Already ridden: Freeride foils from Fanatic and GA Sails
Fanatic put the Flow Foil 1250 to the test ( surf 6/2019 ) has already introduced a large, easy freeride foil and Tabou was also able to impress with the full carbon "Mach 1" wing. We compared the two new foils with the well-behaved, large Fanatic foil with a 1250 surface area. Both wings are in the freeride/freerace category, in our opinion more on the sporty freeride side. The medium-sized front wings from Fanatic and GA require a little more speed before take-off, but are easy to pump. Both foils immediately appear sportier and faster than the thick 1250 wing, but don't stay up quite as long when the speed decreases in wind holes or in the jibe - but always stay up longer than almost any classic windsurfing set-up. Our 7.0 test sail fitted perfectly on an 81 centimetre wide board in light winds and with a test weight of 70 to 80 kilos. The somewhat moderate wing sizes have a more lively effect, the board could be manoeuvred moderately to windward with both foils and could be pulled very solidly upwind, even if not in extreme racing mode. Sails between six and seven square metres are certainly a particularly good configuration. The 85-centimetre GA mast already offers plenty of room for manoeuvre in terms of flying height and thus meets the current freeride standard, while the almost 90 centimetres from Fanatic give you a taste of sporty high altitude. Both constructions appear solid and very rigid in all axes.
GA SAILS Windsurf Foil Hybrid
The GA-Foil impresses with its extremely stable flight attitude and very easy gybe handling. When cruising, the foil changes altitude slowly and very predictably, with plenty of time to react and counter-steer. It is particularly stable around the longitudinal axis, making it very easy to control. This gives you good speed without overstraining your ankles. Before the take-off you need a bit of speed, then it goes up quickly. It goes through the jibe just as easily and holds its height well. The wings and connections look solid, but with stainless steel screws directly in the aluminium, which experience has shown requires a little grease and care to prevent corrosion, especially in salt water. On the other hand, the price is extremely attractive.
Mast length/width: 80/11 cm*
Fuselage length:85 cm*
Wing span fore/aft:71.3/44 cm*
Weight: 4.52 kg*
Price: 899 Euro
FANATIC Flow Foil 900
The Flow Foil 900 differs from the "1250" in that it has a smaller front wing. This makes it appear faster and sportier, but it also takes off early with a little pumping assistance. In flight, you can feel a more agile behaviour, the altitude has to be maintained more actively, the up and down is a bit faster - but the foil remains predictable and doesn't seem bitchy at all. The same picture emerges in the jibe, here too the height control requires a little more instinct. The aluminium mast with a width of 14 centimetres and the thick fuselage in particular push the weight up, but everything, including the solid-looking carbon wings, appears very robust and stiff, the large plate at the head is supported firmly on the board with thick rubber padding. Stainless steel threaded sleeves are installed in all holes to protect against corrosion.
Mast length/width: 89/14 cm*
Fuselage length:90 cm*
Wing span fore/aft: 81.5/35.5 cm*
Weight:5.82 kg*
Price:1299 Euro
* = surf measurement (mast length foil between board and fuselage
