Many sizes, many sports - the Phazer AK
With sizes between 25 and 140 litres, the AK Phazer covers the maximum range - although the smallest sizes are designed more for prone surfing and pump foiling. Wingsurfers will be particularly interested in the sizes from 5'3'' to 6'2'' with volumes between 65 and 140 litres. Our test size with 90 litres is quite elongated with a length of 5'6'' (167 cm) and remarkably light at a measured 6.14 kilos. The straps supplied are also weight-optimised and weigh just 95 grams individually. The standard adjustment mechanism was sacrificed for this, the straps on the AK Phazer have to be screwed on in the right size - changing the size is therefore always associated with screwing. A firm, non-slip but also quite thin footpad has been glued to the slightly concave deck.
Designer Clinton Filen has given the AK Phazer a rounded "V" in the front section of the underwater hull. The slight, implied keel is intended to make the board more gentle when it is set down unintentionally. At the rear, the "V" turns into a mono-concave.
We also present this wingfoilboard in a short clip on our YouTube channel again in detail. Click inside!
The Phazer AK Wingboard on the water:
The AK Phazer Wingboard is stable in the water when bobbing and tends to feel slightly larger than other 90-litre models in this phase. This is mainly due to the fact that the Phazer has very voluminous edges and is also slightly longer than many other boards in this volume class, which naturally favours stability around the transverse axis. The stretched dimensions are also more of an advantage when pumping, as the AK Phazer forgives small load errors generously and can be easily brought up to the required take-off speed.
In the air, the board offers a good stance, the pad is grippy and the straps are by no means uncomfortable despite their slightly reduced thickness. If you unintentionally drop off or hit a cable wave, the Phazer starts softly, but is still slowed down a little. One reason for this may be that the widest point of this board is quite far forward and then turns into a pointed nose - in our experience, boards with parallel edges have a slight advantage in this respect.
The AK Phazer is remarkably easy in all manoeuvres, as it offers enough space on the flat deck to move your feet, so if you are just learning jibes and other moves, you will feel very comfortable on the deck of the AK Phazer. This also applies to more ambitious wingfoilers, as the light weight of the board also makes it a lot of fun for jumping and tricks. Only when doing rotations such as 360s do you notice that the shape is a little less compact than other models.
Conclusion:
With its uncomplicated planing behaviour and light weight, the AK Phazer is a successful all-rounder for all wingsurfers looking for a board for relaxed freeriding, occasional trips into the waves and first jumps. Only those who are primarily looking for freestyle tricks will probably want an even more compact board.
Lightweight all-rounder
Slight braking effect of the nose when setting down
