I've done a good bit of wind foiling so I'm picking up winging pretty quickly. Keen to get some of my own kit and am pretty close to pushing the button, but keen for some opinions as I don't know a lot about winging stuff:
I'm 80kg, can get up on the foil and do straight lines comfortably but can't gybe. I'm looking at a 105 board which I tried and is probably the smallest I can reasonably get up on at this stage. Also I mainly sail in choppy-ish coastal locations. I'm committed to Axis as there is a local supplier and lots of folks around with it. I'm looking at 4m, 5m and 6m wings.
1- I'm thinking of the HPS 1050 or 980. I've sailed both, and seen awesome reviews of the 1050, but the guy teaching me says it's too big for an 80kg rider? I'm unsure
2- Fuselage length: I'm caught between the short and ultrashort. Looking for stability to help learn to gybe but I've heard that the ultrashort is a good improvement in manoeuvrability
3- Rear stab: is there much difference between the 375p and 400p
TIA
Sounds like you are a quick learner.
HPS 980 or even better the 930 as these are the best for all levels and match with Ps 300, 325 or maybe a 350 - all available second hand at good prices.
If you want new perhaps consider the new Spitfire however, some reports say they may be best suited to guys with more experience.
I'm 92kg and came from windfoiling too. I've been learning (<12mths)on the 980 and it has been good
Rob, did you start on Axis, or did you switch? Can you tell more about your experience and learning curve - like how does it compare to your previous foils in jibes (assuming you started on something else)? I'm ready to upgrade my foils for winging, but not sure what brand to go to. Armstrong is an option (Nina loves them and still has front wings I could use), but thinking of Stroppo and others switching away from Armstrong, I wonder if Armstrong works better for lighter wingers. Go foils is problematic for travelling. Axis seems attractive since they also support windfoil, and have a decent alu -> carbon upgrade path.
I started wing foiling about 10 months ago and have gone from complete beginner to gybes both directions, tacks one way, I am 87kg and come from an extensive windsurfing back ground. I started on a Axis "original" S foil 920 but only used that for about a month as it had far too much lift and was "so slow". Then transitioned to a HPS 1050, this is my current setup with a 400P and Short fuse. Adrian from axis recommends the short length with the HPS series wings. Although I could probably ride a ultra short now. I ride this from 10-25knts, although its getting to be a bit much lift at 25knts and I have just got my hands on a SF960 for those conditions, but not tested yet.
So, at your weight and ability I would think a HPS 980 with short fuse and 350P or 375P would be the go.
Hi
im 80kg foil in open sea and occasional in land waters. I now have progressed on to the Axis 1050/930 with a 375p on ultra short.
I prob use the 1050 the most. I like how I can get on foil quickly, and the glide you get on swell with the 1050. I use the 930 in stronger winds, it feels looser, handles better. I do find the 930 a bit tricker to get on foil when it's a really rough sea as it needs board speed which can be tough when constantly hitting swell. If only going for one foil I would think the 980 would cover you better, I do like the 8-10knt conditions where the 1050 works really well.
Select to expand quoteboardsurfr said..
Rob, did you start on Axis, or did you switch? Can you tell more about your experience and learning curve - like how does it compare to your previous foils in jibes (assuming you started on something else)? I'm ready to upgrade my foils for winging, but not sure what brand to go to. Armstrong is an option (Nina loves them and still has front wings I could use), but thinking of Stroppo and others switching away from Armstrong, I wonder if Armstrong works better for lighter wingers. Go foils is problematic for travelling. Axis seems attractive since they also support windfoil, and have a decent alu -> carbon upgrade path.
Peter, I started windfoiling on Starboard gear. Despite efforts to maintain it, this gear deteriorated, and I found the lack of available replacement components (in particular, fuselages) pretty frustrating. Because of this experience, I was attracted by the good availability of 2nd hand Axis gear and at good prices. I thought about getting a windfoil fuselage, but ending up deciding to commit to either windfoil or winging and I chose the latter (not about to get rid of my speedsailing gear though!!)
For winging I started with an HPS980 and have now added an ART999. I can see a bit of wing shuffling ahead of me, I'm now thinking I should swap the 980 for a HPS1050 (better light wind) and maybe add an HPS830 for a bit of wave action. I have the standard fuse, but would like to try a short.
I like the idea of full carbon foils like GoFoil, but so far my aluminum Axis fuse is holding up well (unlike the SB stuff). I dont know if current Armstrong mast stiffness is improved, but Ive seen other wingers who seem happy with them (Strop pushes his gear a bit harder than we will!). I'll be staying with Axis for now, but I don't think you'd go wrong with Armstrong , GoFoil, or a few other options either.
Love the HPS 1050 and it was the key for me learning to gybe. I use it up until 20 knots and then switch to a smaller HPS. They are great foils. predictable and easy to get going and really fun. If you can find them used I might try and do 2 you can use the same mast, fuse and tail. I am all about having fun and in light wind don't want to struggle to get on foil that is what is so great about the 1050.
Select to expand quoteStretchy said..
Peter, I started windfoiling on Starboard gear. Despite efforts to maintain it, this gear deteriorated, and I found the lack of available replacement components (in particular, fuselages) pretty frustrating. Because of this experience, I was attracted by the good availability of 2nd hand Axis gear and at good prices. I thought about getting a windfoil fuselage, but ending up deciding to commit to either windfoil or winging and I chose the latter (not about to get rid of my speedsailing gear though!!)
For winging I started with an HPS980 and have now added an ART999. I can see a bit of wing shuffling ahead of me, I'm now thinking I should swap the 980 for a HPS1050 (better light wind) and maybe add an HPS830 for a bit of wave action. I have the standard fuse, but would like to try a short.
I like the idea of full carbon foils like GoFoil, but so far my aluminum Axis fuse is holding up well (unlike the SB stuff). I dont know if current Armstrong mast stiffness is improved, but Ive seen other wingers who seem happy with them (Strop pushes his gear a bit harder than we will!). I'll be staying with Axis for now, but I don't think you'd go wrong with Armstrong , GoFoil, or a few other options either.
Thanks for the info, Rob. I had a couple of sessions on Armstrong gear now. Loved the weight while carrying it, but on the water, it did not work for me at all. Maybe the trim was wrong, or maybe I'd need more sessions to get used to it, but the sessions were frustrating enough that I don't want to try again. I have not any issues with the SB gear deteriorating (unlike SS gear before that!), but I think they made so many mistakes that their foils are dead, except for IQ. Way too many incompatible fuses, and even the mast-fuse connection that looks the same is actually different enough from the carbon mast I have that I cannot use if with the wing fuse. Add to that incompatible "improvements" every year, and the retailers in the US have pretty much given up on them. They have more 2021 gear available than newer gear.
One thing about the Axis gear I did not like much is that the mast-fuse connection only uses 2 bolts. Did you ever notice that the front bolt has come loose? This was one big issue for the SS gear for me (with several broken fuses) and others that eventually drove me away. But the SS connection is just flat, while the Axis connection at least is U-shaped.
I know several wingers who landed on Go Foils after using other brands, so I'd love to try them, but not being able to travel with them is a deal killer. I also find it quite curious that Go Foils states "Built with 100% pre-preg carbon fiber", but when I look at the finish on the mast and fuse, there's absolutely no indication of carbon fibers. In contrast, every carbon foil, mast, boom, or fin I ever used clearly showed carbon fibers.
It looks more like an alu foil with respect to the finish. The price of their sets of around $1400 US are also typical for alu foils. Carbon sets usually cost $1000 more.The phrase "Built with 100% carbon" seems rather carefully formulated to imply a full carbon construction, without actually stating that the mast-fuse combo is 100% carbon.
82kg winger with extensive windsurfing background, 1.5 seasons windfoiling (SS gear), then 50 sessions winging, the last 20 on HPS 1050/short black/125L Fanatic. Love the 1050 and starting to make jibes consistently. Great glider. I would base your decision of which HPS on your local wind speeds. My general wind speed here in the US Midwest is low teens mph, so 1050 works great with 6.5m Slick. When wind goes over 20mph I move down to 4.5 Slick and stick with 1050. Someday I may get a smaller HPS but for now I am happy grooving my jibes with 1050.
Select to expand quotemarc5 said..
50 sessions winging, the last 20 on HPS 1050/short black/125L Fanatic. Love the 1050 and starting to make jibes consistently.
I have seen comments that the right wings can make jibing a lot easier. What's your take on that, comparing your initial SS and the HPS1050?
Peter I don't find the ART999 much more difficult to gybe than the HPS980.
Most of my issues arise when: 1/ I stop focusing 90% on carving the board, 10% hand wing; 2/ I mishandle the hand wing, throwing me off balance and upsetting the carve; or 3/ I'm intimidated by a challenging water state above my current skill level.
At my low skill level, I have most success when I follow my nose, rather than trying to bank into the turn. This is where the glide of the HPS and ART is helpful, because you don't need to rush.
Select to expand quoteboardsurfr said..Stretchy said..
Peter, I started windfoiling on Starboard gear. Despite efforts to maintain it, this gear deteriorated, and I found the lack of available replacement components (in particular, fuselages) pretty frustrating. Because of this experience, I was attracted by the good availability of 2nd hand Axis gear and at good prices. I thought about getting a windfoil fuselage, but ending up deciding to commit to either windfoil or winging and I chose the latter (not about to get rid of my speedsailing gear though!!)
For winging I started with an HPS980 and have now added an ART999. I can see a bit of wing shuffling ahead of me, I'm now thinking I should swap the 980 for a HPS1050 (better light wind) and maybe add an HPS830 for a bit of wave action. I have the standard fuse, but would like to try a short.
I like the idea of full carbon foils like GoFoil, but so far my aluminum Axis fuse is holding up well (unlike the SB stuff). I dont know if current Armstrong mast stiffness is improved, but Ive seen other wingers who seem happy with them (Strop pushes his gear a bit harder than we will!). I'll be staying with Axis for now, but I don't think you'd go wrong with Armstrong , GoFoil, or a few other options either.
Thanks for the info, Rob. I had a couple of sessions on Armstrong gear now. Loved the weight while carrying it, but on the water, it did not work for me at all. Maybe the trim was wrong, or maybe I'd need more sessions to get used to it, but the sessions were frustrating enough that I don't want to try again. I have not any issues with the SB gear deteriorating (unlike SS gear before that!), but I think they made so many mistakes that their foils are dead, except for IQ. Way too many incompatible fuses, and even the mast-fuse connection that looks the same is actually different enough from the carbon mast I have that I cannot use if with the wing fuse. Add to that incompatible "improvements" every year, and the retailers in the US have pretty much given up on them. They have more 2021 gear available than newer gear.
One thing about the Axis gear I did not like much is that the mast-fuse connection only uses 2 bolts. Did you ever notice that the front bolt has come loose? This was one big issue for the SS gear for me (with several broken fuses) and others that eventually drove me away. But the SS connection is just flat, while the Axis connection at least is U-shaped.
I know several wingers who landed on Go Foils after using other brands, so I'd love to try them, but not being able to travel with them is a deal killer. I also find it quite curious that Go Foils states "Built with 100% pre-preg carbon fiber", but when I look at the finish on the mast and fuse, there's absolutely no indication of carbon fibers. In contrast, every carbon foil, mast, boom, or fin I ever used clearly showed carbon fibers.
It looks more like an alu foil with respect to the finish. The price of their sets of around $1400 US are also typical for alu foils. Carbon sets usually cost $1000 more.The phrase "Built with 100% carbon" seems rather carefully formulated to imply a full carbon construction, without actually stating that the mast-fuse combo is 100% carbon.
Been riding Axis gear for about 6 years and never had the two bolts on the mast/fuselage come loose. I'm a heavy rider and use my Axis gear for kite and wing....always good.
86kg, rider, 85ltr Fanatic Sky Style 2023 I use the HPS 1050 and 880, love love love the 1050 for getting up in light winds 8knts with the Strike 8m, I sail in open seas with chop, the 1050 takes a longer curve for the gybe the 880 can turn on the spot. The HPS are really well designed for wingfoiling, the new Spitfire is more suitable for surfing and hard turns I believe. Now experimenting with different stabs, changing from progressive to the new Skinny's With the 1050 you can't go wrong really, its a great wing and used it in all wind speeds when I can't be bothered to change it, but also depends on the sea state not always the wind.
86kg, rider, 85ltr Fanatic Sky Style 2023 I use the HPS 1050 and 880, love love love the 1050 for getting up in light winds 8knts with the Strike 8m, I sail in open seas with chop, the 1050 takes a longer curve for the gybe the 880 can turn on the spot. The HPS are really well designed for wingfoiling, the new Spitfire is more suitable for surfing and hard turns I believe. Now experimenting with different stabs, changing from progressive to the new Skinny's With the 1050 you can't go wrong really, its a great wing and used it in all wind speeds when I can't be bothered to change it, but also depends on the sea state not always the wind.
Boardsufr, 1050 for me has been a game changer for jibing. Of course, I am further along in my journey, but I believe the glide of the 1050 vs the SS i series makes a big difference. 1050 is very slippery due to higher AR and thinness. I think the 1050 is also more pitch stable, even at higher speeds. Most recent session this week I put together 10 consecutive jibes, not switching feet, just going heelside to toeside and back and forth. This after just 5 sessions ago I could rarely make one!!!
