Forums > Wing Foiling General

How good is the new North Sonar?

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Created by MProject04 > 9 months ago, 18 Feb 2023
ThomasK
6 posts
17 May 2025 4:21PM
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Shlogger said..

calc said..
Hey All, trying to decide between the dw1100 and the sf1080. Im mainly riding flat water, not much in the way of local surf. i have been able to demo the sf1080 and really liked it, but cant demo the dw.
According to north the dw should be a little quicker than the sf, and should have a little more glide, with a bit less turn.
Anyone who has ridden both? If you could only have one for mainly flat water, which way woulf you go?
Thanks


I've had both, the DW1100 is faster, pumps faster and glides far better, however the turning of the SF1080 is far easier. The DW1100 can be turned aggressively but it's far more technical. So it'll depend on what you want to do. If your waterbody has some chop trains to glide on, I'd lean towards the DW, however is you want to try new moves and jump, I'd go SF.


I would fully acknowledge this from my experience...

larsdegroot
164 posts
17 May 2025 6:17PM
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Is there actually anyone who does real freestyle/jumping ect on the SF series? I'm always on the MA850v2 but sometimes i miss the glide...

Tangur
73 posts
17 May 2025 7:30PM
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larsdegroot said..
Is there actually anyone who does real freestyle/jumping ect on the SF series? I'm always on the MA850v2 but sometimes i miss the glide...


Ask Fabi @muhmenthaler or Marley @gnarly.marley

MProject04
622 posts
21 May 2025 4:40AM
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Any experiences here of folks using the DW750, DW820 and DW900 for winging? Especially in bumps/smallish rollers/waves? How good are these wings for pumping and connecting small waves?

The specs of these three wings are very close. Only that the 750 and 820 have a bit more AR. If I choose 750 what am I missing out on 820? And same for 900 to 820.

There is so little review material out there. Gav spoke a about the 900 and 750 for winging in one of his videos and that's about it.

Of course these front wings are positioned for DW but the sonar guide also shows them suited for downwind winging, lightwind wing.. but no mention of small waves.

I only note one user (kyrojoe) on the previous page being super happy with the 820 on the waves

Thanks!

kyrojoe
WA, 49 posts
21 May 2025 12:26PM
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couldnt me Happier with the 820 and HM MAST A AND 142 STAB... wave riding.. swell connecting.. all with wint power (3.5, 4.2 and 5.5 wings)

hoping soon to get a MIDI board and 4mt parawing and test my luck with the 820dw....fingers crossed that I'll never need a longer high aspect front foil... love the 820..playful, fast, amazingg low end, turns way better than I ever expected.. tonz of fun with guns in the sun.

MProject04
622 posts
21 May 2025 4:39PM
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kyrojoe said..
couldnt me Happier with the 820 and HM MAST A AND 142 STAB... wave riding.. swell connecting.. all with wint power (3.5, 4.2 and 5.5 wings)

hoping soon to get a MIDI board and 4mt parawing and test my luck with the 820dw....fingers crossed that I'll never need a longer high aspect front foil... love the 820..playful, fast, amazingg low end, turns way better than I ever expected.. tonz of fun with guns in the sun.


Thanks mate! Now if North can only stock these.. what's going on btw? Both Mystic and North online shops are having loads of items out of stock! I understand they are part of NAG. Is it covid again? Is there a container ship somewhere stuck or sank without our knowledge? Did containers fall off?

UisceBeatha
129 posts
22 May 2025 4:58PM
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MProject04 said..

kyrojoe said..
couldnt me Happier with the 820 and HM MAST A AND 142 STAB... wave riding.. swell connecting.. all with wint power (3.5, 4.2 and 5.5 wings)

hoping soon to get a MIDI board and 4mt parawing and test my luck with the 820dw....fingers crossed that I'll never need a longer high aspect front foil... love the 820..playful, fast, amazingg low end, turns way better than I ever expected.. tonz of fun with guns in the sun.



Thanks mate! Now if North can only stock these.. what's going on btw? Both Mystic and North online shops are having loads of items out of stock! I understand they are part of NAG. Is it covid again? Is there a container ship somewhere stuck or sank without our knowledge? Did containers fall off?


Mystic support told me end of May (the date has moved) and end of June for stock updates. I'm waiting on those new stabs.....

TuberiderG
6 posts
22 May 2025 5:39PM
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Stabilizer recommendation - next step.

I (98 kg) ride the SF830, SF930, SF1080. Mostly Baltic Sea and North Sea in smaller waves.

I use the S208 as a stabilizer for all sizes. Going back a few pages, that was something like the standard setup of some here... Do most people still ride it like this or is it worth switching to the S142? When the S142 was new, it seemed that some people were not so enthusiastic - early conversion problems or did you sell the S142 again?

SF930 + S142 now the best combination?

Thanks!

WingdingAndy
1 posts
22 May 2025 11:13PM
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I'm a beginner 86kg- I can reliably get up on foil and ride with both feet forward, I can't gybe yet.

I've been using the dw1100 for the past few months. I have been enjoying it quite a bit. I can get going with it in sub 10knot conditions.

I wanted to try something smaller.

I gambled and bought the new sf530 wing. I can report that it's a very easy wing to ride. I expected to struggle with it, but that's not the case. It certainly takes a bit more wind to get out of the water than the dw1100, but not that much more. I would describe it as a comfy foil to ride. It is maneuverable, but not in a hard to control way.

I don't think that it's a very fast foil. Surprisingly I only hit about 19.5knot max speed with it. That could be due to the stabilizer I was using a s192 which isn't what North recommends on their rider's guide. I would like to try maybe the s122 or s145v2, but I don't feel like I need to rush out and make that change, maybe I will cut my s192 down as recommended by others.

kyrojoe
WA, 49 posts
1 Jun 2025 2:48AM
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Holy HUGE quiver jumps Andy! from a dw1100 to the SF 530?? WOW! I'm impressed that you talk so mildly about the "subtle" differences between the two! ??????

but I I'm STOKED to hear that you found the sf530 to be a relatively easy foil to get up on... my plan this summer is to grab one also.. but I was worried it would be too big of a jump from the 830SF...
I also really want it for those days when I decide to KITEFOIL because the 830 just has SOO much float that it becomes a challenge in light winds to keep the lines tight! ????(1st world problems for sure)

TooMuchEpoxy
419 posts
1 Jun 2025 6:24AM
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kyrojoe said..
Holy HUGE quiver jumps Andy! from a dw1100 to the SF 530?? WOW! I'm impressed that you talk so mildly about the "subtle" differences between the two! ??????

but I I'm STOKED to hear that you found the sf530 to be a relatively easy foil to get up on... my plan this summer is to grab one also.. but I was worried it would be too big of a jump from the 830SF...
I also really want it for those days when I decide to KITEFOIL because the 830 just has SOO much float that it becomes a challenge in light winds to keep the lines tight! ????(1st world problems for sure)


Yeah, I find the 930 pairs well with the 680. I think if I had a 830 there would be too much overlap(with both) so getting the 530 tracks. I'm running a heavily chopped 178 which is awesome for the 680. I run a super stiff board/mast/fuse setup and I can definitely feel the flex in the 680. It's not tragic but at my 200lbs I think the 530 would be a dealbreaker(but I'm a freak for stiffness your mileage may vary)

SlowlyButSurely
207 posts
3 Jun 2025 3:25PM
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MProject04 said..
Any experiences here of folks using the DW750, DW820 and DW900 for winging? Especially in bumps/smallish rollers/waves? How good are these wings for pumping and connecting small waves?

The specs of these three wings are very close. Only that the 750 and 820 have a bit more AR. If I choose 750 what am I missing out on 820? And same for 900 to 820.

There is so little review material out there. Gav spoke a about the 900 and 750 for winging in one of his videos and that's about it.

Of course these front wings are positioned for DW but the sonar guide also shows them suited for downwind winging, lightwind wing.. but no mention of small waves.

I only note one user (kyrojoe) on the previous page being super happy with the 820 on the waves

Thanks!


DW900 is a dream for winging in condition from 10-15kt. I paired first with S142 but found it v pitch unstable, then I switched S192 and I love it. Much better handling without sacrificing turning too much.I am now considering selling all my SF and just move to DW.Anybody tried the DW750 o DW690 yet? I know it has been asked already but havent found much feedback on them yet. Which stab have you used them with? How to they compared with the SF?North should really hurry up and work on newer more modern HA, but in the meantime the DW in smaller sizes seem a good compromise for people who want faster fronts than the SF.

screwball
9 posts
3 Jun 2025 6:09PM
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TooMuchEpoxy said..

kyrojoe said..
Holy HUGE quiver jumps Andy! from a dw1100 to the SF 530?? WOW! I'm impressed that you talk so mildly about the "subtle" differences between the two! ??????

but I I'm STOKED to hear that you found the sf530 to be a relatively easy foil to get up on... my plan this summer is to grab one also.. but I was worried it would be too big of a jump from the 830SF...
I also really want it for those days when I decide to KITEFOIL because the 830 just has SOO much float that it becomes a challenge in light winds to keep the lines tight! ????(1st world problems for sure)



Yeah, I find the 930 pairs well with the 680. I think if I had a 830 there would be too much overlap(with both) so getting the 530 tracks. I'm running a heavily chopped 178 which is awesome for the 680. I run a super stiff board/mast/fuse setup and I can definitely feel the flex in the 680. It's not tragic but at my 200lbs I think the 530 would be a dealbreaker(but I'm a freak for stiffness your mileage may vary)


I run a 680/178 combo as well, curious how much you took off the 178 tips?

TooMuchEpoxy
419 posts
4 Jun 2025 8:13AM
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screwball said..

TooMuchEpoxy said..


kyrojoe said..
Holy HUGE quiver jumps Andy! from a dw1100 to the SF 530?? WOW! I'm impressed that you talk so mildly about the "subtle" differences between the two! ??????

but I I'm STOKED to hear that you found the sf530 to be a relatively easy foil to get up on... my plan this summer is to grab one also.. but I was worried it would be too big of a jump from the 830SF...
I also really want it for those days when I decide to KITEFOIL because the 830 just has SOO much float that it becomes a challenge in light winds to keep the lines tight! ????(1st world problems for sure)




Yeah, I find the 930 pairs well with the 680. I think if I had a 830 there would be too much overlap(with both) so getting the 530 tracks. I'm running a heavily chopped 178 which is awesome for the 680. I run a super stiff board/mast/fuse setup and I can definitely feel the flex in the 680. It's not tragic but at my 200lbs I think the 530 would be a dealbreaker(but I'm a freak for stiffness your mileage may vary)



I run a 680/178 combo as well, curious how much you took off the 178 tips?


I think 5 green lines off each side probably a little
more than an inch off each side. I like my tails flat so it has the added benefit of removing that flip in the tips making it skate around more. I found I was occasionally pumping through the 680 but the chop helped reduce that

screwball
9 posts
4 Jun 2025 9:30AM
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Cheers, time to get the cutoff wheel out

FerK
WA, 11 posts
13 Jun 2025 1:33PM
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Does Anyone use de SF series for parawinging?
I own the SF930 and MIDI 82l

Blippblurp
22 posts
13 Jun 2025 3:50PM
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FerK said..
Does Anyone use de SF series for parawinging?
I own the SF930 and MIDI 82l


Some thoughts from me, who has not yet tried parawing but is waiting for delivery. Noe(team rider) recommended that I use the SF1230 together with my Midi 96L to learn parawinging. I weigh 96kg. However, I ended up ordering a DW1100 and a DW820 in the hope that it will keep me going for longer rides on the waves where I live. A large foil apparently also helps a lot when gaining height against the wind, in addition to expanding the wind range for the parawing.

benou
2 posts
14 Jun 2025 3:26PM
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First post ever here... ??

I am a long time user of the North foil gear.

I started with the 1850 foil and CF85 mast. The mast for my 95kg was wobbly like a noodle at speed. What an awfull sensation... And the 1850 reflex wing had no glide whatsoever. But !

I have been riding for about 2 years a SF1230, HM85 mast, 700 fuse and S215 stab for wingfoiling.
It has worked so well for me in the Swiss conditions from 10 to 35+ knots. I did learn everything with this setup, tacks, gybe, pump, surf, light wind, nuking it was really a one size fits all.

I have finally decided I was good enough on that setup to experiment with new stuff.

First I switched the S215 to a S192 keeping the SF1230 front wing. I unlocked the endless surfs on our tiny waves.

Then, addicted by this new found glide, I purchased the DW820. And this is a game changer. It needs a lot more speed to get up compared to the SF1230, but every other skills transfered directly: tacks, gybes, surfs. And the glide is second to none. I managed to foil down our wind swells on the lakes at a speed that I never knew possible. It pumps very well for connecting swells, better than the SF1230, or at least more efficiently. I am waiting on the S142 stab. I have lots of hope for the DW820 + S142, from what I have experienced so far.

This is my love letter to the North design team. Thank you for the retro-compatibility, thank you for coming with finished design not every two months but when they are ready, thank you for bringing me from very beginner to where I am now, confortabbly blasting during my lunch breaks.

larsdegroot
164 posts
14 Jun 2025 3:48PM
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Hey thanks for your input! I'm also aiming towards a DW820 + s142. I'm always on the ma850v2, but you can do a couple of pumps and then you need the wing again already. So not a good pump and glider. I want to explore more with a different foil.

I was also looking at the SF680 for high wind. That one should have better glide then my 850v2 already.

TuberiderG
6 posts
16 Jun 2025 10:33PM
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Are there any rumors about an SF-V2 front wing yet?
The SF-Wing have already been on the market for over 2 years. SF530 already has a different design...

randomfoiler
108 posts
16 Jun 2025 11:48PM
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larsdegroot said..
Hey thanks for your input! I'm also aiming towards a DW820 + s142. I'm always on the ma850v2, but you can do a couple of pumps and then you need the wing again already. So not a good pump and glider. I want to explore more with a different foil.

I was also looking at the SF680 for high wind. That one should have better glide then my 850v2 already.


the sf680 will just replace your 850v2. no point in keeping both as they have essentially the same low end but the 680 is more fun to ride.
somewhat better glide and much more fun to pump. I haven't had a chance to try the dw820 but if I'd buy another North foil I'd probably go for that one.

UliSommerlatt
24 posts
17 Jun 2025 5:13PM
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TuberiderG said..
Are there any rumors about an SF-V2 front wing yet?
The SF-Wing have already been on the market for over 2 years. SF530 already has a different design...



Hi there,
SFv2 will be still a while away, no update planned within the next 12 month on that front.
Cheers
Uli

MProject04
622 posts
19 Jun 2025 4:09AM
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UliSommerlatt said..


TuberiderG said..
Are there any rumors about an SF-V2 front wing yet?
The SF-Wing have already been on the market for over 2 years. SF530 already has a different design...





Hi there,
SFv2 will be still a while away, no update planned within the next 12 month on that front.
Cheers
Uli



Bummer!

Over the course of this thread with now more than 200k views it's apparent that the SF range is the most popular. Just a simple upgrade with newer material, different layups e.g. a HM version of the front wings .. I'm sure a bunch of us would be happy to give it a go. You got the moulds already.

F-one's best selling Skate is also coming with an update, same shape, new better materials different layups and distribution of carbon etc

Less waterfall.. more agile please!

joeballow
39 posts
19 Jun 2025 12:28PM
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MProject04 said..


Bummer!

Over the course of this thread with now more than 200k views it's apparent that the SF range is the most popular. Just a simple upgrade with newer material, different layups e.g. a HM version of the front wings .. I'm sure a bunch of us would be happy to give it a go. You got the moulds already.

F-one's best selling Skate is also coming with an update, same shape, new better materials different layups and distribution of carbon etc

Less waterfall.. more agile please!


If it's the most popular range maybe it's already working well and doesn't need an update until a significantly better one is developed? Using new materials is great if they are solving a specific problem, what problem are you having with your SF wings? Because if it's not solving a problem it's just an excuse to sell a more expensive version and I'd applaud manufacturers for not doing that. I like meaningful updates over new releases just to generate sales.

UisceBeatha
129 posts
19 Jun 2025 6:00PM
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joeballow said..



MProject04 said..



Bummer!

Over the course of this thread with now more than 200k views it's apparent that the SF range is the most popular. Just a simple upgrade with newer material, different layups e.g. a HM version of the front wings .. I'm sure a bunch of us would be happy to give it a go. You got the moulds already.

F-one's best selling Skate is also coming with an update, same shape, new better materials different layups and distribution of carbon etc

Less waterfall.. more agile please!



If it's the most popular range maybe it's already working well and doesn't need an update until a significantly better one is developed? Using new materials is great if they are solving a specific problem, what problem are you having with your SF wings? Because if it's not solving a problem it's just an excuse to sell a more expensive version and I'd applaud manufacturers for not doing that. I like meaningful updates over new releases just to generate sales.


I agree, although I also agree with the sentiment that we want more from North and they do seem to be slow to release. I've been waiting for the new stabs since Jan, only just came into stock last week, ordered in post - although no sign of yet.

We all agree the DW820 looks tasty - but you haven't been able to get it (in Europe anyhow). Supplies of the current stock just seem to be really low - wings/parawing/boards, etc.

This isn't a go a North - I'm a fan, just would like it available when I wanna pull the trigger.

Shlogger
519 posts
19 Jun 2025 10:27PM
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UisceBeatha said..

joeballow said..





MProject04 said..




Bummer!

Over the course of this thread with now more than 200k views it's apparent that the SF range is the most popular. Just a simple upgrade with newer material, different layups e.g. a HM version of the front wings .. I'm sure a bunch of us would be happy to give it a go. You got the moulds already.

F-one's best selling Skate is also coming with an update, same shape, new better materials different layups and distribution of carbon etc

Less waterfall.. more agile please!




If it's the most popular range maybe it's already working well and doesn't need an update until a significantly better one is developed? Using new materials is great if they are solving a specific problem, what problem are you having with your SF wings? Because if it's not solving a problem it's just an excuse to sell a more expensive version and I'd applaud manufacturers for not doing that. I like meaningful updates over new releases just to generate sales.



I agree, although I also agree with the sentiment that we want more from North and they do seem to be slow to release. I've been waiting for the new stabs since Jan, only just came into stock last week, ordered in post - although no sign of yet.

We all agree the DW820 looks tasty - but you haven't been able to get it (in Europe anyhow). Supplies of the current stock just seem to be really low - wings/parawing/boards, etc.

This isn't a go a North - I'm a fan, just would like it available when I wanna pull the trigger.

I'm a big fan as well. Especially once I put the 142 stab and 65 cm fuse on my SF830. I use the DW1100 for really light wind days, but I've been waiting on the preorder list for the DW820 since they first announced. Also been waiting on the 145 surf stab for a little more pump on lighter days.
for anyone that owns the SF930, I was going to sell it but put the 142 stab on it. Think I'll keep it for small wave light wind days, it really added a little spice to it. I would also love to see them come out w a full on surf wing like the Float and Neutron..full on flag ability and lighter.

randomfoiler
108 posts
20 Jun 2025 7:39PM
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For those eager to get their hands on a DW820 or DW690.
If you are within Ontario shipping range, the Toronto shop just got one of each.

benou
2 posts
28 Jun 2025 4:57PM
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Here is an update of my findings with:
DW820 + S145v2 + CF700 + HM85

Wingfoil + downwind surf.

Coming from the S192 and with no stock of S142 I decided to get my hands on the S145v2 that looked like it could work.

I wouldn't recommend.

It unlocks the foil in the roll axis BUT the pitch becomes etremelly sensitive. Going upwind through the swell is a pain. The lift of the foil as a wave pass underneath is like a kick in the balls, whereas with the S192 it is smooth as butter. Maybe I should have waited for the S142. I will in a big day try the S145v2 with my SF680 to evaluate how it performs with a front wing designed for it.

In conclusion, stick with the downwind specific stab for the DW frontwings... Lesson learned.

Shlogger
519 posts
3 Jul 2025 8:55AM
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benou said..
Here is an update of my findings with:
DW820 + S145v2 + CF700 + HM85

Wingfoil + downwind surf.

Coming from the S192 and with no stock of S142 I decided to get my hands on the S145v2 that looked like it could work.

I wouldn't recommend.

It unlocks the foil in the roll axis BUT the pitch becomes etremelly sensitive. Going upwind through the swell is a pain. The lift of the foil as a wave pass underneath is like a kick in the balls, whereas with the S192 it is smooth as butter. Maybe I should have waited for the S142. I will in a big day try the S145v2 with my SF680 to evaluate how it performs with a front wing designed for it.

In conclusion, stick with the downwind specific stab for the DW frontwings... Lesson learned.


I've been able to use the 145 and 142 stab on the DW820 and my SF830 this week. Nothing really wound up, 12-15 G18 thigh to waist high wind wave w an underlying small swell crossing it up. As for the stabs, they are very similar, my speeds were pretty consistent, I did feel slightly more glide w/ the 142. However the 145 you could get away w a little sloppier harder pump, whereas the 142 you need good technique. This makes sense when you look at the foil sections side by side, not a huge difference but it's there. As w most DW foils, they don't like crossed up chop and swell, they tend to hunt or track and feel every nuance. The DW820 did this, its passive speed, without me putting the pedal down is def faster than my DW1100 and the SF830. The glide was crazy good. I will tell you that you need to be powered to get this girl up. She's best suited for higher winds and bigger swell and waves, as intended. She's not a light wind tool . Great foil for those wound up days, too bad you can't jump it, it really wanted me too. ;)

SlowlyButSurely
207 posts
3 Jul 2025 12:39PM
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Select to expand quote
Shlogger said..

benou said..
Here is an update of my findings with:
DW820 + S145v2 + CF700 + HM85

Wingfoil + downwind surf.

Coming from the S192 and with no stock of S142 I decided to get my hands on the S145v2 that looked like it could work.

I wouldn't recommend.

It unlocks the foil in the roll axis BUT the pitch becomes etremelly sensitive. Going upwind through the swell is a pain. The lift of the foil as a wave pass underneath is like a kick in the balls, whereas with the S192 it is smooth as butter. Maybe I should have waited for the S142. I will in a big day try the S145v2 with my SF680 to evaluate how it performs with a front wing designed for it.

In conclusion, stick with the downwind specific stab for the DW frontwings... Lesson learned.



I've been able to use the 145 and 142 stab on the DW820 and my SF830 this week. Nothing really wound up, 12-15 G18 thigh to waist high wind wave w an underlying small swell crossing it up. As for the stabs, they are very similar, my speeds were pretty consistent, I did feel slightly more glide w/ the 142. However the 145 you could get away w a little sloppier harder pump, whereas the 142 you need good technique. This makes sense when you look at the foil sections side by side, not a huge difference but it's there. As w most DW foils, they don't like crossed up chop and swell, they tend to hunt or track and feel every nuance. The DW820 did this, its passive speed, without me putting the pedal down is def faster than my DW1100 and the SF830. The glide was crazy good. I will tell you that you need to be powered to get this girl up. She's best suited for higher winds and bigger swell and waves, as intended. She's not a light wind tool . Great foil for those wound up days, too bad you can't jump it, it really wanted me too. ;)


thanks for the feedback. DW820 much harder to get up with than SF830?



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Forums > Wing Foiling General


"How good is the new North Sonar?" started by MProject04