Zto test the aluminium forks in Surf 8-2022 the AL360 model didn't make it in time. Now we can deliver the information and test impressions. The Alu Mono comes with a classic bending curve, the end piece is narrow, which means that bulbous sails tend to be tight - the Alu Mono is therefore better suited to flat wave and freestyle sails. The end piece with an adjustment range of 50 centimetres is locked in place by solid and easy-to-use double pins, the adjustment interval is 2.5 centimetres.
With a measured diameter of 32 millimetres, the spars are quite thick, which naturally has an impact on grip comfort. The quick-release fastener on the head piece has a good ratio and is designed for RDM masts as standard. However, thanks to a thinner sleeve supplied, the fork can also be converted for SDM masts.
In comparison, the AL360 Alu Mono is very stiff, even when extended the fork impresses with very good stiffness values - and outshines the other forks tested both when half extended and at the end of the adjustment range. However, this comes at the expense of the weight of the Alu Mono, because at 3.0 kilos, the fork is the heaviest of the entire test field.
surf conclusion on the AL360 Alu Mono fork:
Solid, very stiff and with convincing features, the reasonably priced AL360 Alu Mono offers good arguments. However, the handle diameter and weight make the model appear quite bulky.
Technical data AL360 Alu Mono
- Längen: 140-190/150-200/160-210/170-220cm
- Adjustment interval: 2.5 cm
- Price: 218 Euro
- Compatibility: RDM/SDM Euro
- surf measurement:3.0 kilo/beam-Ø 32mm
Also interesting:
Manuel Vogel
Editor surf
Manuel Vogel, born in 1981, lives in Kiel and learned to windsurf at the age of six at his father's surf school. In 1997, he completed his training as a windsurfing instructor and worked for over 15 years as a windsurfing instructor in various centers, at Kiel University sports and in the coaching team of the “Young Guns” freestyle camps. He has been part of the surf test team since 2003. After completing his teaching degree in 2013, he followed his heart and started as editor of surf magazine for the test and riding technique sections. Since 2021, he has also been active in wingfoiling - mainly at his home spots on the Baltic Sea or in the waves of Denmark.
