I've had the Armstrong foil with 85cm mast ,800cm and 1200cm wings for about 2 months now , I only use it with a kite. After 25hours on the 1200 and 10hrs on the 800, in conditions ranging from 1ft to 6ft waves, 12 - 25 knots, I expect this ratio to continue as I will explain.

Background: I'm 87Kg , windsurfed 40 years and kiting for 19,usually in waves. Last year I finally decided to get into foiling and I bought the Axis 680 with the full intention of using the foil for kite and prone surfing. Quickly gave up the prone idea, waves not suitable here and too many close calls with the foil.

The Axis was a great foil to learn to Kite foil on very easy to ride and stable, solid build , no complaints. However over the years I've found that most things carbon are usually better so I decided I wanted a full carbon foil and started researching the market.

Finally obtained budget approval from the wife and bought the Armstrong foil from Morgan at Ozone NZ who had stock and was a pleasure to deal with.

Everything comes in its own bag, all surfaces have the same brushed carbon weave finish with the deadly sea snake (don't bite me) paint job. It looks awesome, super light and the quality of the finish is like a work of carbon art. Even the shims and mast fitting hardware are custom titanium which shows an incredible attention to detail. The way the fuse fits the mast is innovative and solid the wings can be changed over with just 2 screws in under 2 minutes. Its easy so you do it more often and always ride the right wing for the day.


1200 Wing.
This wing is similar size to my old Axis 680 axis so I rode it first. High anticipation having spent so much money, would it make a difference? I had the answer on the first run, so quiet, smooth and balanced. I've done close to 500km on this wing now and absolutely love it for my style of riding which is wave riding with the smallest kite possible. It can be slowed down to walking pace but will also chase down swell at well over 30Kmph but always in such good control. My favorite move is a down loop jibe onto an oncoming wave the faster the better. With the Axis I would often breach as the power loop kicked in or as the foil engaged with the wave after the turn and my front foot couldn't hold it in . With the Armstrong you just go around the turn and come out smiling, there is no pressure increase as the speed increases the balance is perfect. Another major point of difference is the handling in rips and white water. You know you are in the rip but its never an issue and going out though white water is a none event. Just check your speed depower the kite and glide on though, I rarely ever fall now going though broken waves. I can only think the difference is due to mast flex. I was sold into the stiffer is better argument of Axis but after riding the Armstrong I have to agree with Armstrong that some reactive flex is good.

800 Wing
This is not the smaller brother of the 1200 but a totally different design with an anhedral wing. I ride it in the same track position as the 1200, the only adjustment is my front foot is about 2cm back. Again a very easy foil to ride much faster than the 1200 (about 4-6Kmph average) it feels like there is no resistance at all. Same perfect balance with no shim change. I need to ride it powered to really go up wind. You can go into turns in flat water at insane speed its effortless. Off the wind over 40Kmph without really trying. I'm sure it would jump well but I don't have the straps on to try. On the wave you don't feel that same foil engagement with the wave like the 1200, it wants to go too fast down the line. It's a great foil to ride when its windy and makes flat water fun but I prefer the 1200 for most sessions.

Certainly glad I bought both wings to mix it up.

So Its allot of money but I've improved so much just by changing foils and for the hours of enjoyment I feel good value. In addition I'll probably get a windwing at some point and then just need to add the Armstrong 1550wing, same 2min switch over so the system is very versatile. Riding the Armstrong foil is like riding my Yeti Mountain bike, you just feel like its something special and you have no excuses for not being able to improve.

Great work by a Kiwi company they deserve to do well.