Has anybody tried the new(ish) Naish MA foils?

I'm tempted, but struggling to find any feedback from those who have used them?

I have the 1200MA for light wind and flat water.
It's a great foil for tight turns and carves.

In waves i prefer to use the naish HA 1040 because it has more glide and effective pump.

See the review on youtube from the supboarder....

Hi Miles, here are some thoughts on the Naish MA foils, specifically the MA1200. some background first, 73Kilos, Naish Hover 85L board, average rider skill level.
I have Jet HA1240, and it's fast, foils up quickly, has good glide, but at my level found it tricky to gybe, great for blasting, but I was looking for a more carving 'feel'.
I bought Jet 1250, (low aspect) which seemed a retrograde step? It's slower, but much smoother than the HA1240 when powering upwind through big chop, easier to gybe, with very low stall speed for tight gybes, the downside is the 'glide' which is not great. so..........
I bought an MA1200 to hopefully retain the comfort, and easy gybing of the Jet1250, and also get better 'glide'.
The first time I tried the MA1200, it couldn't get it onto foil, in the same wind speed that I could have used the higher aspect HA1240, admittedly I was using a 5m wing in marginal winds. A friend who is an excellent Wingfoil, Kitesurf instructor tried my kit and got it going, reporting back that he thought it a bit draggy, and may not give the glide I was looking for.
Fast forward to next session, Using 5m kite in wind averaging 11 to 18 knots, No problem getting onto foil, (although not as slippery as a High Aspect foil). It's become my favourite Foil, it carves easily, has low stall speed for really tight gybes, It cuts up wind well, and seems to smooth out chop. The glide is good enough for flagging out the wing, for Tacks, and pumping when turning down swell.
An MA foil for fun, and an HA foil for speed, seems a good set?

I like the MA foil from Naish and here's a vid from the first day that I tried mine.. The biggest plus about these foils is the safety aspect due to their soft rounded blunt ends.. You can have your wing flap against it without worrying to much about it slicing into it like a bread knife.. Also once I start foiling in the surf I'll use this foil mostly for my own safety.. I have also found mine a little on the draggy side but I actually like that at my level of foiling because slippery foils to me feel like I'm having the rug pulled out from under me with their instant acceleration and high top speed.. So if you're a beginner to intermediate foiler you're going to love the MA but if you're an advanced foiler the HA and new Mach 1 foils might be a better option..

Is the jet foil or MA that much easier to gybe than a naish Ha?

If you are really comfortable Gybing in all water states, including 'confused close chop', then I don't think you will benefit so much from an MA, or a Jet. But if, like me, you want all the help you can get, but without a certain loss of 'Glide', I'd get the MA. It won't be as fast as the HA, but unless you are racing, it's fast enough. What I like is it's ability to turn practically 'on the spot' maybe because of the narrow width? It's like windy conditions, good at masking mistakes!

Older MA thread at ..
www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Wing-Foiling/Wind-Wings/Tested-Naish-MA1000
.. incl good info JB

I (90kg, intermediate) had the Naish HA (2140, 1240, 1040) last year, mainly riding the 1240HA. Then I jumped to the Axis ART 899 and 1099 and both offered much less drag with more turning ability - i love these two. But pushing the ART through turbulent waters really hard (speeding and jibing) gets a bit ripply sometimes. That is the tribute to the high efficiency.
Then i rode the MA 1000 in 1m chop. It gets me up as easy as the 1240HA ( it is basically a chopped 1240- therefore similar lift but less glide but so much better turning). I was prepared to encounter more drag, compared to the ART 899 but was surprised that i didn't feel more drag and powered up i measured similar max speed with my gps. It just cuts through. It is thicker than the ART 899 but much less span and therefore not that much more frontal area - maybe that is part of an explanation why i don't feel more drag. And jibing and "flatwater waveriding" with higher speed in rough waters feels so safe and easy and is so much fun. You can through your board around in any radius at any speed with confidence - that is insane. But of course it has much less glide (but a really low stall speed for that size). In 10knts and up with kind of consistant wind in heavy choppy waters this is now my go to and i keep the more efficient ARTs for the gusty days. It is like having a roadbike and a MTB :-). I am also just testing the new Mach 1 but that is another story.

I have the MA 1200 and it performs as advertised. It's not fast and it's not slow. No where near the glide and pump of an HA.
It's easy and the larger sizes would be great for beginners not to mention the safety aspect.

Where the foil shines and why I'm keeping it is that sq cm for sq cm, it's a turning machine. Not only can you carve ridiculously tight turns it also has a low stall once up. It's also has great pop for jumps. It's niche for advanced riders is definitely in the waves. Instead of long sweeping arcs, it reminds me more of when I'm short board surfing, where you can pivot hard. It's a nice change of pace when you want to mix things up.

Waiting for Average Joe reviews of the Mach 1's.

Thanks all, really great and useful info :)

I started on the Jet 1650 and then moved over to the HA range and have the 1800HA for light wind and 1400HA for stronger winds. I love the extra glide, but miss the sharper turns hence thinking of the MA range.

I am an intermediate beginner - gybing fine and riding toeside, and just starting to sort foot swaps.

I was going to go for the 1600MA given that I am 85/90kg, but now possibly the 1200MA after the above replies. Are any of you similar to my weight? Is the 1200MA going to be a strong wind only foil at my weight?

1600ma naish all the way- great foil and lately my go to for most conditions... used with 3.5 and 5.0 duotones Im 75kgs and get going 12 knots with this combo

Select to expand quote

MilesH said..
Thanks all, really great and useful info :)

I started on the Jet 1650 and then moved over to the HA range and have the 1800HA for light wind and 1400HA for stronger winds. I love the extra glide, but miss the sharper turns hence thinking of the MA range.

I am an intermediate beginner - gybing fine and riding toeside, and just starting to sort foot swaps.

I was going to go for the 1600MA given that I am 85/90kg, but now possibly the 1200MA after the above replies. Are any of you similar to my weight? Is the 1200MA going to be a strong wind only foil at my weight?

Forgot to include I'm 80kg's

Caddy, have you ever used the Jet1650 foil? I'm looking for a comparison between the Jet1650 and the MA1600. I have the MA1200 as my 'small' foil, for surf and open sea, but am looking to go back to a bigger foil for harbour and lake riding in lighter winds. Not particularly worried about top speed , but some glide for help in transitions, and a stable 'platform' for learning new stuff would be good. MA1600 or Jet1650 ? Thoughts anyone.
Thanks
p.s. weight 73k.

Schlogger, I'm 73k, and use the MA1200 from around 15knots up to 'damn it's windy'.
It's a great carving, surfy, foil, but is a little more sticky to come up on foil, than my HA1240, but much easier to ride!
I reckon at 80k you might need a couple more knots to get it going. can you demo one?

Select to expand quote

jonysan said..
Schlogger, I'm 73k, and use the MA1200 from around 15knots up to 'damn it's windy'.
It's a great carving, surfy, foil, but is a little more sticky to come up on foil, than my HA1240, but much easier to ride!
I reckon at 80k you might need a couple more knots to get it going. can you demo one?

i have the MA1200. I only use it when it's windy and only in waves. It's a turning machine. Most of the time I'm on my HA1240 in light wind and HA1040 for everything else. I like the pop of the MA for jumps as well. But it's a niche foil for me.

Waiting on a Average Joe review of the new Mach 1's.

Select to expand quote

Shlogger said..

jonysan said..
Schlogger, I'm 73k, and use the MA1200 from around 15knots up to 'damn it's windy'.
It's a great carving, surfy, foil, but is a little more sticky to come up on foil, than my HA1240, but much easier to ride!
I reckon at 80k you might need a couple more knots to get it going. can you demo one?

i have the MA1200. I only use it when it's windy and only in waves. It's a turning machine. Most of the time I'm on my HA1240 in light wind and HA1040 for everything else. I like the pop of the MA for jumps as well. But it's a niche foil for me.

Waiting on a Average Joe review of the new Mach 1's.

Sorry Schlogger, I got confused who was asking about the windspeed needed for the MA's.

Select to expand quote

jonysan said..
Caddy, have you ever used the Jet1650 foil? I'm looking for a comparison between the Jet1650 and the MA1600. I have the MA1200 as my 'small' foil, for surf and open sea, but am looking to go back to a bigger foil for harbour and lake riding in lighter winds. Not particularly worried about top speed , but some glide for help in transitions, and a stable 'platform' for learning new stuff would be good. MA1600 or Jet1650 ? Thoughts anyone.
Thanks
p.s. weight 73k.

Hi mate,

I am 73kgs and have been riding the Jet1650 for about a year in pretty much all conditions, noting I ride in a bay with some chop. Also been riding HA1240 when super windy. About a month ago changed to MA1600 and I absolutely love it, can't see myself ever using the Jet1650 again. MA is real easy to get on foil because it is more of a pump onto foil compared to the HA1240 and that is what I am used to after riding the Jet for so long. Found jibing easier on the MA versus Jet due to that bit more glide but it is way more stable through the jibe than the HA and can turn so much tighter which I like. I also have MA1000 which I used for the first time the other day, definitely harder to get on foil than the MA1600 but once up it is so nice and can go so far upwind. I can see myself only using the MA foils from now on as not a speed demon and love the ease of use with enough glide and speed for me from the MA's. p.s. doing upwind 360's with the MA are also so much fun as you can just crank it through the turn so tight.

In short get the MA, you won't regret it.

Hey Macca,
Thanks for your thoughts on the MA1600, I have arranged to try one in the next few days, and so reading your review with interesting, definitely!
My experience with the HA1240 is similar, fast but for me, quite tricky in gybes, especially compared to my MA1200 which is now my 'go to' foil, the MA never seems to get overpowered, and super smooth in gybes, but I did wonder how the MA1600 would pump onto foil in light wind compared to the Jet1650.
After reading your review, I imagine the MA1600 will need a bit more technique to pump onto foil, than the Jet1650, but the advantages of the extra glide will out-weight that.
Upwind 360's are the next challenge!

Thanks.

Jonysan - let me know how you get on with the 1600 and how it compares and differs from the 1200 if you don't mind :)

Not sure if you've seen this review of the range:

Will do! hopefully tomorrow.

Select to expand quote

jonysan said..
Will do! hopefully tomorrow.

Demo MA1600 not available today, Should be next week ?

Select to expand quote

jonysan said..

jonysan said..
Will do! hopefully tomorrow.

Demo MA1600 not available today, Should be next week ?

...and I just logged in to see how you got on! :)

Select to expand quote

jonysan said..
Caddy, have you ever used the Jet1650 foil? I'm looking for a comparison between the Jet1650 and the MA1600. I have the MA1200 as my 'small' foil, for surf and open sea, but am looking to go back to a bigger foil for harbour and lake riding in lighter winds. Not particularly worried about top speed , but some glide for help in transitions, and a stable 'platform' for learning new stuff would be good. MA1600 or Jet1650 ? Thoughts anyone.
Thanks
p.s. weight 73k.

Haven't ridden the 1650jet but for transitions the MA 1600 is great!

That's what I imagined, The MA1200 is so relaxed and 'surfy' to ride, I just need something bigger for the low wind days. I do find the MA1200 is a bit draggy to get on foil in lighter winds. It would be great if the MA1600 got onto foil easier, theoretically it should?
Still waiting to try one !

Obviously a little bias, but I just got back from the Merimbula weekend and my foil of choice in the wave winging was the 2000MA on the 55cm fuse with 280HA rear. It was amazing!! I am 90kg at 6'2", and it was so controlled, powerful yet able to handle the bigger heavier sets and wrapping foam hits easily. Quickly putting it into my favourite wing position for wave riding. I strongly suggest giving the 55cm fuse a go, and if you have your gear balanced up well, the 280HA rear.

Such an amazing foil!

Select to expand quote

Windgenuity said..
Obviously a little bias, but I just got back from the Merimbula weekend and my foil of choice in the wave winging was the 2000MA on the 55cm fuse with 280HA rear. It was amazing!! I am 90kg at 6'2", and it was so controlled, powerful yet able to handle the bigger heavier sets and wrapping foam hits easily. Quickly putting it into my favourite wing position for wave riding. I strongly suggest giving the 55cm fuse a go, and if you have your gear balanced up well, the 280HA rear.

Such an amazing foil!

Is that a 2000cm2 foil handling heavy waves

Select to expand quote

hilly said..

Windgenuity said..
Obviously a little bias, but I just got back from the Merimbula weekend and my foil of choice in the wave winging was the 2000MA on the 55cm fuse with 280HA rear. It was amazing!! I am 90kg at 6'2", and it was so controlled, powerful yet able to handle the bigger heavier sets and wrapping foam hits easily. Quickly putting it into my favourite wing position for wave riding. I strongly suggest giving the 55cm fuse a go, and if you have your gear balanced up well, the 280HA rear.

Such an amazing foil!

Is that a 2000cm2 foil handling heavy waves

It was definitely surprising me. Last weekend we had some solid waves. Was way easier to control then I was anticipating, I had the 1200 ready to change down to, but never found the need. Speeds easily in the 30kmh range and carving with ease+

Select to expand quote

Windgenuity said..

hilly said..

Windgenuity said..
Obviously a little bias, but I just got back from the Merimbula weekend and my foil of choice in the wave winging was the 2000MA on the 55cm fuse with 280HA rear. It was amazing!! I am 90kg at 6'2", and it was so controlled, powerful yet able to handle the bigger heavier sets and wrapping foam hits easily. Quickly putting it into my favourite wing position for wave riding. I strongly suggest giving the 55cm fuse a go, and if you have your gear balanced up well, the 280HA rear.

Such an amazing foil!

Is that a 2000cm2 foil handling heavy waves

It was definitely surprising me. Last weekend we had some solid waves. Was way easier to control then I was anticipating, I had the 1200 ready to change down to, but never found the need. Speeds easily in the 30kmh range and carving with ease+

I find that hard to believe, in the nicest conceivable way of course. My experience with foils over 1200cm2 in solid waves is that they are hard to manage (Axis, SPG, Armie and GoFoil) let alone a 2000cm2 one, that's huge!!! Has anyone else used the MA2000 in solid waves? I mean steep breaking overhead waves. I am intrigued as it sounds too good to be true.

To conclude the thread, I ended up going for the MA1200.

I've used it 4/5 times now and really like its ability to turn almost on the spot, as well as how it handles chop during transitions and has a low stall speed. It's not as fast as a HA wing, but a lot quicker than the Jet range.

At 85kg it is definitely not my go to lightwind foil, as it feels more sticky to get up than my HA wings. A session today in 15knots plus it was great, but as the wind dropped at the end (on a 5m wing) it struggled, where I feel the HA's would have been better.

For me it will be my go to 15 knot+ wing in chop (and eventually waves)

Select to expand quote

jonysan said..
That's what I imagined, The MA1200 is so relaxed and 'surfy' to ride, I just need something bigger for the low wind days. I do find the MA1200 is a bit draggy to get on foil in lighter winds. It would be great if the MA1600 got onto foil easier, theoretically it should?
Still waiting to try one !

Jon, did you ever get to try the MA1600?

p.s. I need to give you a call when I get chance, to chat about the 95l Carbon Ultra :)

Select to expand quote

hilly said..

Windgenuity said..

hilly said..

Windgenuity said..
Obviously a little bias, but I just got back from the Merimbula weekend and my foil of choice in the wave winging was the 2000MA on the 55cm fuse with 280HA rear. It was amazing!! I am 90kg at 6'2", and it was so controlled, powerful yet able to handle the bigger heavier sets and wrapping foam hits easily. Quickly putting it into my favourite wing position for wave riding. I strongly suggest giving the 55cm fuse a go, and if you have your gear balanced up well, the 280HA rear.

Such an amazing foil!

Is that a 2000cm2 foil handling heavy waves

It was definitely surprising me. Last weekend we had some solid waves. Was way easier to control then I was anticipating, I had the 1200 ready to change down to, but never found the need. Speeds easily in the 30kmh range and carving with ease+

I find that hard to believe, in the nicest conceivable way of course. My experience with foils over 1200cm2 in solid waves is that they are hard to manage (Axis, SPG, Armie and GoFoil) let alone a 2000cm2 one, that's huge!!! Has anyone else used the MA2000 in solid waves? I mean steep breaking overhead waves. I am intrigued as it sounds too good to be true.

I tried the 2000 of a friend in headhigh faces that were steepisch but slow speed.Even with my 95kg it is waaay to big and wants to foil out,.As written elsewhere, they are good beginner foils, but in feel and performance closer to the 1st gen foils like the GF Maliko and Iwa as to newer foils. Bcause they have less wingspan they turn easier as those oldies, but too thick, low top end and very little glide.