oh yes, and bugger, just damaged the tip of my 1050 and its under repair, but this could be the replacement in the foreseeable future. I have a question, I bought the 1050 with a 425P stab, but i think it might be holding me back in the swell and chop? I also pair it with my HPS 880, some say the 375P makes a huge difference to longer glide. You seem to have a lot of experience could you shed some light for me? Lovely vlog there.
Hi Dan, yes the 1100 Spitfire well worth considering as a HPS 1050 replacement. As we are all rapidly learning, rear wings are critical to overall performance and getting our gear dialled in. I think there is also a lot of personal preference involved too. I consider it essential to have a quiver of hand wings, front wings and rear wings. Each component equally important to achieve the right setup. I am most interested in chasing swell and/or bumps, but this can be in wind from 7 to 40 knots, hence the need for a quiver of gear. A basic rule I follow is “big front wing, biggish rear wing”. With your HPS 1050 (or my new 1100 Spitfire) I will usually use a 425 Progressive (same as you) or 400 Progressive. The exception to this would be if there is reasonable breeze and a big sea state I will use my old “380 Speed” (turned up tips). I also have the “420 Speed” (for even lighter breeze but big sea state), however, it is under repair currently. I like the speed, feel and manoeuvrability of the Progressive Rear Wings, however, when it is windy with decent chop I think they lack control and often “let go” particularly in the gybe. I get so much more control from the “380 Speed” and am using this rear wing paired with my high wind wing setup (ART 899 or HPS 830) in up to 40 knots. I have tried small progressives (350 and 375) in 25-30 knots and do not think they provide adequate control. So, I can relate to what you are experiencing. Some of the guys at Axis disagree with me about the “380 Speed” rear. They also consider the turned-up tips dangerous (I have not had a problem). I also think your 425P with your HPS 880 a “mismatch” - 425 too big if there is reasonable breeze. In “swell and chop” with an HPS 880 I think the “380 Speed” would provide the control you are looking for. I do not notice any speed or glide deficiency with the 380 Speed compared to the progressive range. There is of course the new Axis Skinny range of rear wings, which I know nothing about, but will try them soon hopefully. axisfoils.com/collections/skinny-rear-wings
Like you said, it is rider dependent. The 300 Progressive is my favorite tail, although I haven’t went smaller. It works great with the 899. It also livened up my HPS 980, and BSC 810. I switched back to a 350P, and it just has too much drag. Also, going fast down a good wave I get too much lift, with the 350. The 300P is controllable.
Cheers David, yes the Spitfire is a brand new Axis range, which has just been released (or will be in a few days time). I am lucky to have tried a prototype and just tested the production version. Sadly, I have only ridden the 1100 Spitfire and none of the smaller wings in the range. The Spitfire is very different to the ART and/or ART Pro range. A different foil section and not as high aspect as the ARTs. The Spitfire is more akin to the HPS range, but still different. Better turning, with more control and more fun in the waves, but that is just an initial feeling without doing too much comparison with the HPS equivalent (1050). The ARTs are more difficult to get going than the 1100 Spitfire, which is a big advantage in the gusty conditions that I usually ride in. Often I ride in very choppy conditions and this chop makes it hard to get going on an ART, whereas this is not the case for the 1100 Spitfire. As with many foils it really comes down to personal preference and your local conditions so it is hard to know which is best. I think the ART PRO 1201 will have more glide and speed, but less lift when getting going than the 1100 Spitfire, and probably not as “carvy” on a wave. The wings are so different and designed to do different things that you can’t really compare the two. If you want a very stable, great turning, big wind range, easy to get going front wing for winging in waves in light air then the 1100 Spitfire is a great choice. If you want to prone foil non-stop for over 3 hours like Dylan Bez from Tauranga then the 1201 ART seems to be the go. The best endorsement I can give the 1100 Spitfire is that since I have had it I have not ridden an ART front wing bigger than my 999. But that might be more a reflection on my age and attitude. By all means if you have the chance to try an 1100 Spitfire then great, but I don’t think it is necessary to trade in your HPS 1050 if you are currently riding one of those.
Great video! I have been riding the 1120 on your recommendation which worked out great. Finally gybing! Was going to upgrade to the 1050 but then the 1100 came out and it seems like it does almost everything the 1050 but better, so I ordered one. Have you had a chance to pair it with any of the larger skinny rears? Wondering what you thought about those? I have been using the p425 with my 1120, but wondering if one of the skinny rears might pair better with the 1100?
Hi Brook, good decision on the 1100 Spitfire. I have only received my first Skinny rear (362/50) so have not had the chance to try it, so I can’t offer my opinion. Your 425 Progressive will pair fine with the 1100 Spitfire in the meantime. In case you haven’t seen it, following is the Axis Skinny video link and info. ruclips.net/video/s93MeoALYNQ/видео.html&ab_channel=AXISFoils These are reduced chord rear wings, minimising pressure build-up and providing a better balance for more efficient new-generation front wings. Resulting in higher speeds, additional performance gains, more fluid gliding and thrilling turns. The Skinnies have inherited many of the same characterises that make our Progressive range so popular, like the precise feel and seamless turn initiation plus recovery. They are very low drag and free up speed and turning. Heavier riders and those less experienced will gravitate to the 55, 50 and 45 chord models, those who are lighter and or have greater experience might opt to reduce drag in the extreme and try the 40 or 35mm chord options. The Skinniy rear wings inspire confidence by providing a more comfortable ride at speed, they reduce the normal buildup of front foot pressure that can be associated with high-speed foiling. They are a perfect match to ARTPRO foils, but keep in mind, your HPS, ART, PNG and even BSC, will equally benefit from the Skinny high-performance DNA.
Hi. I'm curious of your foot/mast position. I'm on the 95L froth and with the standard ultrashort fuse I have the mast at the front of the box. ( I ride strapless but my front foot is just inline with the rear foot strap holes. You're riding the advanced fuse, are you finding your standing behind the front foot strap holes? I'm thinking about getting an advanced crazyshort and maybe a spitfire next. I'm currently on the Hps 930 and 1050. I've also moved away from the art line due to local conditions. Thanks Paul
Hi Paul, there may be some personal preference involved in mast base position and the resulting feel of the how the board feels/foils. However, on the Standard (not Advance) fuselage I have always ridden with my mast base at the back of the box. For me this is where my set-up felt dialled in. Not too much front or rear foot pressure required, just nicely balanced. With this set-up my weight/foot position tends to be over the front wing, which I think is where it should be. Unless I am wave riding I rarely change my foot position. I feather the hand wing in and out (spilling power) to change the power driving my foil to keep it riding straight (as opposed to porpoising) - rather than needing to change my feet position to shift my weight fore and aft. Because I do not jump I have no need for footstaps and have never understood the position of footstraps, because if my feet were in the footstrap position my balance would be all wrong. Interesting that you on a Standard Ultrashort fuselage have your mast base at the front of the box. That’s not for me, but if you like it there then all well and good. All I can suggest is you try moving it back and see if you like it. When you move to the Advance fuselage the rule of thumb is that you move it 40mm (hence the name +40) forward in the box, which is what I do, but on a nuking day, maybe only 25-30mm forward. So, in your case riding the Standard Fuselage in the front of the box, I am not sure where you are going to go with the +40. I guess just try and see how it rides. A front wing too far forward makes the board too flighty/lifty for me and in most cases just about unrideable, particularly if it is windy and choppy. Your question on where my feet are on the Advance Fuselage, to the best of my knowledge, the answer is my foot position does not change. As I said above, I balance myself so I am riding the front wing. The Advance Fuselage does not change the position of the front wing, but instead changes the position of the mast, which has the affect of making it feel much looser to turn. Think of it like a single fin on a surfboard or windsurfer - moving the fin forward makes the board looser. So, until you play with your mast base position I would hold off on getting an Advance Fuselage, as you may not like it. Also, I am not sure the Crazyshort if the right choice. I was happy on a Crazyshort Advance until recently, when I decided that in extreme conditions it was too flighty/loose, and I have now changed to the Ultrashort Advance, which I find gives me more control. But again, that might just be personal preference. Interesting that you have moved away from your ARTs, which I can relate to. The other thing you have not mentioned is your rear wings. I think it is well worth having at least two sizes for high wind/light wind days. The other thing that is relevant too is that a white (older) Froth is different to a red Froth in terms of fin box placement, so this maybe something to keep in mind re mast base position. I am trying to get a white 70L Froth dialled in with an Advance Fuselage and am having trouble doing so.
as an 80kg rider (with 5,5 and 4,5 Wing) I am looking for a light and strong wind option. Would recommend the spitfires 1100 and 960 by your experience, or do you recommend better suitable options? txs
I can certainly recommend the 1100 Spitfire as your starting point. It is such a great wing with a big wind range. Depending on your light wind skill level you should be able to get foiling in 10 knots (give or take) with your 5.5m. You could start with just the 1100 and see how much wind with your 4.5m it takes for the 1100 to become too lifty. I have ridden my 1100 with a 4.5m in up to 20 knots given it was a very gusty day and it was still controllable and a good ride. It was sweet in the lulls and very manageable in the 20 knot gusts. On the same day a mate on an ART 999 struggled to get/stay foiling in the lulls. Your plan to get a 960 Spitfire probably makes good sense too. My quiver is different to this, in that from my 1100 Spitfire I will usually go to the ART 999, then when it is windier again, I will go to my 840 Spitfire (replacing my previous high wind options of ART 899 and HPS 830). My choice of ART 999 is probably no better or worse than a 960 Spitfire, it’s just been in my quiver for a while, long before the Spitfire range was a thing, and I still enjoy riding it. Since I have had the Spitfire 1100 I find that I don’t use any ART wings bigger than my 999. For light wind winging in waves the 1100 Spitfire is just so nice to ride, turns great, is fast, glides well and easy to get onto the foil. The Spitfire has a bigger wind range than the ART wings. It also depends on what wings you are moving from (Axis BSC, HPS or another brand?) and your skill level.
Thanks. That helps a lot. In your experience, how would you select a "minimal" wing quiver? When I started last year I just wanted a 5sqm wing to keep it simple (>20 knots I go windsurfing); now the naish adx in 5.5 and 4.5 comes to mind; However, the Armstrong XPS and Ozone flux also seem like a good deal. But I struggle with the sizes! Any recommendations?
Hi Daniel, I think most hand wings from the major brands are probably all good designs and it might come down to personal preference. A few years back there were some terrible hand wings on the market, but I think that has now changed. I have not tested that many brands so cannot give you a qualified opinion on the Armstrong, Ozone and Naish. I am currently liking my Flysurfer Mojos and their new design, the Flysurfer Toa. Selecting a simplified quiver comes down to the conditions you get most and/or that wind range you want to go out in. You say you currently have a 5.5 and 4.5m quiver. That’s an excellent place to start and probably ideal if you only want two hand wing sizes. However, where I live, we get some excellent waves (my focus for wingfoiling) on light wind days, and conversely on high wind days - so I would not want to miss out on those sessions. Therefore, in addition to your sizes (5.5 and 4.5) I have a 6.2m plus 4m, 3.5m and 2.8m. Depending on the design and size of your front foil, your 5.5 should get you going in 12 ish knots and you will probably be getting overpowered in 25 ish knots on your 4.5m. So if you prefer to go windsurfing in over 20 knots then your 5.5 and 4.5m quiver is probably ideal. You will know as soon as you are missing out on a good session because you don’t have the right size hand wing. When that happens you can either happily live with missing out, or then decide to expand your quiver. If you are on a budget you could always consider buying used hand wings of the other sizes for those infrequent days to expand your quiver.
Thanks! It's like my windsurf quiver. I'm constantly looking for the best setup - and it just keeps getting better (but more and more complex). Then came wing foiling and now I'm looking for a new "best" composition. It's like my guitars: I have 5 - but still not enough🙂
The Spitfire is a brand new Axis range, which has just been released (or will be in a few days time). I was lucky enough to test the 1100 Spitfire, which is just awesome. The 1160 and 1199 are prototype test wings which are basically bigger ART 1099s and the early design of the ART Pro 1201 (just released). Getting hold of these early one-off wings is a privilege and one of the benefits of living in New Zealand where much of the Axis foil design takes place.
Really good question, for which I don’t have a definitive answer. The HPS 1050 is an excellent wing. Until I have done back-to-back testing of the HPS 1050 and 1100 Spitfire I can’t be sure of their respective merits. If you currently have an HPS 1050 I don’t think you need to rush out and get an 1100 Spitfire given they are similar. I think they 1100 Spitfire is nicer to turn, which is great if you mostly ride swell, it has a more “surfier” feel to it. Possibly the 1100 Spitfire gets going slightly earlier and therefore has a bigger wind range. You can get the tips out with the 1100 Spitfire whereas this was not really possible on the HPS 1050. I have done many hours on the HPS 1050, but sold it sometime ago, so I have not ridden it for a while. Since having the 1100 Spitfire I have not missed my HPS 1050 at all. The best endorsement I can give the 1100 Spitfire is that since I have had it I have not ridden an ART front wing bigger than my 999. This means the 1100 Spitfire has made my ART 1099, 1100 and 1199 (both prototype wings) redundant. The 1100 Spitfire simply makes life easier in dealing with the quite gusty conditions I mostly ride in the Bay of Islands. The bigger wind range of the Spitfire means you are foiling for 98% of the time, whereas, with the higher aspect ratio of the ARTs they are much harder to get going. But I still regard the ARTs as a joy to ride. Plus I am always chasing bumps and in choppy water where it is hard to get your speed up in order to get going on an ART, the Spitfire eliminates this problem. I will never be without my big ARTs, it is simply that the 1100 Spitfire does different things. Maybe it is age and attitude, but my tolerance is limited for those sessions when the ARTs annoy due to lulls and too much chop. In waves and messy conditions I think the control the 1100 Spitfire provides is of huge benefit. The 6.2m Mojo is a big hand wing, but paired with the 1100 Spitfire on a really light wind day, given the swell was great, it is amazing how much fun you can have. But there is no reason why you couldn’t do the same thing with an HPS 1050. A comparison of the front wings’ dimensions maybe of interest: 1100 Spitfire chord 160mm (6.30in) actual area 1423 cm² (220.6 in²) projected area 1398 cm² (216.7 in²) volume 1406 cm³ (86 in³) aspect ratio 8.66 HPS 1050 chord 170mm (6.7in) actual area 1502 cm² (233 in²) projected area 1460 cm² (226 in²) volume 1665 cm³ (102 in³) aspect ratio 7.55
oh yes, and bugger, just damaged the tip of my 1050 and its under repair, but this could be the replacement in the foreseeable future. I have a question, I bought the 1050 with a 425P stab, but i think it might be holding me back in the swell and chop? I also pair it with my HPS 880, some say the 375P makes a huge difference to longer glide. You seem to have a lot of experience could you shed some light for me? Lovely vlog there.
Hi Dan, yes the 1100 Spitfire well worth considering as a HPS 1050 replacement. As we are all rapidly learning, rear wings are critical to overall performance and getting our gear dialled in. I think there is also a lot of personal preference involved too. I consider it essential to have a quiver of hand wings, front wings and rear wings. Each component equally important to achieve the right setup. I am most interested in chasing swell and/or bumps, but this can be in wind from 7 to 40 knots, hence the need for a quiver of gear. A basic rule I follow is “big front wing, biggish rear wing”. With your HPS 1050 (or my new 1100 Spitfire) I will usually use a 425 Progressive (same as you) or 400 Progressive. The exception to this would be if there is reasonable breeze and a big sea state I will use my old “380 Speed” (turned up tips). I also have the “420 Speed” (for even lighter breeze but big sea state), however, it is under repair currently. I like the speed, feel and manoeuvrability of the Progressive Rear Wings, however, when it is windy with decent chop I think they lack control and often “let go” particularly in the gybe. I get so much more control from the “380 Speed” and am using this rear wing paired with my high wind wing setup (ART 899 or HPS 830) in up to 40 knots. I have tried small progressives (350 and 375) in 25-30 knots and do not think they provide adequate control. So, I can relate to what you are experiencing. Some of the guys at Axis disagree with me about the “380 Speed” rear. They also consider the turned-up tips dangerous (I have not had a problem). I also think your 425P with your HPS 880 a “mismatch” - 425 too big if there is reasonable breeze. In “swell and chop” with an HPS 880 I think the “380 Speed” would provide the control you are looking for. I do not notice any speed or glide deficiency with the 380 Speed compared to the progressive range. There is of course the new Axis Skinny range of rear wings, which I know nothing about, but will try them soon hopefully.
axisfoils.com/collections/skinny-rear-wings
What rear do you use with the 999....I keep swapping between 400 and 350 (90kg)...think a 375 would be perfect haha!
Like you said, it is rider dependent. The 300 Progressive is my favorite tail, although I haven’t went smaller. It works great with the 899. It also livened up my HPS 980, and BSC 810. I switched back to a 350P, and it just has too much drag.
Also, going fast down a good wave I get too much lift, with the 350. The 300P is controllable.
Love your videos! I never heard of the Spitfires. I know they're coming out with the 1201 ART Pro line. Is this similar?
Cheers David, yes the Spitfire is a brand new Axis range, which has just been released (or will be in a few days time). I am lucky to have tried a prototype and just tested the production version. Sadly, I have only ridden the 1100 Spitfire and none of the smaller wings in the range. The Spitfire is very different to the ART and/or ART Pro range. A different foil section and not as high aspect as the ARTs. The Spitfire is more akin to the HPS range, but still different. Better turning, with more control and more fun in the waves, but that is just an initial feeling without doing too much comparison with the HPS equivalent (1050). The ARTs are more difficult to get going than the 1100 Spitfire, which is a big advantage in the gusty conditions that I usually ride in. Often I ride in very choppy conditions and this chop makes it hard to get going on an ART, whereas this is not the case for the 1100 Spitfire. As with many foils it really comes down to personal preference and your local conditions so it is hard to know which is best. I think the ART PRO 1201 will have more glide and speed, but less lift when getting going than the 1100 Spitfire, and probably not as “carvy” on a wave. The wings are so different and designed to do different things that you can’t really compare the two. If you want a very stable, great turning, big wind range, easy to get going front wing for winging in waves in light air then the 1100 Spitfire is a great choice. If you want to prone foil non-stop for over 3 hours like Dylan Bez from Tauranga then the 1201 ART seems to be the go. The best endorsement I can give the 1100 Spitfire is that since I have had it I have not ridden an ART front wing bigger than my 999. But that might be more a reflection on my age and attitude. By all means if you have the chance to try an 1100 Spitfire then great, but I don’t think it is necessary to trade in your HPS 1050 if you are currently riding one of those.
Great video! I have been riding the 1120 on your recommendation which worked out great. Finally gybing! Was going to upgrade to the 1050 but then the 1100 came out and it seems like it does almost everything the 1050 but better, so I ordered one. Have you had a chance to pair it with any of the larger skinny rears? Wondering what you thought about those? I have been using the p425 with my 1120, but wondering if one of the skinny rears might pair better with the 1100?
Hi Brook, good decision on the 1100 Spitfire. I have only received my first Skinny rear (362/50) so have not had the chance to try it, so I can’t offer my opinion. Your 425 Progressive will pair fine with the 1100 Spitfire in the meantime. In case you haven’t seen it, following is the Axis Skinny video link and info.
ruclips.net/video/s93MeoALYNQ/видео.html&ab_channel=AXISFoils
These are reduced chord rear wings, minimising pressure build-up and providing a better balance for more efficient new-generation front wings. Resulting in higher speeds, additional performance gains, more fluid gliding and thrilling turns. The Skinnies have inherited many of the same characterises that make our Progressive range so popular, like the precise feel and seamless turn initiation plus recovery. They are very low drag and free up speed and turning. Heavier riders and those less experienced will gravitate to the 55, 50 and 45 chord models, those who are lighter and or have greater experience might opt to reduce drag in the extreme and try the 40 or 35mm chord options. The Skinniy rear wings inspire confidence by providing a more comfortable ride at speed, they reduce the normal buildup of front foot pressure that can be associated with high-speed foiling. They are a perfect match to ARTPRO foils, but keep in mind, your HPS, ART, PNG and even BSC, will equally benefit from the Skinny high-performance DNA.
Hi. I'm curious of your foot/mast position. I'm on the 95L froth and with the standard ultrashort fuse I have the mast at the front of the box. ( I ride strapless but my front foot is just inline with the rear foot strap holes. You're riding the advanced fuse, are you finding your standing behind the front foot strap holes? I'm thinking about getting an advanced crazyshort and maybe a spitfire next. I'm currently on the Hps 930 and 1050. I've also moved away from the art line due to local conditions. Thanks Paul
Hi Paul, there may be some personal preference involved in mast base position and the resulting feel of the how the board feels/foils. However, on the Standard (not Advance) fuselage I have always ridden with my mast base at the back of the box. For me this is where my set-up felt dialled in. Not too much front or rear foot pressure required, just nicely balanced. With this set-up my weight/foot position tends to be over the front wing, which I think is where it should be. Unless I am wave riding I rarely change my foot position. I feather the hand wing in and out (spilling power) to change the power driving my foil to keep it riding straight (as opposed to porpoising) - rather than needing to change my feet position to shift my weight fore and aft. Because I do not jump I have no need for footstaps and have never understood the position of footstraps, because if my feet were in the footstrap position my balance would be all wrong. Interesting that you on a Standard Ultrashort fuselage have your mast base at the front of the box. That’s not for me, but if you like it there then all well and good. All I can suggest is you try moving it back and see if you like it. When you move to the Advance fuselage the rule of thumb is that you move it 40mm (hence the name +40) forward in the box, which is what I do, but on a nuking day, maybe only 25-30mm forward. So, in your case riding the Standard Fuselage in the front of the box, I am not sure where you are going to go with the +40. I guess just try and see how it rides. A front wing too far forward makes the board too flighty/lifty for me and in most cases just about unrideable, particularly if it is windy and choppy. Your question on where my feet are on the Advance Fuselage, to the best of my knowledge, the answer is my foot position does not change. As I said above, I balance myself so I am riding the front wing. The Advance Fuselage does not change the position of the front wing, but instead changes the position of the mast, which has the affect of making it feel much looser to turn. Think of it like a single fin on a surfboard or windsurfer - moving the fin forward makes the board looser. So, until you play with your mast base position I would hold off on getting an Advance Fuselage, as you may not like it. Also, I am not sure the Crazyshort if the right choice. I was happy on a Crazyshort Advance until recently, when I decided that in extreme conditions it was too flighty/loose, and I have now changed to the Ultrashort Advance, which I find gives me more control. But again, that might just be personal preference. Interesting that you have moved away from your ARTs, which I can relate to. The other thing you have not mentioned is your rear wings. I think it is well worth having at least two sizes for high wind/light wind days. The other thing that is relevant too is that a white (older) Froth is different to a red Froth in terms of fin box placement, so this maybe something to keep in mind re mast base position. I am trying to get a white 70L Froth dialled in with an Advance Fuselage and am having trouble doing so.
as an 80kg rider (with 5,5 and 4,5 Wing) I am looking for a light and strong wind option. Would recommend the spitfires 1100 and 960 by your experience, or do you recommend better suitable options? txs
I can certainly recommend the 1100 Spitfire as your starting point. It is such a great wing with a big wind range. Depending on your light wind skill level you should be able to get foiling in 10 knots (give or take) with your 5.5m. You could start with just the 1100 and see how much wind with your 4.5m it takes for the 1100 to become too lifty. I have ridden my 1100 with a 4.5m in up to 20 knots given it was a very gusty day and it was still controllable and a good ride. It was sweet in the lulls and very manageable in the 20 knot gusts. On the same day a mate on an ART 999 struggled to get/stay foiling in the lulls. Your plan to get a 960 Spitfire probably makes good sense too. My quiver is different to this, in that from my 1100 Spitfire I will usually go to the ART 999, then when it is windier again, I will go to my 840 Spitfire (replacing my previous high wind options of ART 899 and HPS 830). My choice of ART 999 is probably no better or worse than a 960 Spitfire, it’s just been in my quiver for a while, long before the Spitfire range was a thing, and I still enjoy riding it. Since I have had the Spitfire 1100 I find that I don’t use any ART wings bigger than my 999. For light wind winging in waves the 1100 Spitfire is just so nice to ride, turns great, is fast, glides well and easy to get onto the foil. The Spitfire has a bigger wind range than the ART wings. It also depends on what wings you are moving from (Axis BSC, HPS or another brand?) and your skill level.
Thanks. That helps a lot. In your experience, how would you select a "minimal" wing quiver? When I started last year I just wanted a 5sqm wing to keep it simple (>20 knots I go windsurfing); now the naish adx in 5.5 and 4.5 comes to mind; However, the Armstrong XPS and Ozone flux also seem like a good deal. But I struggle with the sizes! Any recommendations?
Hi Daniel, I think most hand wings from the major brands are probably all good designs and it might come down to personal preference. A few years back there were some terrible hand wings on the market, but I think that has now changed. I have not tested that many brands so cannot give you a qualified opinion on the Armstrong, Ozone and Naish. I am currently liking my Flysurfer Mojos and their new design, the Flysurfer Toa. Selecting a simplified quiver comes down to the conditions you get most and/or that wind range you want to go out in. You say you currently have a 5.5 and 4.5m quiver. That’s an excellent place to start and probably ideal if you only want two hand wing sizes. However, where I live, we get some excellent waves (my focus for wingfoiling) on light wind days, and conversely on high wind days - so I would not want to miss out on those sessions. Therefore, in addition to your sizes (5.5 and 4.5) I have a 6.2m plus 4m, 3.5m and 2.8m. Depending on the design and size of your front foil, your 5.5 should get you going in 12 ish knots and you will probably be getting overpowered in 25 ish knots on your 4.5m. So if you prefer to go windsurfing in over 20 knots then your 5.5 and 4.5m quiver is probably ideal. You will know as soon as you are missing out on a good session because you don’t have the right size hand wing. When that happens you can either happily live with missing out, or then decide to expand your quiver. If you are on a budget you could always consider buying used hand wings of the other sizes for those infrequent days to expand your quiver.
Thanks! It's like my windsurf quiver. I'm constantly looking for the best setup - and it just keeps getting better (but more and more complex). Then came wing foiling and now I'm looking for a new "best" composition. It's like my guitars: I have 5 - but still not enough🙂
I don't see axis foils with 1160 or 1199 name. They also don't make an 1100?
The Spitfire is a brand new Axis range, which has just been released (or will be in a few days time). I was lucky enough to test the 1100 Spitfire, which is just awesome. The 1160 and 1199 are prototype test wings which are basically bigger ART 1099s and the early design of the ART Pro 1201 (just released). Getting hold of these early one-off wings is a privilege and one of the benefits of living in New Zealand where much of the Axis foil design takes place.
@@foilingnz3658 Thanks, for the reply! So after all this time, how have you found the 1100 spitfire?
@@BrettWae I love it. It is still my most used wing given we get a lot of 10-15 knots of breeze and small bumps, where the 1100 is just perfect.
Can't wait to try them. How does it compare to 1050?
Really good question, for which I don’t have a definitive answer. The HPS 1050 is an excellent wing. Until I have done back-to-back testing of the HPS 1050 and 1100 Spitfire I can’t be sure of their respective merits. If you currently have an HPS 1050 I don’t think you need to rush out and get an 1100 Spitfire given they are similar. I think they 1100 Spitfire is nicer to turn, which is great if you mostly ride swell, it has a more “surfier” feel to it. Possibly the 1100 Spitfire gets going slightly earlier and therefore has a bigger wind range. You can get the tips out with the 1100 Spitfire whereas this was not really possible on the HPS 1050. I have done many hours on the HPS 1050, but sold it sometime ago, so I have not ridden it for a while. Since having the 1100 Spitfire I have not missed my HPS 1050 at all. The best endorsement I can give the 1100 Spitfire is that since I have had it I have not ridden an ART front wing bigger than my 999. This means the 1100 Spitfire has made my ART 1099, 1100 and 1199 (both prototype wings) redundant. The 1100 Spitfire simply makes life easier in dealing with the quite gusty conditions I mostly ride in the Bay of Islands. The bigger wind range of the Spitfire means you are foiling for 98% of the time, whereas, with the higher aspect ratio of the ARTs they are much harder to get going. But I still regard the ARTs as a joy to ride. Plus I am always chasing bumps and in choppy water where it is hard to get your speed up in order to get going on an ART, the Spitfire eliminates this problem. I will never be without my big ARTs, it is simply that the 1100 Spitfire does different things. Maybe it is age and attitude, but my tolerance is limited for those sessions when the ARTs annoy due to lulls and too much chop. In waves and messy conditions I think the control the 1100 Spitfire provides is of huge benefit. The 6.2m Mojo is a big hand wing, but paired with the 1100 Spitfire on a really light wind day, given the swell was great, it is amazing how much fun you can have. But there is no reason why you couldn’t do the same thing with an HPS 1050. A comparison of the front wings’ dimensions maybe of interest:
1100 Spitfire
chord 160mm (6.30in)
actual area 1423 cm² (220.6 in²)
projected area 1398 cm² (216.7 in²)
volume 1406 cm³ (86 in³)
aspect ratio 8.66
HPS 1050
chord 170mm (6.7in)
actual area 1502 cm² (233 in²)
projected area 1460 cm² (226 in²)
volume 1665 cm³ (102 in³)
aspect ratio 7.55
@@foilingnz3658 Thanks for taking time in writing these detailed responses to some many peoples comments.