Author Topic: Armstrong HS 1850  (Read 25113 times)

Phils

  • Sunset Status
  • ****
  • Posts: 341
    • View Profile
    • Email
Armstrong HS 1850
« on: July 11, 2020, 07:56:30 AM »
Newest and largest of the HS foils.  Interestingly, almost identical in span and area to the Axis 920.  I find myself struggling in avg 15-16 conditions with my CF 1600 as my wife has our 2400.  Mostly due to a skill/experience deficit but hoping the 1850 will help.  We are NOT going to own two 2400s  :).  Any other Armstrong users think the gap between the CF 2400 and 1600 is too large?

ninja tuna

  • Peahi Status
  • *****
  • Posts: 645
    • View Profile
Re: Armstrong HS 1850
« Reply #1 on: July 11, 2020, 08:14:54 AM »
Hey Phils,

I can't wait to get that 1850.  I own both the 1600 and 2400.  I have predominantly been using the 2400 for winging as I have been learning, but stepped down to the 1600 a few times. I am 190-195lbs though.  I think there is a gap between the 2 but I think it is manageable.  As I get better I am thinking the 2400 will be more for the lightest wind days and I will ride the 1600, 1550, or 1850 once the wind gets fun.  The 1600 may eventually go away as I increase my skills too. I have been using it in the surf and now more on the wing. I will also use a combination of wings and foils to make my day fun. Not just ride a dedicated wing size and change my foil or vice versa.  I am fine with the gap though.   I do not want to have to micro manage between several different sizes while thinking about the wind conditions.  The way I see the wind is light, fun, or nukin and adjust accordingly.  I am loving my armstrongs.  If his wings is as good as his foils, I will definitely get them.

Admin

  • Administrator
  • Cortez Bank Status
  • *****
  • Posts: 6443
    • View Profile
    • StandUpZone
    • Email
Re: Armstrong HS 1850
« Reply #2 on: July 11, 2020, 09:14:52 AM »
Newest and largest of the HS foils.  Interestingly, almost identical in span and area to the Axis 920.  I find myself struggling in avg 15-16 conditions with my CF 1600 as my wife has our 2400.  Mostly due to a skill/experience deficit but hoping the 1850 will help.  We are NOT going to own two 2400s  :).  Any other Armstrong users think the gap between the CF 2400 and 1600 is too large?

Do you have the 1850?  That looks great.  It looks thinner than the Axis 920 which sounds terrific. 

Phils

  • Sunset Status
  • ****
  • Posts: 341
    • View Profile
    • Email
Re: Armstrong HS 1850
« Reply #3 on: July 11, 2020, 10:17:31 AM »
The 1850 is hitting retailers next week supposedly.  I have paid for one so hopefully soon.

ninja tuna

  • Peahi Status
  • *****
  • Posts: 645
    • View Profile
Re: Armstrong HS 1850
« Reply #4 on: July 11, 2020, 10:46:01 AM »
Also dont forget that you can put get the -2 shim for the tail to give you more lift for your 1600 and soon to have 1850.  It will cost you a little on the speed side but help you lift off sooner. 

Phils

  • Sunset Status
  • ****
  • Posts: 341
    • View Profile
    • Email
Re: Armstrong HS 1850
« Reply #5 on: July 11, 2020, 11:09:05 AM »
Also dont forget that you can put get the -2 shim for the tail to give you more lift for your 1600 and soon to have 1850.  It will cost you a little on the speed side but help you lift off sooner.
Yes. My wife is taking the day off so I took the -2 from her rig first thing this morning. 

VB_Foil

  • Sunset Status
  • ****
  • Posts: 361
    • View Profile
    • @foilgraham Insta
    • Email
Re: Armstrong HS 1850
« Reply #6 on: July 11, 2020, 03:20:41 PM »
I mentioned my test ride of the 1850 over on the foil sup section, but here’s a quick recap.

I’m 145 lbs (65kgs). Prone foil and wingfoil. I have had a 1600 and own a 2400, 1550, 1200, and 1050. The 1850 session was a prone paddle session on my 74 liter wing board in waist high clean waves. Calling it my mid-length 😛

First wave was easy gradual lift with nice speed generating carves. Felt really quick and nimble for a wing that size. Faster than the 1600 and 2400. Also felt very stable and easy to pump. Managed a 3-1 on the first paddle!  Coulda gone for more but no more waves on the horizon.

Overall very stoked on the wing and have one on order.  It will be my go to for winging in light winds or prone in gutless surf.

Selling my 1200 and 2400 to make room.
I’m a 5’9” 65kg rider:

Boards:
   4' 27L Armstrong FG Wing/Surf
   4’5” 34L Armstrong FG Wing/Surf
   4'11" 60L Armstrong Wing/Sup
  
  

Foils: Armstrong HA525, HS625, HA725, HA925, HS1050, HA1125, HS1250, HA1325
Wings: BRM 2M & 3M, FreeWing Nitro 4M, OR 5M & 7M Glide

WHS

  • Malibu Status
  • **
  • Posts: 55
    • View Profile
Re: Armstrong HS 1850
« Reply #7 on: July 22, 2020, 08:53:43 PM »
Newest and largest of the HS foils.  Interestingly, almost identical in span and area to the Axis 920.

Do you have the 1850?  That looks great.  It looks thinner than the Axis 920 which sounds terrific. 

Was planning on getting Axis 920 but it is unavailable. Wonder if 1850 would be similar or is maybe a better mid aspect option? Anyone try both or have opinions on how they compare? Armstrong quality looks impressive! Mast/fuse looks solid. Concerned about lack of additional wing options and high price of buying more wings but 1850 may be all I need for now and they are available now.

Phils

  • Sunset Status
  • ****
  • Posts: 341
    • View Profile
    • Email
Re: Armstrong HS 1850
« Reply #8 on: July 23, 2020, 06:51:01 AM »
Retailers just started shipping their very first batches.  Mine supposedly arrives today (prepaid weeks ago).

Some of this is a "grass is greener...." phenomenon as I find myself often envying the Axis HA foils but ultimately I am very happy with Armstrong.  He brings his wings out pretty slowly and about as slow as my winging skills have come along. 

Some ramblings about the Armstrong foils if anyone wants an overview:

I started as many do with the CF (Carve Freeride) line (2400 and 1600).  The 1600 is now leaving me wanting more glide and pumping efficiency as I am now learning to work river/wind swell.  The HS (High Speed) line is slightly higher aspect (4.1-4.7), thinner and faster than the CF and the largest was the 1550 until the 1850 came along.  The 1850 may be the ultimate all-rounder for winging and many Armstrong fans are hopeful it could replace the 2400 and the 1600/1550 for most wingers.  As far as the stab, the system is pretty simple.  Most non-beginners use the 232 (it has a chop line on it for trimming at home if you want to go smaller).  And there are 3 beautiful but expensive titanium shims available to fine tune your ride.

Rumor and some fuzzy photo evidence indicates that he is actively working on a HA line.   Hopefully, my skills will be ready when they come out.  And I hope they come out before my curiosity cannot stand it any more and I have to demo an Axis or a Lift HA wing.
« Last Edit: July 23, 2020, 06:55:48 AM by Phils »

WHS

  • Malibu Status
  • **
  • Posts: 55
    • View Profile
Re: Armstrong HS 1850
« Reply #9 on: July 23, 2020, 09:42:17 AM »
Retailers just started shipping their very first batches. 

Found a complete 1850 in stock. They only have a few so if I don't make a quick decision I may miss out.


Some of this is a "grass is greener...." phenomenon as I find myself often envying the Axis HA foils but ultimately I am very happy with Armstrong.  He brings his wings out pretty slowly and about as slow as my winging skills have come along. 

Grass is greener is my main fear. So many Axis options and great reviews I may feel left out if I keep reading this forum. On the other hand if the 1850 has the best balance of features thats more important. Wish there were more Armstrong guys to chime in.


Rumor and some fuzzy photo evidence indicates that he is actively working on a HA line.   Hopefully, my skills will be ready when they come out.  And I hope they come out before my curiosity cannot stand it any more and I have to demo an Axis or a Lift HA wing.

Wish they would let us know what they are trying develop. Armstrong seems really focused on ease of use. If I knew they were coming out with an easy forgiving nice turning HA (which I don't think anyone has yet) I wouldn't really care how long it took. Current HA options don't really interest me, but based on whats out there Axis may get there first which is making this hard to decide. Thanks for the quick response!

Phils

  • Sunset Status
  • ****
  • Posts: 341
    • View Profile
    • Email
Re: Armstrong HS 1850
« Reply #10 on: July 23, 2020, 04:04:22 PM »
Took my 1850 for first session today at Stevenson.  Avg winds 22-24 so I was well powered to overpowered on my 3.5.  Keep in mind I am coming from the 1600.  The 1850 was better in every way.  Faster acceleration, better glide and pump.  I had my longest down wind glides ever.  Biggest surprise was how agile it is in the roll axis.  Banks and turns much faster than the 1600.  Will take a few more sessions till I get used to it.  Goes upwind really well.  Unable to judge lift cause I was so overpowered.   I am 70 kg. I think I am set for quite a while as far as winging foils.

WHS

  • Malibu Status
  • **
  • Posts: 55
    • View Profile
Re: Armstrong HS 1850
« Reply #11 on: July 23, 2020, 06:47:27 PM »
Took my 1850 for first session today at Stevenson.  Avg winds 22-24 so I was well powered to overpowered on my 3.5.  Keep in mind I am coming from the 1600.  The 1850 was better in every way.  Faster acceleration, better glide and pump.  I had my longest down wind glides ever.  Biggest surprise was how agile it is in the roll axis.  Banks and turns much faster than the 1600.  Will take a few more sessions till I get used to it.  Goes upwind really well.  Unable to judge lift cause I was so overpowered.   I am 70 kg. I think I am set for quite a while as far as winging foils.

Sounds really good! Just placed an order. Spent all day researching Armstrong as well as comparing to Axis. Pretty convinced I won't have any regrets. The 1850 looks flatter and thinner with less (relative) volume than rest of Armstrong foils. Even listed as weighing less than 1550 which is interesting. Also looks to have less swept back (or whatever that is called) tips. Highest aspect too. Let me know how it looks to you and please update review as you get more time on it.

Admin

  • Administrator
  • Cortez Bank Status
  • *****
  • Posts: 6443
    • View Profile
    • StandUpZone
    • Email
Re: Armstrong HS 1850
« Reply #12 on: July 23, 2020, 09:57:57 PM »
Took my 1850 for first session today at Stevenson.

Awesome report.  Did you go to the kite launch or to Bob's (by the cabins)?  How were the weeds?

Hilly

  • Rincon Status
  • ***
  • Posts: 117
    • View Profile
    • Email
Re: Armstrong HS 1850
« Reply #13 on: July 23, 2020, 11:52:37 PM »
Pretty convinced I won't have any regrets.
You will not, they are the excellent foils. Performance and build quality are top-shelf. And they are silent and no tefgel needed yay :)

Phils

  • Sunset Status
  • ****
  • Posts: 341
    • View Profile
    • Email
Re: Armstrong HS 1850
« Reply #14 on: July 24, 2020, 06:26:09 AM »
Took my 1850 for first session today at Stevenson.

Awesome report.  Did you go to the kite launch or to Bob's (by the cabins)?  How were the weeds?

Bob's Beach. There are some weeds a bit downwind of the launch but easy to avoid by kneeling or straddling out for a distance of about 15 meters when you first get in the water.  Much tighter wind range than ES on certain days.....maybe when there is a South component to the wind like yesterday??  I have had 3 really nice 3.5 meter sessions here this month when the wind was super up and down at the ES.
« Last Edit: July 24, 2020, 06:50:11 AM by Phils »

 


SimplePortal 2.3.7 © 2008-2024, SimplePortal