My riding has been progressing on the foils. Getting a lot more time on the windwing, some behind the boat, and a little in the surf. Most of my riding on the windwing has been on the 2400. I just started to ride the 1600 this passed weekend on the windwing. Behind the boat and in the surf on the 1600. I have the standard 70cm fuse and the stock uni-tail. I am at 85kg riding a 6'4" sup on the wind wing. A small 5'0 kiteboard behind the boat.

I am getting to the point where the foil is starting to feel like I want a little more maneuverability. I have been reading about everyone going to 60cm fuses, the 232 tail, and the 1550HA front wing.

My question is: is there any kind of order I should go in terms of progressing the maneuverability without killing the stability and fun. Like should I start with switching the tail first. Then once I get the feel of that go to the 1550. And finally switch to a shorter fuse. Or start with the shorter fuse and go reverse order. Or any other combination.

I would go the 232 tail first as it's cheaper than the other options , then if you want more go the 60 fuse and last the 1550 wing .Dont forget the +1 shim as it speeds things up as well.

Yeah, the 232 tail is a must!

I was similar and rode the 70 fuse for quite some time, even though I purchased the 60 and 70 at the same time. I tried switching to the 60 a couple times early on and wasn't quite ready for the maneuverability. I remember going for a roundhouse cut back and the board turning much faster than I anticipated and I got launched, while the board continued the cutback haha.

With winging, I'm really enjoying the 50 & 60 fuse, and I'm not sure if I've tried the 70 since my first few sessions. The shorter fuses really help with gybes as it takes less time to get the board around so you can re-engage the wing to keep momentum. The trade off is less glide maybe.

The 2400 makes the transition to shorter fuses easy though, especially winging.

The other benefit of the shorter fuses is increased pitch sensitivity while winging in choppy waters. Going across/up wind against short period wind swells, the longer fuses takes more pressure fore/aft to adjust pitch to keep from breaching or touching down on waves. The shorter fuse allows smaller inputs to equal greater outputs, which allows a more narrow stance for us lighter folks and less tired quads. Also allows for more reaction through gybes where you can save a potential nose/breach.

I think you are definitely on the right track, 60 fuse & 232 wing is the go! Seeing as you already have the 1600, would have thought the fuse then the tail (plus the +1 shim - or a washer) is the way to go... Once you get used to the 60 fuse and tail, you never think about the longer/bigger ones! Except if its really light wind and you need more lift, the big tail is good for that...

Thank you for the replies everyone. I actually went and measured my fuse since it looked shorter than I thought when I took a good look at it. I actually have the 60. So the 232 tail will be next.

Willow, what will the +1 shim do in terms of mobility. My understanding is the +1 is for faster speeds with a little less lift. This would be for instances of bigger surf and higher speeds. Will this have an effect on maneuverability?

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ninjatuna said..
Thank you for the replies everyone. I actually went and measured my fuse since it looked shorter than I thought when I took a good look at it. I actually have the 60. So the 232 tail will be next.

Willow, what will the +1 shim do in terms of mobility. My understanding is the +1 is for faster speeds with a little less lift. This would be for instances of bigger surf and higher speeds. Will this have an effect on maneuverability?

One thing to note with the +1 shim is that you want to position your mast further forward than normal. This is according to Army. Because you have your back foot further back in relation to the mast, you have more leverage to crank turns harder.

Great you already have the 60 :) I think it's the best all around length - the 50 is fun, but you do lose some upwind pointing ability..

The +1 shim seems to really loosen the ride - less drag on the tail = so less stability from the tail - try it first even with your current tail wing - you can just chuck a washer under the front bolt if you don't have a shim - and yes, does move your feet back - so you move your mast forwards - therefore reducing the 'flying length' of your board, making it more maneuverable (less swing weight).

I tend to ride all my boards with the mast max forwards - Looking forwards to some new designs with longer tracks - ie this one below..

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willow75 said..
Great you already have the 60 :) I think it's the best all around length - the 50 is fun, but you do lose some upwind pointing ability..

The +1 shim seems to really loosen the ride - less drag on the tail = so less stability from the tail - try it first even with your current tail wing - you can just chuck a washer under the front bolt if you don't have a shim - and yes, does move your feet back - so you move your mast forwards - therefore reducing the 'flying length' of your board, making it more maneuverable (less swing weight).

I tend to ride all my boards with the mast max forwards - Looking forwards to some new designs with longer tracks - ie this one below..

That would be the back bolt

Thanks again for the answers,

That is a sweet looking board willow.

ha, yep i was trying to remember which bolt it was!! I have the shim now so had well forgetten :) Hoping to try the board in a few weeks when it arrives!