FANATIC AERO FREE RANGE CARBON WS 1000 2023 TEST REVIEW
The Verdict
The Aero is a foil that provides an immensely smooth ride that will have riders cruising in silence for hours. Fast on the straights and fast through the turns, this foil has impressive performance capabilities whilst being adaptable for different disciplines.
The Lowdown
Fanatic say, “The Aero Free is our new performance all-rounder and … covers all disciplines for advanced wing foilers and works well for prone, SUP and windsurf-foiling.” The Aero windsurf foil comes with a 90 cm carbon mast and a 90 cm carbon fuselage. The Aero range has five mast lengths and three fuselage options, allowing riders to customise their set-up based on their skills, preferred discipline, and conditions. Mast options range from 60 cm (perfect for shallow waters) to 105 cm (ideal for freerace conditions). For fuselage options, choose from the 68 cm “Advanced” for responsive turning and great pop, the 78 cm “All-round” for stability and easy progression, or the 90 cm “Windsurf” for speed and control. For the best windsurfing experience, the longer mast and fuselage options on test are the go-to. Additionally, there is a range of front wings to choose from, allowing riders to choose more technical foils as their skill level increases.
Brand Claim
“The Aero Free WS is our new wing set for All-round Windsurf Foiling – delivering heaps of performance paired with great stability, playful reactions and low drag!”
Performance
First and foremost, the Aero, when set at the back of the track position, responds well to back foot input from the rider when getting going. This will be a familiar feeling for those with years of traditional windsurfing experience. Once up at speed, it feels incredibly smooth through the water, offering a silent ride with no vibrations underfoot. It provides the sensation that you could glide for hours, with a balance that allows the rider to turn their attention away from the foil if required. This smooth ride is undoubtedly a result of the streamlined connection between the wings and the mast. One of the most impressive aspects of the Aero is its speed. It’s an incredibly fast foil at top speeds, and the rider feels in complete control. It’s also easy to direct, with a solid connection through the turn that requires the rider to connect with the back foot. This produces a smooth but firm connection, allowing for seamless transitions through turns. It also produces impressive steering abilities on the straights, making the usually dreaded bear away a casual manoeuvre.
Overall, the Fanatic Aero foil is an exceptional choice for those seeking a high-performance windsurfing experience. Its smooth ride, exceptional speed, and easy-to-direct capabilities make it stand out among the competition.
Website: fanatic.com
FANATIC AERO FREE RANGE CARBON WS 1000 2023 TEST REVIEW
Vital Stats
Price: £1908.00
Head: Track
Mast Length: 90.0 cm
Mast Material: Carbon
Fuselage Length: 90.0 cm
Fuselage Material: Carbon
Front Wing Span: 847 cm
Front Wing Chord: 16.0 cm
Front Wing Area (Quoted): 1000 cm²
Tail Wing Span: 35 cm
Tail Wing Area (Quoted): 215 cm²
Wing Material: Carbon
Weight: 3.2 kg
OTHER FOILS IN TEST
MFC Helios 1250 Windsurf Pro Pack
Starboard Freeride Evolution 1100