GOYA AIRBOLT CARBON 90 2022 TEST REVIEW
VERDICT
A real playmate for those into pushing the extremes of manoeuvre-oriented foiling. Whilst being crisp and alert in response, the Airbolt’s sense of control is always there, its narrow width tempered by its drawn-out outline.
THE LOWDOWN
The Airbolt range has been extended significantly for the 2022/2023 season, with the introduction of three new sizes, this 90 seated firmly as the smallest in the series. Comparatively long and narrow for its quoted volume, it has a flowing harmonious outline, with a rounded nose, parallel rails and squashed tail. The subtly domed deck features plenty of footstrap plug options for both wind foiling and wing foiling, and an extended diamond-grooved deckpad covering much of its surface. To counter the deck’s cleanness and simplicity, the underside of the 90 is wonderfully complex and interesting. There are deep chines forged along the board’s rail length, from nose to tail, creating a raised central section along the 90’s spine. The chine is hollowed out, creating a concave along its length and there’s a step in the chine just before the foil boxes, making the central spine even narrower in the tail. Pronounced double concave in the nose steadily diminishes towards the rear and foil tracks to complete the picture – a involved and unique bottom shape, more akin to that seen in wing-specific boards in recent years. Supplied with MFC’s latest Velcro straps and with a leash plug in the rear, the 90 also has a handle in the hull, just in front of the foil boxes to maximise its launching and landing practicality.
BRAND CLAIM
“The new 90 has been designed with the advanced foiler in mind. With the least amount of volume, it still provides a balanced flotation to fly on the lighter winds. In the air, the pulled in nose and tail increase manoeuvrability for effortless banks and turns and easy control through jumps and loops.”
PERFORMANCE
With its relatively long yet narrow outline, the Airbolt Carbon 90 was surprisingly easy to uphaul and get going initially, with good directional stability and traction provided by its parallel rails and bottom shape. Nevertheless, make no mistake – this 90 is small and deserves to be used in powered conditions; a notion not overlooked when observing the brand’s suggested sail range. Taken into powered conditions (where uphauling is less likely anyway), and you can simply hang off the sail, before reaching for the straps early and pumping the foil to release in an instant. Using the outboard strap positions initially, we partnered the 90 with the MFC Helios foil and they suited each other well, the early lift and secure ride generated by the foil really setting the tone and helping to push the board confidently. The straps and deckpad are comfortable underfoot, providing a secure connection, and the subtly domed deck encourages the rider into an upright stance over the board – the ideal position for manoeuvres. In fact, moving the front straps to their inboard positions, and with a single back strap, the 90 is as close to the sensation of riding a wave board as we have experienced on a wind foil board. The forward geometry of the long Futures foil tracks can also be attributed to this, enhancing the board’s pivotal nature by placing the foil right under the rider’s feet, instantly reducing swing weight. The narrow width reduces any windage as the board flies in strong winds, making its heel to toe response more dynamic and natural. It also means that the small step over to the rail during carving transitions is more like a conventional board, and the straps are close to the centreline, so easy to locate. We briefly tried the 90 for a spot of winging as well, for which it worked well. We found it more comfortable for use with straps, rather than going strapless, the dome of the deck working best with straps to keep the feet anchored to the board.
VITAL STATS
Price: £1899.00
Volume (Quoted): 90L.
Length: 193.3 cm.
Width: 63.5 cm.
1ft off: 48.0 cm.
Bottom shape: Pronounced chines run along the board’s rails, tucking in tighter around the foil boxes, and between the chines and rails there’s a concave running from nose to tail. Defined double concave with vee in the nose, which diminishes progressively towards the foil boxes, where the bottom shape becomes flat.
Weight (Naked): 7.3 kg.
Foil Box: Foil Tracks (27cm)
Sail Range: 2.7-4.7m
Sizes Available: 90, 105, 120, 135, 155.
GOYA AIRBOLT CARBON 90 2022 TEST REVIEW
THE LINEUP
STARBOARD FOIL FREERIDE 150 STARLITE CARBON