Windsurf MagazineGA SAILS WINDSURF HYBRID ALU FOIL SET 90 + HP1150 2022 TEST REVIEW

GA SAILS WINDSURF HYBRID ALU FOIL SET 90 + HP1150 2022 TEST REVIEW

THEY SAY

“The Hybrid Foil offers all-round performance and the freedom to customize the foil to your individual requirements.”

WE SAY

In this rapidly changing landscape, GA have revised their foil range extensively for 2022 to make things straightforward and to meet market demand. Firstly, there’s the choice to opt for either a 90 cm carbon mast (Mach-1), or an 85 cm aluminium mast (Hybrid). The second choice is whether you’d like a plate or Deep Tuttle head, both of which are available in the Mach-1 or Hybrid setup, (the latter having the additional bonus of interchangeable adaptor heads (sold separately), so that you can switch between plate, Power box or Deep Tuttle). The ‘base sets’ of the foil kits include the mast, fuselage (the length of the fuse referenced in the base-set’s name), tail wing, bolt set and torx tool, all supplied in a well-presented compartmentalised bag. It’s then just a case of adding the desired front wing to the set … and GA have plenty to choose from. There is the original lower aspect Freeride front wing range, stemming from 900 cm²to 2500 cm² or the brand’s new High Performance (HP) series of four wings, which range from 1050 cm² to 1750 cm² (each with an aspect ratio of 5.6). There are a total of nine front wings across the two ranges and they’re all compatible with both platforms. To add a final dimension, GA also have a third platform, called Phantom – a wind foil specific option, with a 90 cm Deep Tuttle carbon mast and a 110 cm aluminium fuse. But most interestingly, the two SL front wing options for the Phantom are also compatible with Hybrid and Mach-1, making all the wings of the GA foiling programme fully modular.

Last season we tested the GA Hybrid foil set, which came complete with the Free 1200 front as standard, so this year we’ve opted to maintain focus on the popular Hybrid platform, but to swap in the HP1150 – a front wing highly recommended by the brand for expert riders of all weights. Assembly is straightforward; the printed guide supplied providing clear information. The aluminium Deep Tuttle box slots effortlessly into boards, with plenty of angle adjustment through the head to locate and connect the bolts and barrel nuts easily. Launching the Hybrid on the water, it wasn’t long before it reminded us why it’s been a popular foil with our team over the years. The move to a longer fuse and from an 80 cm to an 85 cm mast last season was a positive development, giving that extra little margin for error as you push the foil to explore its straight-line potential. The Hybrid structure is stable and dependable, the ride balanced between both feet and bestowing the confidence to experiment with new manoeuvres, different conditions, or new wing setups. The HP1150 on test here is certainly a step up from the 1200. It needs a little more rider intervention to full appreciate its early lift, but once released, it accelerates with interest and covers ground effortlessly. Last year, we noted the 1200 had freerace-like tendencies and was capable of entering amateur races without embarrassment. Well, this HP wing builds upon that notion and has the speed to make the most of the Hybrid’s stable platform. In the gybe the HP wing didn’t feel nervous or unpredictable as some high aspect wings may feel, but thrived on a more committed riding style – keep the speed and focus through the turn to ensure a full flight exit. GA were late to the foiling party initially, but have developed their Hybrid platform into a very user-friendly and practical option for both wind foiling and wing surfing. It offers a one-stop solution, and excellent adaptable performance at a very affordable price point.