After what felt an eternity waiting for a day with wind when I wasn't working, I finally managed to get the new foil and board out. 15 knot seabreeze at Leighton beach - and not too much chop too.
Having previously only only used an Airush Core Foil and The original Shinn Jackson, the first thing I noted was how much lighter the setup was. Really impressive quality too with a nice bag and great looks.
On the water it took me 2 mins to dial into the feel and I was off.
First impressions
> Wow!
> Really low take off speed - 1/2 way through the first down stroke and it's up.
> Cranks upwind
> Really stable - it's set and forget! Even as you power the kite up and load the foil, it doesn't try throw you off nor does it require loads of front foot pressure to keep it down.
> very low stall speed - practically stop before it comes off the foil. Great for learning to perfect a foiling gybe.
> above all, so much faster than my old foil. Power it up and bear off slightly and it flies! But not only that, it inspires confidence as it does. I'm pretty sure I've still got more to go before I find the top speed too.
Only negative - foil noise. Probably needs some sanding and investigation, but it only occurred at low speed. So that just encouraged me to crank it up.
So if you're looking for set up to progress quickly on - this is a great option. I look forward to seeing what the season brings - I've no doubt this will quickly improve my foiling.
Select to expand quoteMikeyG said..
Only negative - foil noise. Probably needs some sanding and investigation, but it only occurred at low speed. So that just encouraged me to crank it up.
If you hear a kind of deep groaning sound at low speed you are probably semistalling the foil. Totally normal. Solution is to go faster.
A very light sand totally fixed the noise Literally one rub up and down with some 1200 grit wet and dry and it was gone.
Nathan (natho6026961) - let me know you're up in Perth and keen for a kite!
