are super loose. Not saying it can't be ridden like this. But let's not pretend Armstrong gear is something it's not. It's not Axis and it's not Cedrus.
I've got three masts and three fuses and several front wings. I do not see any wiggle in the connections when I tighten up my A+ kit. Some others gear may not be mating well, but that's an easy fix.
Select to expand quotejohndg said..
I use the Cedrus mast with Axis and Lift adapters. Rode Armie to start and was happy and the tried the Axis hps, then Art foils and bought them. Wasnt using Armstrong so sold them.
Heard about Cedrus through the Progression podcast and they sounded good. And the ability to change foil brands without a complete gear change.
I am happy to have made the decision.
Foiling is new sport and it is in a growth "arms race" now. Some product will be good, some not so.
Life is short so enjoy.
Hey mate, I've just done exactly the same, it's reassuring to hear your happy with the decision, Mines due by end of the month.
Heavier foilers seem to have be forgotten about up until now, Go Foil and Cedrus was the only solution till recent times with the release of HM Axis and Armie Masts.
Due to being 100kgs and the flex I was experiencing with the 72cm A+ mast I gave up on Armstrong, I want that direct feel and pump and glide of a stiffer mast. I understand Armie have made huge improvement with the recently new released mast, but I had demoed some Axis gear on ali mast which felt way better and already decided to change prior.
While waiting for my Cedrus to arrive, I've been riding the Axis 75cm HM, I'm enjoying the feel and getting good pump and glide. Hopefully my 86cm Carbon Cedrus lives up to the positive reviews I've read. The modular Armie fuse might be next order if the MA wings are as good as the hype is making out.
Personally my main reason to go with Cedrus is that each brand just keeps getting better, now I can just buy a new adapter and ride which ever foil I want with out changing an expensive mast each time.
Keen to hear any update now you've got a few more months of riding on the Cedrus under you?
I've heard really good things about the new sab mid aspect foils recently. Go foil would be my next choice.
I have 2 North carbon Sonar setups. I don't think the connections could be any more solid. I have "wiggled" other brands on the beach and noticed some of others have some play to them. I am fairly new at this, so I can't speak how stiff the masts are. I have the carbon 72 and 85 masts and they seem stiff to me.
I would like to hear some other comments on the North carbon foils. They don't appear to be very popular on here.
A+ was all the answer not long ago.and now that's not good enough. I understand there is progression in technology, but I'm also done with Armstrong & drinking the "annual koolaid"
Riding their HA series extensively has made me a more accomplished rider for sure.
But after using cedrus masts on foils that have as much speed & more glide than I've experienced on Armstrong foils, I'm sold & my riding has improved further.
Pity I can't pay anyone enough to take all my Armstrong gear...that's rather telling I think!
Select to expand quoteStrat919 said..
I have 2 North carbon Sonar setups. I don't think the connections could be any more solid. I have "wiggled" other brands on the beach and noticed some of others have some play to them. I am fairly new at this, so I can't speak how stiff the masts are. I have the carbon 72 and 85 masts and they seem stiff to me.
I would like to hear some other comments on the North carbon foils. They don't appear to be very popular on here.
Tucker likes them. Especially since the new stab was launched. Yep North quality is second to none (I speak from the wings pov)
After long consideration I went Sabfoil. They love complexity..which annoys me. Mast stiffness .. I don't know yet what to think (my AFS mast was super stiff and gave a great feel) Surely the velcro on the Sabfoil wing covers are of laughable quality. The 999, 945, and 370 do make for an exciting ride. But I want everything 
Select to expand quoteMidAtlanticFoil said..cct305 said..patronus said..Windoc said..
At your 57 kg I'm really surprised you find the Armstrong 85 mast unusable. At over 90kg it's my feeling that I really only start to feel undesired flex with my 1125. All of the smaller HAs and HS foils feel really good to me on the 85. This being the case, it sounds like Armstrong has had enough criticism of flexible connections and a softer mast flex and possibly lots of us who just don't know any better have adapted to the so called "engineered" flex. I am hoping to see a stiffer Armstrong mast in the near future as the entire system is so nice to use and customer support is amazing. Good luck in your new relationship .
I am not good enough to separate 'flaws' in equipment from technique. What's the problem and symptoms of the Armstrong flex compared to say Axis?
Armstrong is loose at the connections. Flip the board over and move the foil around and you'll see how the connection points are super loose. Not saying it can't be ridden like this. But let's not pretend Armstrong gear is something it's not. It's not Axis and it's not Cedrus.
I've got three masts and three fuses and several front wings. I do not see any wiggle in the connections when I tighten up my A+ kit. Some others gear may not be mating well, but that's an easy fix.
Same here. I have over 1500 miles winging this year alone and all my Armstrong connections are tight.
Select to expand quote
Armstrong is loose at the connections. Flip the board over and move the foil around and you'll see how the connection points are super loose. Not saying it can't be ridden like this. But let's not pretend Armstrong gear is something it's not. It's not Axis and it's not Cedrus.
I've been riding mine for 2 years with over 3000 miles and there is nothing loose on my kit. There are lots of others Armstrong riders around on Oahu and I've never heard or seen anything like this. If you know someone with a loose kit that is assembled properly and hasn't been damaged somehow it's most likely a rarity or a warranty issue.
Same as above. Lost count of how many armie foils and setups I've used and seen between my son and I and others. Never experienced this. Doesn't mean it doesn't exist though. Man things are moving quickly looking at posts above given the new armie mast released. I do understand the frustration on masts though - been a long patient haul.
Select to expand quoteSammyJ said..johndg said..
I use the Cedrus mast with Axis and Lift adapters. Rode Armie to start and was happy and the tried the Axis hps, then Art foils and bought them. Wasnt using Armstrong so sold them.
Heard about Cedrus through the Progression podcast and they sounded good. And the ability to change foil brands without a complete gear change.
I am happy to have made the decision.
Foiling is new sport and it is in a growth "arms race" now. Some product will be good, some not so.
Life is short so enjoy.
Hey mate, I've just done exactly the same, it's reassuring to hear your happy with the decision, Mines due by end of the month.
Heavier foilers seem to have be forgotten about up until now, Go Foil and Cedrus was the only solution till recent times with the release of HM Axis and Armie Masts.
Due to being 100kgs and the flex I was experiencing with the 72cm A+ mast I gave up on Armstrong, I want that direct feel and pump and glide of a stiffer mast. I understand Armie have made huge improvement with the recently new released mast, but I had demoed some Axis gear on ali mast which felt way better and already decided to change prior.
While waiting for my Cedrus to arrive, I've been riding the Axis 75cm HM, I'm enjoying the feel and getting good pump and glide. Hopefully my 86cm Carbon Cedrus lives up to the positive reviews I've read. The modular Armie fuse might be next order if the MA wings are as good as the hype is making out.
Personally my main reason to go with Cedrus is that each brand just keeps getting better, now I can just buy a new adapter and ride which ever foil I want with out changing an expensive mast each time.
Keen to hear any update now you've got a few more months of riding on the Cedrus under you?
Looking forward to your Cedrus vs Axis HM post. Keep us posted please!
The connections of my amstrong setup got loose by time. Any idea what's the best way to fix it? Just put some epoxy on the fuse?
Select to expand quoteLago said..
The connections of my amstrong setup got loose by time. Any idea what's the best way to fix it? Just put some epoxy on the fuse?
I'd swap wings and fuses with mates to see if it wings or fuse that has worn.
In windsurfing the join between 2-part masts wears and once it starts the wear seems to accelerate. I suspect masts wear as parts are rotated together and apart. Armstrong's straight-on assembly looks good and always firmly bang into position so there is no play during use
Select to expand quoteLago said..
The connections of my amstrong setup got loose by time. Any idea what's the best way to fix it? Just put some epoxy on the fuse?
Are you using the A+ fuse? If not, that would very likely fix the issue. If you are using the A+, I would contact armstrong.
Thanks for the tips!
The front wing is A+, mast and fuse are not. However the conection of mast and fuse is super solid, as I never separate them. I only have the problem between front winge and fuse. Here I use the A+ barrel nut. So should be fine. I will go to a shop to check if the fuse or wing is worn of.
Select to expand quoteLago said..
Thanks for the tips!
The front wing is A+, mast and fuse are not. However the conection of mast and fuse is super solid, as I never separate them. I only have the problem between front winge and fuse. Here I use the A+ barrel nut. So should be fine. I will go to a shop to check if the fuse or wing is worn of.
If one is worn please let us know.
Select to expand quotepatronus said..Lago said..
Thanks for the tips!
The front wing is A+, mast and fuse are not. However the conection of mast and fuse is super solid, as I never separate them. I only have the problem between front winge and fuse. Here I use the A+ barrel nut. So should be fine. I will go to a shop to check if the fuse or wing is worn of.
If one is worn please let us know.
Sure!
I just checked my setup with different front wings and fuses. Turned out, that my front wing is slightly worn out and my fuse quite a lot. Will try to fix it with epoxy, which should not be to hard.
Basic engineering requirements are that a taper fit never bottoms, that means as the taper wears the slop is immediately taken up by the male portion moving inwards.
Sabfoil used to use this on their mast/fuselage connection, there being at least a 1mm gap under the mast so any wear the mast moves inwards and the joint remains tight.
Armstrong doesn't allow that inward movement to take up any wear, so extra bolts are added to try and stop any movement. Add to that it is carbon on carbon joint, very brittle and wears easily
Best to avoid disassembling too much and make sure those bolts are tight.
Select to expand quoteLago said..
Thanks for the tips!
The front wing is A+, mast and fuse are not. However the conection of mast and fuse is super solid, as I never separate them. I only have the problem between front winge and fuse. Here I use the A+ barrel nut. So should be fine. I will go to a shop to check if the fuse or wing is worn of.
i had a lot of play in my setup with A+ front wing, A+ mast, older (not A+) fuselage. Got the A+ fuselage and it's all rock solid. Worth the $500 investment.
Select to expand quoteairsail said..
Basic engineering requirements are that a taper fit never bottoms, that means as the taper wears the slop is immediately taken up by the male portion moving inwards.
Sabfoil used to use this on their mast/fuselage connection, there being at least a 1mm gap under the mast so any wear the mast moves inwards and the joint remains tight.
Armstrong doesn't allow that inward movement to take up any wear, so extra bolts are added to try and stop any movement. Add to that it is carbon on carbon joint, very brittle and wears easily
Best to avoid disassembling too much and make sure those bolts are tight.
Armie gives the leading edge a good thump to ensure it is snug onto fuse.
Select to expand quotebeached57 said..Lago said..
Thanks for the tips!
The front wing is A+, mast and fuse are not. However the conection of mast and fuse is super solid, as I never separate them. I only have the problem between front winge and fuse. Here I use the A+ barrel nut. So should be fine. I will go to a shop to check if the fuse or wing is worn of.
i had a lot of play in my setup with A+ front wing, A+ mast, older (not A+) fuselage. Got the A+ fuselage and it's all rock solid. Worth the $500 investment.
The A+ fuse which I tested felt really solide. However, $500 is still an investemen... So first I will try to fix my fuse. If that won't work I might switch to another brand. I now, this would be a way bigger investemen. But I am affraid, that the new A+ fuse would soon be worn off to.
I just asked Armstrong about the best way to fix the fuse. They responded super quickly and after I send them a video which showed the problem, they offered me a new A+ fuse for free. I am speechless. Such an amazing service!
