With two new models available in up to nine sizes, the question inevitably arises: which grand piano makes the most sense for me? The test provides a clear answer:
On land
Depending on its size, the Siren has an aspect ratio of between 8.2 and 8.54, meaning it can still be classified as a mid-aspect foil. The model is available in five sizes – with wing areas of 600, 800, 1000, 1200 and 1400 cm². We have already had the opportunity to test the 1000 size wing extensively; it is combined with the S180 stabiliser. This combination is recommended with a 64 aluminium fuselage, to which the wings are attached in the traditional manner using screws. The precision of the fit between the components leaves nothing to be desired. The mast extends deep into the fuselage, resulting in a particularly rigid connection; however, when brand new, it fits very tightly and requires some effort to manoeuvre the components into their final positions during assembly. Overall, the front wing sits directly in front of the mast, which is why the foil needs to be mounted slightly further forward in the box to achieve an even distribution of pressure. The Siren 1000 front wing has a wingspan of 92.2 centimetres and features a camber profile. This is designed to enable a low stall speed.
The Excalibur front wings are available in as many as nine sizes (544/644/744/844/944/1044/1144/1344/1544 cm²). Compared to the Siren, the aspect ratio is slightly higher at 10.2, meaning this foil can be classified as a high-aspect foil. The Excalibur 944 we tested is also ideally complemented by the S180 stabiliser and the 64 fuselage.
In the test, both foils performed HM Carbon Mast measuring 85 centimetres in length. It is very stiff, but at 1,239 euros it is also quite expensive. However, Naish offers this model Carbon (899 euros) and an aluminium mast (469 euros) – two more affordable models.
On the water
Set it up, take off, feel at ease – that’s how you could sum up the flying experience on the Siren 1000 wing. The foil takes pressure extremely well and is very easy to inflate when getting started – there’s hardly any risk of the wing unexpectedly deflating. Even after take-off, the airflow remains wonderfully stable; the foil offers a well-balanced flight attitude, making it easy even for less experienced foilers to enjoy relaxed flights and manoeuvres. Speaking of manoeuvres: Jibes, tacks and all kinds of foiling manoeuvres are among the wing’s absolute strengths, as the turns are executed with a brilliant blend of agility whilst still offering plenty of control. Even tight turns, where the wingtip occasionally catches a breath of fresh air, are possible without stalling.
Overall, the Siren wing’s speed potential is good, but not exceptional. In any case, it offers enough base speed and pop to perform jumps and freestyle tricks. The wing also performs well when downwind, with smooth turns and a low stall speed. However, the wave does need to have a bit of pressure for you to be able to make the most of the foil’s turning potential. In weak, small swell, there’s sometimes a lack of glide to make really long flights possible – and this is exactly where the Excalibur comes into its own.
When getting going, the Excalibur needs noticeably more pumping and a slightly higher base speed to get up to speed. If you get up to height too early whilst accelerating, you’ll have to accept that the foil will dip again. Once you’ve overcome this minor hurdle, however, the Excalibur takes off with real power. Control in gusty conditions is also very good; you never get the feeling that the foil is pushing up towards the surface. Nevertheless, the wing requires a little more finesse due to its larger wingspan, which is mainly down to the greater wingspan giving the foil a bit more of a mind of its own. However, anyone who has mastered the basic manoeuvres can also execute medium and wide turns in a controlled and smooth manner. Very tight turns aren’t really the Excalibur’s forte due to its generous wingspan – you notice this in manoeuvres and also in the waves. On the other hand, the high-aspect design offers significantly more glide, allowing you to ride along for a long time with the wing in neutral position, even on low-pressure Baltic Sea waves under one metre high.
Naish Siren & Excalibur – the verdict
Both wings – the Siren and the Excalibur – complement each other well. Overall, the Siren is easier to ride – it takes off even sooner, allows for all turning radii from tight to wide, and has a broader range of use, extending from freeride through freestyle to surf waves. Thanks to its forgiving nature, it is equally suitable for beginners and experienced foilers alike.
The Excalibur has a more specialised range of use. It’s not really recommended for freestyle or freeriding, nor is it ideal for foil novices. However, it excels at downwind riding in swell, where you can get plenty of foil fun even from marginal wave conditions. Those who focus primarily on downwind riding, are already confident at pumping and have mastered the basic manoeuvres, can overlook the fact that it requires a little more finesse when taking off and during manoeuvres, and instead enjoy the foil’s superb glide.
Naish Siren – technical specifications
- Test model: Naish Siren 1000
- Area of front wing: 1,000 cm²
- Wingspan of the front wing: 92.2 cm (aspect ratio 8.54)
- Area of the rear wing (S180): 180 cm²
- Wingspan of the tailplane: 37.4 cm
- Fuselage: 64 cm
- Mast (HM Carbon): 85 cm
- Price of test kit: 2352/1582 euros (with HM carbon/aluminium mast)
- Weight of set (measured by us): N/A
- Contents: Cover, tools
- Special features: -
- Information: Visit the website
Naish Excalibur – technical specifications
- Test model: Naish Excalibur 944
- Area of front wing: 944 cm²
- Wingspan of the front wing: 98.2 cm (aspect ratio 10.2)
- Area of the rear wing (S180): 180 cm²
- Wingspan of the tailplane: 37.4 cm
- Fuselage: 64 cm
- Mast (HM Carbon): 85 cm
- Price of test kit: 2412/1642 euros (with HM carbon/aluminium mast)
- Weight of set (measured by us): N/A
- Contents of the pack: Cover, tools
- Special features: -
- Information: Visit the website
Manuel Vogel
Editor surf