For a 240 lb wing foiler deciding between two setups and need first-hand experiences on which is more rigid, has a better connection, and higher overall quality.
Option 1: SAB Foil 84cm Red Devil mast (no core, HM carbon, T8 fuse connection, potential play in the mast plate even with QR and screws) paired with their new monoblock plane to be released in a few days.
Option 2: Code Foils 80cm Plus mast (UHM with core, tapered to fuse M6) with their plane.
I ride mainly in ultra light winds and 18-30 knot swell conditions. Has anyone (especially heavier riders) used both or switched between them? How do they compare in stiffness under load, connection security, and build durability? Thanks!
Code is super solid. I wouldn't take the risk on something very few people use or have reviews on for sab
Sabfoil might be 'small' in Australia, but has been in de foiling business before most brands even existed.
Sabfoil has switched eco-systems a couple of times during the years (from tapered to straight mast/fuse connections). Think their biggest downside is that they try to cater all types of foiling but have 'left' some niches they were in. They started strong in racing for both wind- and kitefoiling, but shifted focus to freestyle and wingfoiling, leaving the early day racers a bit sour.
That being said, I believe you can't go wrong on either (and you could add 3 or 4 brands to that group). There's a lot of variables in play, Side-by-side comparisons are very rare. Different fuselage (connections), different front wings, different amount of time spend on a particular set, different trade-offs.
Most 'reviews' are from light weight, highly athletic frothers that ride 7 days a week, are affiliated through (influencer) sponsorships or retail. So simply counting the number of 'reviews' is a poor sign of quality ;-).
Sabfoil is super rigid! I swapped from fone to sabfoil. For HA big foils they rule. Tried code, it's the same stiffness feeling for same foil size. Sabfoil releasing new stuff 4 days. That seems even stiffer.
Sabfoil need to get rid of the Kraken system, from a physical point of view it doesn't help, like when Naish had their mast plate thing
I've been on Sabfoil gear for 6-7years. Never had any problems with the mast/fuse connection. I've never tried Code but would imagine they are rock solid too based on their reputation.
The Kraken system is pretty excellent if you want to go from tuttle to plate mount. I'm 95kg and it's incredibly solid.
I am the SAB dealer here in AUS so full disclosure. 96kg
Check the thickness and cord of the masts you are choosing as they will effect drag.
Its not hard to make a thick wide mast stiff.
The SAB pump masts are super stiff but i could feel the extra size in the water.
The RED Devil on the other hand made for racing and its super stiff but the first thing i noticed was the way it went through the water.
Thickness at the bottom is just over 12 mm - most masts are 14 ish
Pair that with the new Black Bird and hard to go wrong.
I'm 220 pounds. Just bought the Code 1130s, medium fuse, 166 tail, and Ultra HM Mast 85cm. I used to ride Axis. Code is super stable and stiff.
Foot switches are easier. Pitch control is easier. Ride is very smooth. Glide is great. Pump is controlled. Low stall speed. I've been out in big swell for the past two days and only breached once on a big drop when I wasn't paying attention. Going against the waves, I never slap the board on the water anymore. Up and down the face is no problem. I can even check my watch and look around and keep pitch control. I have total confidence wave riding the Code setup. I'm so happy I made the switch and I feel like I would have progressed more if I switched sooner.
What more can I big guy ask for?
The new black bird from Sabfoil looks promising! Need to try it. More glidier versions seems to coming out 975.
