AHD COMPACT FOIL 83 2022 TEST REVIEW
VERDICT
With a definite leaning towards performance-oriented foiling, the Compact is perfectly balanced in both nature and temperament and easily accessible for the progressing foiler. If you’re looking for a board for long distance cruising, or racing up to national level, look no further.
THE LOWDOWN
The Compact Foil series of three sizes are the latest additions to AHD’s foil board lineup, sitting alongside the unchanged Thunderbolt and hybrid Topaz ranges. This 83 is the middle sibling and displays some interesting design features, with a short, wide outline that, on the face of it, seems hard to believe that it packs in 142 litres. Take a glance along its profile however and you can see where the volume is hidden, with a chunky cross section, particularly in the nose. AHD refer to this as a “homogeneous volume distribution”, compensating for its short length and providing balance in its riding stance on the water. On the deck the 83 has plenty of width for stability, its parallel rails extending all the way to the tail, intended for providing “maximum power on the foil”. On the underside there’s minimal tuck along the length of the rail’s sharp edge, so as to enable easy recovery during touchdowns. From in-line with the front straps, the hull’s rail line tapers smoothly in towards the tail, creating a large cut-out under the rider’s back foot heel. The idea is to reduce the wetted area so as to promote a quicker water release. Produced in AHD’s own factory in Tunisia, the Compact has a “double Carbon Sandwich shell” for the brand’s best strength to weight ratio and uses bio-sourced SR GreenPoxy epoxy, where more than a third of the resin comes from a vegetable source. It comes supplied with AHD’s own easily adjustable Velcro straps and a carbon plate, which slots into the groove on the deck of the board above the foil box.
BRAND CLAIM
“The latest generation of wind foil board.”
PERFORMANCE
Setting the Compact up with a number of different foils, we had the opportunity to test it in a variety of conditions, from super light winds and large sails, to overpowered racing environments. Firstly, it is certainly one of the more race and performance-oriented boards here. Whilst it does have inboard and outboard strap positions, the rider is always encouraged into a committed stance with their feet wrapped around the domed rail whatever position they use, meaning it is best suited to the more experienced or ambitious foiler. Locked in and pushing, the Compact provides a comfortable and connected ride, feeling small and responsive for its quoted volume. It has a wonderful posture, with enough feedback and drive through the back foot without feeling overbearing. Preferring to be partnered with a higher aspect foil with a longer mast and fuselage to make the most of its potential, the 83 not surprisingly complimented the AFS foil we tested earlier this year admirably. In light winds, it was relatively easy to find the straps and pump the foil to free the board from the water’s surface. It is a more contemporary design than the AHD Thunderbolt, which has the waterline to accelerate and plane like a conventional board before the foil takes effect. Instead the 83 is quite corky and sits on the water’s surface, its short length providing little swing weight or resistance as the foil is pumped for smooth release. Similarly, the board’s compact nature is a real asset in the gybe, with the perfect balance between predictability and response to allow the rider to enter the turn with confidence. The board is very comfortable for long periods of use and at £1449.00 the Compact 83 represents excellent value for money for those interested in easy, accessible performance right up to foil racing at a national level. And AHD tell us, “the Compact 72 is also £1449.00, while the new Compact 91 should be £1549 (when it’s released). There is a special limited edition package based around the board and foils, which are – Compact 83 with 95 cm. mast, 94.5cm fuselage, 900 front wing/240 stab – normally £3429 complete – limited offer just £3149 – or Compact 83 with 95 cm mast, 94.5 cm fuselage, 570 front wing/200 stab – normally £3309 complete – limited offer just £3029.”
VITAL STATS
Price: £1499.00
Volume (Quoted): 142L.
Length: 210 cm
Width: 83 cm
1ft off: 74.3 cm
Bottom shape: Vee with double concave running throughout, with a two-tier cut-out – the largest of which starts in-line with the front straps.
Weight (‘Naked’): 8.9 kg
Foil Fixture Type: Deep Tuttle
Sail Range: 5.0-9.5m
Sizes Available: 72 (126L.), 83 (142L.), 91 (192L.)
AHD COMPACT FOIL 83 2022 TEST REVIEW
THE LINEUP
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