I am thinking of getting an Axis Blast. There's a few for sale at some shops but I'm not seeing any reviews or detailed information about them.
Can anybody share any knowledge or experience of the Blast? I'm looking to get some of the benefits of a narrower board, somewhere between -10kg to +10kg for a daily ride.
I have had one for 2 or 3 months now, I am 72kg fairly average rider and got the 75l. Before that I had a Sunova Casey Aviator Wing also 75l but the Blast is 21'' wide vs 25.5''' for the Sunova, so getting used to the smaller width took a little while in choppy waters. I don't think it fits in the mid length category, it's a bit too short at 5'3, it's more a compact narrow board, so it is fairly thick but I haven't noticed it. In terms of take off it's not that much different to the Sunova, maybe a be easier once you get some board speed. It is definitely nicer in the air particularly if you want to crank up the angle going upwind, also a bit more nimble on a bump, but not amazingly better than my old board. it feels really well made and light, I really like it, it suit my riding conditions here in Perth, we get many days over 15 knots so I didn't feel the need for a true mid length.Went out he other day inlight winds 10-12 knots and getting up was a real struggle with an old 5m wing and a 1000cm2 HA foil, but that was expected.
I have a Blast having come from the same volume board Fanatic Sky Free TE 2023.
compared to the previous board it is narrower and has a different outline and bottom shape. All of this makes it feel less sticky for take offs and touch downs as well as less likely to catch when tight turning. I am very happy with the Blast and would recommend it. If you can get a demo in the right size for you, try it.
I have a 85L Blast and been riding it for 6 months. It releases off the water beautifully and the touch downs don't catch and are easy to recover. It is 22" wide and I have found it a bit tippy in choppy conditions @85kg for an intermediate but experienced winger. The construction is good and is light weight. My only feedback is the mast track could be a bit further forward to get your back foot strap further forward and over the mast. The mint colour grows on you over time and looks good.
Has anyone ridden the Blast and Hybrid? Personally, the dimensions of the Hybrid appeal more to me, but what advantages does the Blast have?
I have both the blast and the hybrid.
I use the hybrid for light wind days
it is narrower and longer and has no foot strap inserts.
I have the 75 litre blast, I am 85 kg dry and come from the 85 litre froth. winging.I have only had 4 sessions but love the blast, much lighter, seems durable and the grip and weight distribution feel better.
10-20% easier off the water than the froth, pumps up on foil better and great to throw around as much surfier and turny due to the reduction in weight.Only a small amount more tippy and the drop of 10 litres is not too much of an issue for me. quite stable for the width and volume drop I chose.
Hoping to run this with a parawing when i get one in 3-4 months. I have a 120l downwind board too, so a good combo.
I have the 65 litre Blast. About 20 (?) sessions on it now. My first sub 85-litre board, I am 81 kgs. Intermediate but ambitious wingfoiler. I also have a 90 litre custom mid length, so nice combo.
Apart from very light conditions or when I need to go a bit to get out to the wind line (or back), I almost exclusively use the Blast 65. I run it with Axis ART V2s, 999 and 879. With the 999 and my 5.5 wing, I'd say that I get going in about 12 knots, maybe a bit less. The take-off is actually not that far off from my 90 litre mid, I was expecting a bigger difference. Really like the board, light, good construction (it is different from the previous red Axis wing boards, other factory?).
I was a bit hesitant about the size, but now think that it is perfect. I can schlog back if needed, and it feel nice an nimble when riding on it. Unfortunately, I cannot compare it with so many other boards in the same size since I have only tried a couple. But, I think that the length, width and overall shape is spot on for my needs.
