In the portfolio of South African manufacturer AK Durable Supply, the Tracer complements the Plasma-Foil ( HERE you'll find the test) in the direction of freeride and intermediate wing riders. Find out what the strengths and weaknesses of the model are in the test report.
On land:
The AK Tracer Foil has a "Medium Aspect Ratio", i.e. a moderate wingspan in relation to the wing area. The Tracer model is available in five sizes with 850/1000/1300/1600 and 1900 cm2 front wings. We have extensively tested the 1600 size. The front wing is quite thickly profiled and has a rather compact wingspan of 89 centimetres. The foil set is supplied with an 80 cm long aluminium mast and a long 71 mm fuselage. The mast on the Tracer is positioned quite far forward, directly behind the front wing. The rear wing can be trimmed, i.e. its angle can be changed using a simple mechanism, allowing it to be trimmed more for upforce or downforce. With a measured weight of 4.99 kilos, the AK Durable Supply Tracer is still within the normal range. The scope of delivery also includes matching covers for the mast and the front and back wing.
In the following picture gallery we show you the most important details of this foil:
On the water:
In the test, the AK Tracer Foil turned out to be a foil that scores with very predictable characteristics when taking off. You make yourself comfortable in the loops, pump up briefly and then lift off gently from the surface of the water. Even after that, the foil is very stable, especially around the transverse axis ("nose up, nose down") - certainly also a result of the long 71 fuselage. However, in order to foil with the same pressure on both legs, it was necessary to mount the foil at the front end of the box in our test boards. Background: The front wing - and therefore the pressure point - of the AK Durable Supply Tracer is located directly in front of the foil mast and therefore comparatively far back. This can only be compensated for if the foil is positioned far forward in the box. With our test boards from Kold-Shapes and I-99, we were at the front end of the box. With boards whose box is installed further back, you may reach the limit here, in which case the only option is to mount the straps further back and adjust the adjustable rear wing a little more. General tips for finding the right foil position can be found at HERE .
Once trimmed out, the Tracer tracks reliably and remains easy to control in gusts without the tendency to rise uncontrollably. The top speed is quite moderate, as you would expect from foils with a rather thick profile and a medium aspect ratio. On the other hand, the wing stays in the air for a long time in wind holes and at the end of manoeuvres and the airflow is stable - ideal for completing foil manoeuvres such as jibes and foil 360s. Keyword "manoeuvres": Here the foil benefits from its rather compact wingspan and scores with comparatively good agility, it can be turned into tight radii even with low pressure.
AK Durable Supply Tracer Foil - the bottom line:
The AK Tracer Foil is an uncomplicated foil with plenty of lift and excellent manoeuvrability that will impress both wingsurf beginners and experienced foilers across the board. If you are looking to freestyle and ride swell waves, you will miss some speed and planing potential, the Plasma model is the better tip within the brand.
Suitability for foil manoeuvres; control
Pressure point far back
Allen screws
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.
