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The Foil Zone => Foil SUP => Topic started by: ninja tuna on January 25, 2020, 06:41:22 AM

Title: My new Armstrong Foils
Post by: ninja tuna on January 25, 2020, 06:41:22 AM
Armstrong foils, oh yeah.   

There has been very little talk on these and I wanted to start one.  Bought these all one my own.

From watching the blueplanet videos with the interviews about the Armstrong foils, these were gonna be the ones for me.  Very few reviews on them but all seemed good.  From the interviews, the construction of them seems top notch.  I have seen other issues with other companies that I did not like.  I have read about aluminum masts from several companies bending and I did not want to deal with that.  We shall see how my choice holds up over time.

So far, I have only had the 2400 out on a wingding.  I will make a separate post about that.  The 2400 seemed like it was quite fast to me.  It has a lot of float. When putting it in the water, I have to take a few seconds to sink it.  Cant wait to get some small surf to start playing with it in the waves.

The 1600 I have only had on short foil board and an 8’0 sup behind the boat with the 72 cm mast.  Being this is the 4th different foil I have ridden behind a boat, I have a little more to compare it with.  Instantly getting up behind the boat, the 1600 felt very smooth and stable. It seemed to surf the small waves best when it was close to the surface.  And then it seemed like I breached the foil but I was still able to stay up.  So then I began playing with the height.  I could ride it very high easily.  Then I wanted to breach it.  And it actually took effort to do it which I thought was pretty amazing of this foil’s tolerance.

The foils themselves feel very nice construction wise.  Again, we shall see how they hold up. Few reports so far are saying very good.  The bag and covers are really nice.  I am doing the wingding thing out of my boat at the moment while learning and everything packs up nice with the bag.  The parts were all in labeled bags and an instruction sheet included in the bag for quick reference for locations of the hardware.


2400 wing
 (https://i.imgur.com/rhAb7ib.jpg)

1600 wing
(https://i.imgur.com/EBtk3cL.jpg)

Directions in bag
(https://i.imgur.com/0RjGN2K.jpg)

Covers for everything
(https://i.imgur.com/bn2OmAY.jpg)

Parts included and labeled
(https://i.imgur.com/ztjzfP2.jpg)

Top view 1600 and 2400
(https://i.imgur.com/t8LHTAS.jpg)

Side view 2400 and 1600
(https://i.imgur.com/HuVKaKW.jpg)

Bag and covers
(https://i.imgur.com/9CMRTNq.jpg)

Side view with mast and tail
(https://i.imgur.com/GZWGtQF.jpg)
Title: Re: My new Armstrong Foils
Post by: Califoilia on January 25, 2020, 11:54:21 AM
Nice review Ninja, and from my experience of swapping boards with guys who were running the Armstrong foils, all I can say is that I'm very impressed with them.

So much so that after riding the 2400...I'm no longer interested in throwing my Maliko 200 back on my fuselage ever again (not that I ever rode it that much anyway). The 2400 is so much faster, turns so much better, and projects forward when pumping so much better...instead of the straight up and down like a porpoise way the M200 now seems to do.

All around, all of the Armstrongs I've seen, riding, and have heard their owners talk about them...puts them way up on the foil totem pole in design, quality, interchangeability (of not only wings, but stabs, masts, and fuselages), and most importantly...performance! You made a great choice IMO.

The only negative I find is that they're really proud of their product, and are asking a king's ransom for them (like 90% of the industry sadly)...or I would have ditched all of my Go Foil stuff months ago, and would have been on one already.

So now my only dilemma is...do I take a second out on my house and start all over again with the Armstrong, or just take out a bank loan and buy the GL set up to add to all of the Go Foil stuff I already have? Yeah I know, first world problems... ;) ;D
Title: Re: My new Armstrong Foils
Post by: surfcowboy on January 25, 2020, 08:35:50 PM
Man, the attention to detail on those things is really nice. The mounting hardware alone is so trick.

Army also seems to know his stuff. Who knew that sailors would end up changing the whole surf world.
Title: Re: My new Armstrong Foils
Post by: surfcowboy on January 25, 2020, 08:42:02 PM
Double post
Title: Re: My new Armstrong Foils
Post by: Wetstuff on January 26, 2020, 09:30:45 AM
If you think about it, there will always be a market for Porsche amidst all the other brands. The trick is to have the engineering and production skills ...and management with spurs and a tight rein.  As fast as this is growing, there will be a constant, interesting battle.  Here is an hour-long interview at REAL worth watching.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhCSwVic_2Y

Jim
Title: Re: My new Armstrong Foils
Post by: Hilly on January 26, 2020, 10:17:47 PM
Best upgrade you can do is get the new 232 tail. Much faster on the Wingding and surfing. They are awesome foils, wait until you try the HS 1550 front wing it is a major step up  ;)
Title: Re: My new Armstrong Foils
Post by: SUPdad on January 29, 2020, 10:50:40 AM
What exactly does the new tail help with?  More maneuverability or more speed/efficiency?  I don’t need more maneuverability but sure could use more efficiency. I have a 1600 wing, medium fuselage (60cm, I think), zero deg shim, and old style tail.  I’d like to pick up a 1550 wing but trying to stay on budget. :o
Title: Re: My new Armstrong Foils
Post by: WindJunkie on January 29, 2020, 12:56:33 PM
Never tried it myself but from what I've heard, looser ride.
Title: Re: My new Armstrong Foils
Post by: VB_Foil on January 30, 2020, 02:29:27 PM
Just received my new HS1050 wing. Waves are flat, but initial impressions after eyeing it up:

-Quality has improved?! (Thought it wasn't possible) Finish is really nice and the white paint seems more integrated, deeper in the lamination maybe. Very smooth.

-More of a high profile design when compared to the 1200. With trailing edges lined up, the 1200 'nose' sticks out and the 1200's swept back wing tips extend beyond the 1050s. The 1050s wingtips are swept back, just not as exaggerated.

-Overall similar width to the 1200.

-Noticeably thinner than the 1200.  Looks fast!

Title: Re: My new Armstrong Foils
Post by: StandinDan on January 30, 2020, 08:57:28 PM
Was stoked on my Armstrong. I'm on a 6.0 board with the 1600 wing, 72 cm mast, 60 cm fuselage, and 232 stab.
I watched the Armstrong video posted above and took note of the shim discussion.
I shimmed out the stab approximately 2 degrees nose down with a couple stainless washers, to direct the front wing up and it made a world of difference, total game changer. Now I'm even more stoked.
The waves at SanO can be fairly mushy but this minor tweak made even the mush super fun. The best way to describe it is as if there is one of those Swiss exercise balls under the nose of the board: it doesn't want to breach, but it doesn't want to fall off either. Rides just levitate along like a magic carpet ride as long as there is the least little push.
Title: Re: My new Armstrong Foils
Post by: ninja tuna on January 31, 2020, 05:05:33 AM
Nice Dan,

I have heard similar.

Quoting VBfoil from another forum:

"Also regarding the 2400, my last session was very light wind. I was having trouble getting off the water, so I swapped out the 0 degree TTF for the (now discontinued) -0.5 TTF and it helped a bunch. I haven't tried the -2 TTF, but someone else in the 95kg range raved about the -2 paired with the 2400 for lighter conditions."



And then in terms of surf , this insight followed with the shims.
"Interesting about the 2400 , I only have a 1550 and a 1200 , but I have the same experience with the shims, when the surf is small I go 0 shim and there's more lift at slower speeds and it turns on a dime, then when the surf is bigger and I don't want to blow out on the take offs and want to go faster with less front foot pressure I put on the +1 shim and happy days off we go"

ordering some today to see how it goes.
Title: Re: My new Armstrong Foils
Post by: VB_Foil on January 31, 2020, 07:41:53 AM
You can nerd out like me and make a hardware case out of a small tackle box:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BwX7DDvHHB4/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Title: Re: My new Armstrong Foils
Post by: ninja tuna on January 31, 2020, 08:17:38 AM
You can nerd out like me and make a hardware case out of a small tackle box:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BwX7DDvHHB4/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link



Already there, but just a basic plastic one.
Title: Re: My new Armstrong Foils
Post by: RATbeachrider on March 13, 2020, 05:15:04 PM
Very nice! After foiling (prone) on the original KeNalu for the last 5 months I switched over to the Armstrong 1550HS front, 300 Uni rear, 60cm stabilizer and 72cm mast ... this foil is a dream.  Nice smooth easy takeoff/liftoff and easy to bank the turns.  Pumping is easy too on this set up and I'm starting to practice the "pumping back out."  Next purchase will be a 4'x19" 36L board.
Title: Re: My new Armstrong Foils
Post by: exiled on March 14, 2020, 05:30:15 PM
Very nice! After foiling (prone) on the original KeNalu for the last 5 months I switched over to the Armstrong 1550HS front, 300 Uni rear, 60cm stabilizer and 72cm mast ... this foil is a dream.  Nice smooth easy takeoff/liftoff and easy to bank the turns.  Pumping is easy too on this set up and I'm starting to practice the "pumping back out."  Next purchase will be a 4'x19" 36L board.

How does the old KeNalu compare to it? I'm contemplating the same switch.
Title: Re: My new Armstrong Foils
Post by: RATbeachrider on March 15, 2020, 04:23:05 AM
How does the old KeNalu compare to it? I'm contemplating the same switch.
[/quote]

The Armstrong is a bit lighter given the fuselage is all carbon.  On takeoff, it is very smooth and a bit more forgiving.  The 1550/300 wings combo is faster and more stable riding down the line and turning.  I'd to place the KeNalu all the way to the front of the fin boxes to pump (plus had to find the right rear foot placement).  With the Armstrong, I placed the mast 1.5 inches from the front of the fin boxes and the pumping is much easier ... abet I'm still suck at pumping.

So far 3 sessions with the Armstrong in knee to waist+ waves and I can see the improvement in the fun factor.
Title: Re: My new Armstrong Foils
Post by: fatfish on March 15, 2020, 10:12:23 AM
Hey Ratbeachrider
What size prone board did you start on?  Was it a dedicated foil board or a converted board?  thanks.
Title: Re: My new Armstrong Foils
Post by: RATbeachrider on March 15, 2020, 04:07:39 PM
Hey Ratbeachrider
What size prone board did you start on?  Was it a dedicated foil board or a converted board?  thanks.

I’m riding a dedicated 4’10 but about to order a 4’0x19 35L.   I’m at 150lbs.
Title: Re: My new Armstrong Foils
Post by: exiled on March 16, 2020, 02:10:27 AM
How does the old KeNalu compare to it? I'm contemplating the same switch.

The Armstrong is a bit lighter given the fuselage is all carbon.  On takeoff, it is very smooth and a bit more forgiving.  The 1550/300 wings combo is faster and more stable riding down the line and turning.  I'd to place the KeNalu all the way to the front of the fin boxes to pump (plus had to find the right rear foot placement).  With the Armstrong, I placed the mast 1.5 inches from the front of the fin boxes and the pumping is much easier ... abet I'm still suck at pumping.

So far 3 sessions with the Armstrong in knee to waist+ waves and I can see the improvement in the fun factor.
[/quote]

That's interesting. What do you chalk the differences up to? Just that its a bigger wing? Ke Nalu was doing the dihedral wings with anhedral tips for a long time but seems like Armstrong aced the design. What did they do differently?
Title: Re: My new Armstrong Foils
Post by: VB_Foil on March 17, 2020, 02:09:22 PM

[/quote]

I’m riding a dedicated 4’10 but about to order a 4’0x19 35L.   I’m at 150lbs.
[/quote]

I started on a DW 4'10" board as well and got a second hand 3'11" FFB ~35L board.  I'm similar weight, 145lbs at 35yrs.  The 3'11" was a bitch catching waves.  Hard to deal with early lift as I often had to take off in more critical part of the wave.  I only put in a few sessions on it before grabbing the 4'10" instead.

I would recommend trying one similar size before custom ordering one.  I've since sold the 3'11" and opted for the 4'5" Armstrong board, which I've been throughly enjoying.  (haven't touched the 4'10" since)

If I could get a custom, it may be 4'3". 
Title: Re: My new Armstrong Foils
Post by: RATbeachrider on March 18, 2020, 03:10:53 PM

[/quote]
That's interesting. What do you chalk the differences up to? Just that its a bigger wing? Ke Nalu was doing the dihedral wings with anhedral tips for a long time but seems like Armstrong aced the design. What did they do differently?
[/quot

I don’t know.
Title: Re: My new Armstrong Foils
Post by: liv2surf on May 06, 2020, 10:31:54 AM
Who is using their Armstrong foils for SUP? Who is using for winging? Who is using for prone?  If SUP, how do you find mast stiffness for SUP (some have said to wobbly)? How stoked are you on your set ups not that you have been riding a bit longer. Thanks.
Title: Re: My new Armstrong Foils
Post by: Hilly on May 08, 2020, 07:11:04 PM
6 6 Smik sup mainly on 1550 with chopped tail 212. @ 105kg I need a little bit of push with this setup. Put on the 2400 if small. They are really surfy turning foils which I prefer over the HA pump style foils. Love the no washing :)
Title: Re: My new Armstrong Foils
Post by: fatfish on May 09, 2020, 12:10:29 PM
I started on the Armstrong at beginning of the year.  Riding a 6'6 SUP on the 1550HS/Unitail.  Really enjoying it.  I have tried a few sessions with it on a prone foil too.  I can envision that working out well too.  Its a great rig.
Title: Re: My new Armstrong Foils
Post by: ninja tuna on May 10, 2020, 01:06:36 PM
Still stoked on my armstrongs.  2400 and 1600 for wingdinging, 1600 for sup and behind the boat on small board.  Looking to get some enhancements soon.... maybe 1550 wing, smaller tail, smaller wing board..options
Title: Re: My new Armstrong Foils
Post by: VB_Foil on May 12, 2020, 10:52:08 AM
I picked up my 1200/1600 combo over a year ago now. Since added a 1550 (sold 1600), a 2400, and a 1050.  I mainly prone foil and Wing Foil. 

Still extremely happy about the kit.  I've given them a rough ride in the river by my house hitting concrete covered with barnacles quite a few times while schlogging along when learning.  They hold up really well and only require some very light sanding to get smooth again. 

I got up winging with the 1050 yesterday for the first time in winds around 20mph by pairing it with the unitail and -2 shim with a 5M.  I managed to breach a couple times on little waves due to the tail, but it was still a fun session. 

It's a really fun kit, especially if you various components to experiment with.  You can really find the right combo depending on the conditions.  I feel like a mad scientist thinking about the combo I want to go with on a given session.  You can really stretch the flying characteristics of a given wing by changing tail wings, fuselage, and tail shims.  Very rarely do I run the same exact combination and I enjoy every session and continue to progress. 

I don't notice any detrimental mast flexing. 
Title: Re: My new Armstrong Foils
Post by: VB_Foil on July 04, 2020, 02:46:46 AM

Matt Nuzzo with Real Watersports was out for a session Yesterday on the 1850 and he was crushing it.

 He left the wing with me for the day, so I took the 1850 for a spin in some small waist high waves. I was prone paddling my 5'1" 74L wing board. My first wave was a 3 for 1 and I ended up back in the lineup! It went unreal and turned great. No learning curve, despite being on that giant board.

I've got mine on order. If anyone in the states is interested in my 1200 or 2400, hit me up!
Title: Re: My new Armstrong Foils
Post by: ninja tuna on July 04, 2020, 05:07:34 AM
You're killing me....

Thanks for the update on the wing.  It is my next purchase.  Good to hear some one riding it.
Title: Re: My new Armstrong Foils
Post by: Califoilia on July 04, 2020, 10:44:53 AM
You're killing me....

Thanks for the update on the wing.  It is my next purchase.  Good to hear some one riding it.

Yeah, seems like every couple of months all these foil brands are coming out with some new "must have" thing, and I'm like, "Here Go Foil, you want all of this?
(https://i.makeagif.com/media/7-11-2015/lbFRj6.gif)
Just take it all already...and just send me whatever new thing you decide to come out with next. ::) :(
Title: Re: My new Armstrong Foils
Post by: APPST_Paddle on May 27, 2021, 02:38:47 AM
Old topic, but pretty interested in the 1550 as a step up from the Maliko 200, on a 6'5" Flying-V, no real plans to wing it (I still like kiting, ha.) Any thoughts on it, a lot of guys here have them and the construction does look top notch. Figure the 1550 V1 is under $2k now, ha not sure on the V2.

Thoughts?
Title: Re: My new Armstrong Foils
Post by: Dwight (DW) on May 27, 2021, 04:23:25 AM
Old topic, but pretty interested in the 1550 as a step up from the Maliko 200, on a 6'5" Flying-V, no real plans to wing it (I still like kiting, ha.) Any thoughts on it, a lot of guys here have them and the construction does look top notch. Figure the 1550 V1 is under $2k now, ha not sure on the V2.

Thoughts?

Don’t do it. Too small. Living in SC, leave the 1550 to proners. Grab the 1850 if you want Armstrong.
Title: Re: My new Armstrong Foils
Post by: APPST_Paddle on May 27, 2021, 07:06:50 PM
Old topic, but pretty interested in the 1550 as a step up from the Maliko 200, on a 6'5" Flying-V, no real plans to wing it (I still like kiting, ha.) Any thoughts on it, a lot of guys here have them and the construction does look top notch. Figure the 1550 V1 is under $2k now, ha not sure on the V2.

Thoughts?

Don’t do it. Too small. Living in SC, leave the 1550 to proners. Grab the 1850 if you want Armstrong.

Good to know, I'm between the 1850 and GL210, I already have a GoFoil setup, was going to possibly buy a whole new mast/fuselage either way I go and sell the Maliko. I guess the other option is to just get a GL210 and keep the Maliko and swap wings or drop down to the GL180. Armstrong is intriguing, I like the construction 
Title: Re: My new Armstrong Foils
Post by: Dwight (DW) on May 28, 2021, 04:36:28 AM
Armstrong is intriguing, I like the construction

You won’t have to deal with whistling foils anymore if you make the switch to Armstrong.
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