Code Foils believe the hype

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hilly said..

FoilWays said..
I need some advice. I understand Code is mostly optimized for unpowered foiling, like prone and downwind. I've been really liking the 850S on an Axis HM 90 mast for winging. I've even approached 30MPH on that setup.
However, I recently acquired a Code + 85 mast and I'm not getting the same results. I like that it's light and stiff. However, I'm finding that I can't run the same speeds on the 850S with it. As soon as I pass 23 MPH + I have to be careful cause it will unexpectedly ventilate.
Not sure what to make of it, but I seem to not be able to push it as hard as the Axis mast on the same foil.
Thoughts?

Shorter mast may have something to do with it.

Yeah, but when I started noticing the problem I kept my eye on the foil to see if I've breaching tips... and I'm not. The ventilation is random at times. And then I've also run a friend's NoLimitz V2 mast, that's actually even shorter, granted on a different foil, not Code, and I don't get that ventilation. I'm wondering if what makes the Code mast so nice and slippery at slower speeds - the reduced chord length - is also what's causing it to ventilate at high speeds?

Select to expand quote

hilly said..

FoilWays said..

hilly said..

FoilWays said..
I need some advice. I understand Code is mostly optimized for unpowered foiling, like prone and downwind. I've been really liking the 850S on an Axis HM 90 mast for winging. I've even approached 30MPH on that setup.
However, I recently acquired a Code + 85 mast and I'm not getting the same results. I like that it's light and stiff. However, I'm finding that I can't run the same speeds on the 850S with it. As soon as I pass 23 MPH + I have to be careful cause it will unexpectedly ventilate.
Not sure what to make of it, but I seem to not be able to push it as hard as the Axis mast on the same foil.
Thoughts?

Shorter mast may have something to do with it.

Yeah, but when I started noticing the problem I kept my eye on the foil to see if I've breaching tips... and I'm not. The ventilation is random at times. And then I've also run a friend's NoLimitz V2 mast, that's actually even shorter, granted on a different foil, not Code, and I don't get that ventilation. I'm wondering if what makes the Code mast so nice and slippery at slower speeds - the reduced chord length - is also what's causing it to ventilate at high speeds?

Could try sanding the mast as the racers do to reduce ventilation. I have noticed it a few times but it is usually hitting chop at the wrong angle that causes the tail tip to come out using a 75cm to wing. Never felt it on my 85cm.

So, I was planning to sand my Axis mast. It doesn't ventilate, but it's now 2 years old so it doesn't hurt me to try and improve it. I think the surface and trailing edge could be made better, not to mention reducing the thickness of the graphics to make them smoother. I don't plan on selling it, so might as well. It's still in perfect shape and I would perhaps only want to replace the metal inserts, even though I don't think it needs it.However, the Code + 85 mast is brand new, so I wouldn't want to sand it in case I decide to sell it. I need to run them back to back on the same 850S to confirm what I'm feeling. This won't affect most riders, since most riders are not trying to push these foils past 25 MPH. But for me it's important. I've had it ventilate in both smooth water and rough water, and both times it go uneasy above 23mph.

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JonahL said..

Try pouring water on it to see if it beads up or sheets flat. If it beads up at all it needs to be cleaned and or sanded to get a hydrophilic finish. I have had a mast start to ventilate after a few months of use and a quick once over with 1000 grit fixed the issue. You can try soap and water first if you don't want to sand

Alright, I'll give this a shot. It's only had two sessions, but perhaps it came dirty out of the packaging. Could be.