I have been using i99 and i84 later switched to Armstrong 2400 and 1850 foils that I am comfortable when the wind is <18 mph using 6.3 sail (Goya Fringe). These infinity and Armstrong foils behave similarly in terms the foil ride in my opinion. Now I am using new Armstrong HS1550 V2 (which is more like i76 )when the wind >18 mph with a 5.5 wave sail (Goya Fringe) . I feel that HS1550 requiring more attention and not as comfortable as the bigger foils. Could you comment if you prefer using larger wing with a smaller sail or go to smaller foil to have more controlled ride when there is strong wind? Are the any technical comments to control smaller wings to make the ride more manageable ?

To the last, longer fuse.
I've mentioned before, the 2 earliest foilers I've seen use totally different gear.
Talking around 7-11 mph.
Eric uses Starboard 177, 1000 Starboard foil, 9.0 NP foil race sail. 165 Lbs.
Quintin uses Slingshot 103, square tail, Moses 1500 sq cm foil, 5.3 Gaastra wave sail. 155 lbs, but under 30 years of age.
Both around 6' tall, both Supreme pumpers.
7-11 mph breeze.
I can't make it fly with a 6.5.

Both approaches make sense, depends on rider preference and SEA STATE.

The low take off and low stall speeds that big wings offer can be a benefit when it's windy. You can rig a much smaller sail and sail slower through a challenging spot without coming off foil. You can still haul ass but you have the OPTION to ride slow. This set up really only works when the sea state is organized and readable which in the ocean and rivers where I sail it often is.

I also sail in a busy harbor/bay that traps all the wakes and the waves are short and steep and come from every direction at once. In these conditions I ride a smaller wing and bigger sail. You HAVE to haul ass to stay on foil but the ride is smoother because the wing is less affected by the waves.

If your control problems with the smaller wing are pitch related then LeeD may have a point about the fuse. Which fuse do you have with your Armstrong? I know they have an 80cm windsurf fuse but they are scarce.

Also that HS1550 may have the same area as the I76 but the similarities end there. The HS1550 is a high aspect design with little dihedral. In other words it is going to be fast but challenging to ride. The HS1050 looks more suitable for a relaxed and controlled ride in breeze.

in winds over 15 knots I switch from the AFS F1080 cm2 wing to the F770 cm2 wing, the F770 is so easy to handle in the stronger winds because it has less lift and does not react as much to gusts. But I do not want to be on a sail too big for the wind because the sail does not handle right, takes too much work managing it and the flights are not as comfortable.

Select to expand quote

utcminusfour said..

If your control problems with the smaller wing are pitch related then LeeD may have a point about the fuse. Which fuse do you have with your Armstrong? I know they have an 80cm windsurf fuse but they are scarce.

Thanks for your comments. I am using 80 cm fuselage with 0 shim. I may try next time +1 shim to get more control when I am on HS1550 V2.