FREERIDE WIND FOIL TEST 2023
WIND FOILING IS HERE TO STAY!
Fresh freeride foils put through their paces by our test team pilots! The Slingshot Phantasm foil was featured as a catch up test in our September 2023 issue!
EDITOR: ROB YORK // SECOND TESTERS: JAMES HARDY, MAURIN ROTTENWALTER, TIM CROSS, TRIS BEST, LUKE WILLIAMS // TEST LOCATION: PORTLAND HARBOUR // PHOTOS: ROB YORK, MIA ADCOCK
Insights
Foiling has firmly established itself as a game-changer in the world of watersports, transforming the way we approach windsurfing, as well as many other disciplines. Foil designs have evolved to offer improved control, stability, and predictability, while the rise of modular platforms allows for easy customization, Foiling is set to become even more accessible and enjoyable for the broader windsurfing community, thanks to these improvements. As foiling continues to expand its reach, brands have been split between designing foils that are windsurfing-specific, and creating modular designs that can be easily customized, according to discipline, conditions and individual preferences. The clear theme is that all the foils have gotten better, making this part of the market an exciting arena for innovation.
Summary
The Fanatic Aero Free WS Carbon boasts strong speed characteristics, a locked-in and stable feel on the straights, and excellent steering abilities. MFC’s Helios Pro Pack offers a ‘cruisy’ and flowing feel at slow speeds, finds stability as speed is built, and likes to be committed into banking turns. The Severne Redwing features gentle acceleration, an amazing low foiling threshold and gives riders confidence with the stability provided by the long fuse. For a race-like feel, the Simmer Blackbird SL/Surf is super fast on the straights and has a glide that gives riders time through the gybe. The Starboard Freeride Evolution produces a locked-in feel at speed that allows riders to cant the board and boasts fantastic flow through the gybe. Finally, the AFS W85/F-1080 is designed for a back-footed riding style, is very fast to get up and going, and is user-friendly and forgiving.
LINEUP
Fanatic Aero Free Range Carbon WS 1000
MFC Helios 1250 Windsurf Pro Pack
Starboard Freeride Evolution 1100