Forums > Wing Foiling General

Stay with Armstrong or move to F-one?

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Created by Zasby > 9 months ago, 28 Dec 2022
Zasby
WA, 69 posts
28 Dec 2022 1:13PM
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I currently, have Armstrong foils but tried out an F-one Seven Seas kit (1400) with a long fuselage and 85cm mast and was impressed with the speed and glide. I am normally on a Armstrong 1550V2 wing, HS232 tail on a 75cm mast. The next logical step would be to try one of the new Armstrong masts and MA foils - what would be compatible sizes? Has anyone ridden on both and can provide some insights as to how they compare? A swap to F-one would be a lot more expensive than 'upgrading' to the new Armstrong gear but it did ride well.

kobo
NSW, 1107 posts
28 Dec 2022 4:44PM
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Zasby said..
I currently, have Armstrong foils but tried out an F-one Seven Seas kit (1400) with a long fuselage and 85cm mast and was impressed with the speed and glide. I am normally on a Armstrong 1550V2 wing, HS232 tail on a 75cm mast. The next logical step would be to try one of the new Armstrong masts and MA foils - what would be compatible sizes? Has anyone ridden on both and can provide some insights as to how they compare? A swap to F-one would be a lot more expensive than 'upgrading' to the new Armstrong gear but it did ride well.

If you like outright speed and glide it's hard to go past the Armstrong HA wings but not the easiest to ride, the MAs sound like a significant step up in performance from the previous HS series like the 1550V2. If you changed your tail from a 232 to a 195 you would also notice a decent improvement in speed and glide.

hilly
WA, 7938 posts
28 Dec 2022 4:31PM
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Zasby said..A swap to F-one would be a lot more expensive than 'upgrading' to the new Armstrong gear but it did ride well.


Not much more as you need a new mast, fuse, front wing and tail. Oh it is the same.

patronus
483 posts
28 Dec 2022 5:16PM
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I ride 1550 V2 only and gradually shimmed 232 to 2 red shims which improved glide

MidAtlanticFoil
825 posts
28 Dec 2022 9:21PM
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Supposedly the MA1225 is similar in lift to the 1550V2. If your fuse is the A+, you would just be upgrading the front wing and mast (still expensive) and possibly the tail wing.
if you search Oceanbound on YouTube, one of his recent vids is about the F-ones he was demoing (he's a longtime Armstrong rider).

MidAtlanticFoil
825 posts
28 Dec 2022 9:21PM
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Supposedly the MA1225 is similar in lift to the 1550V2. If your fuse is the A+, you would just be upgrading the front wing and mast (still expensive) and possibly the tail wing.
if you search Oceanbound on YouTube, one of his recent vids is about the F-ones he was demoing (he's a longtime Armstrong rider).

Jeroensurf
1084 posts
29 Dec 2022 1:00AM
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That 7seas with there carbon mast is just an really really good combo. If you can afford it: switch.I rode the 7seas 1200 and have owned most of the SAB line up, and have on an Cedrus the Cabrinha Hseries 1200/1000/800 and Kujira1210 and The 7seas with there carbon mast was outright faster, better glide and feeling pretty awesome.
I tried the 7seas also on an Cedrus a few days later, and that is noticable dragier as the Fone mast.

eppo
WA, 9751 posts
29 Dec 2022 6:15AM
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Man there are sooo many good options out there now. The axis, go foil, new sab stuff (which I've heard glowing personal accounts of) the north range . all so good. The list goes on


the cheapest option for extra glide is adding the 195 tail and of course shimming - but shimming creates its own problem with less front foot pressure a pitch control .


that being said I think the HS line has been truly left in the dust behind what other companies are offering if you are ready for the next stage. The MA definitely is the last nail in the coffin for the HS I think for riders who as I say are ready. Ride with crew who have just added the 1225 in place of the 1550 on the A plus mast and are truly stoked. (Plus the 195 tail).

what is your weight is probably the most important question. Over 90kg then you will probably need the new mast. Under . I'm not so sure it is completely necessary. If under 90, the cheapest option is the 1225 and the HA 195 tail. If over 90 I'd be trying to demo all the brands because the changeover will be just as expensive either which way you go.


one foil I will not get on (because ignorance is bliss) is the cab foils. Especially if they improve their mast which is supposedly coming out soon. I'm just putting my fingers in my ears and singing loudly with the cab foils

kobo
NSW, 1107 posts
29 Dec 2022 9:28AM
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Yes , if CAB come out with a decent mast and changeable tail options ,I would be looking hard at them too.
They are a bit dull compared to Army HAs but sometimes a little dull can be better overall..

johndg
WA, 226 posts
29 Dec 2022 7:33AM
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Changing brands is a big decision and one that only you can make. I started on Armstrong, then by demoing changed to Axis HPS 980 from 1500V2. I bought a Cedrus mast and also a Lift adapter and tried a Lift 170. I was riding mainly the ART 899, 880 and 980s at this time. I managed to demo the F one 7 Seas 1200 and that convinced me to change brands.

In my limited opinion the Fone gear is well designed, easy to ride and excellent performance. Also changing between foils each is familiar from Phantoms, to Eagles to 7 Seas. I have a 85cm F One hm carbon mast and a Cedrus. The Cedrus feels more locked in than the F One.

Zasby
WA, 69 posts
29 Dec 2022 7:34AM
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Thanks for your responses. I am sitting at 90kg, so yes a new Armstrong mast would be beneficial. The advantage of the Armstrong is that I can trade in my gear at the shop. I can't do that if I go for the F-One - quicker and easier. Would probably need to get the aluminum F-one mast too (carbon mast looks good but is pricey). I do like a bit of speed and the F-one Seven Seas was fast. I recognise it's probably not their purpose but are the MA foils still quick?

eppo
WA, 9751 posts
29 Dec 2022 9:35AM
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Zasby said..
Thanks for your responses. I am sitting at 90kg, so yes a new Armstrong mast would be beneficial. The advantage of the Armstrong is that I can trade in my gear at the shop. I can't do that if I go for the F-One - quicker and easier. Would probably need to get the aluminum F-one mast too (carbon mast looks good but is pricey). I do like a bit of speed and the F-one Seven Seas was fast. I recognise it's probably not their purpose but are the MA foils still quick?



Yeh quicker than the HS but not as quick as the HA. Acceleration I'm talking about off the mark. Top speed is very similar. In fact I'm feeling I can quicker on the MA because of it's pronounced stability.

my mate is 90kg and only changed to the 1225 MA. Works well for him. Recon it's near the 95/100kg mark you may have issues.


you could consider just changing to a 1225 for now and the 195 tail (which is what he did as well to replace the 232).

MidAtlanticFoil
825 posts
29 Dec 2022 10:03AM
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Man, Eppo with the solid advice. Can't agree more with what he's said.

longboard
179 posts
29 Dec 2022 12:31PM
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Yeah +1 to those comments Eppo.

That's solid advice you're giving right there!
Love the fact that you're part of Armies army but still open minded enough to acknowledge other decent setups/brands.
Constructive comments - how refreshing in the day of social media etc!

And this is coming from me who is being drawn from my quiver of HA Armie foils to axis ART'S...don't judge me!??

eppo
WA, 9751 posts
29 Dec 2022 2:03PM
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longboard said..
Yeah +1 to those comments Eppo.

That's solid advice you're giving right there!
Love the fact that you're part of Armies army but still open minded enough to acknowledge other decent setups/brands.
Constructive comments - how refreshing in the day of social media etc!

And this is coming from me who is being drawn from my quiver of HA Armie foils to axis ART'S...don't judge me!??


Ah ya not the only one. I've ridden heaps with a very good local rider on the axis art stuff now. It's bloody good gear.

eppo
WA, 9751 posts
29 Dec 2022 2:05PM
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kobo said..
Yes , if CAB come out with a decent mast and changeable tail options ,I would be looking hard at them too.
They are a bit dull compared to Army HAs but sometimes a little dull can be better overall..


Same same with the MA foils. "Duller" but arguably more fun.

kobo
NSW, 1107 posts
29 Dec 2022 7:29PM
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To be honest I was kinda hoping Army was going to come out with a HA similar to the CAB ,not a MA series but he's obviously decided to start at the beginning and redo CF ,MA and lastly the HA series. I don't mind waiting as I'm continually improving on the current HAs all the time and have amazing rides on them.It would be nice to have a lower stall speed but it's becoming less of a problem the more I ride nowadays..As you say eppo probs better of investing in the new mast , looking forward to some prone reviews of the 725/925/1125 on the new 795 mast...wish they had the old washer system though.

hilly
WA, 7938 posts
29 Dec 2022 4:51PM
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Must admit what I have seen from the MA foils in action I am underwhelmed.

mindhoc
NSW, 94 posts
29 Dec 2022 10:52PM
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Zasby said..
Thanks for your responses. I am sitting at 90kg, so yes a new Armstrong mast would be beneficial. The advantage of the Armstrong is that I can trade in my gear at the shop. I can't do that if I go for the F-One - quicker and easier. Would probably need to get the aluminum F-one mast too (carbon mast looks good but is pricey). I do like a bit of speed and the F-one Seven Seas was fast. I recognise it's probably not their purpose but are the MA foils still quick?


At 90kg I would probably consider staying Armie or finding a brand with solid connections between components. F-one titan connection is not very titan and bolts get loose when riding them hard. It's a shame because everything else is so rock solid

Having said this , every brand has unicorn setups, just need to collect them with time and use them where they work the best

hilly
WA, 7938 posts
29 Dec 2022 8:02PM
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mindhoc said..

Zasby said..
Thanks for your responses. I am sitting at 90kg, so yes a new Armstrong mast would be beneficial. The advantage of the Armstrong is that I can trade in my gear at the shop. I can't do that if I go for the F-One - quicker and easier. Would probably need to get the aluminum F-one mast too (carbon mast looks good but is pricey). I do like a bit of speed and the F-one Seven Seas was fast. I recognise it's probably not their purpose but are the MA foils still quick?



At 90kg I would probably consider staying Armie or finding a brand with solid connections between components. F-one titan connection is not very titan and bolts get loose when riding them hard. It's a shame because everything else is so rock solid

Having said this , every brand has unicorn setups, just need to collect them with time and use them where they work the best


Good points. Happy I moved to GoFoil.

johndg
WA, 226 posts
29 Dec 2022 8:11PM
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Never had any issues with F One connections.

ArthurAlston
NSW, 259 posts
30 Dec 2022 6:22AM
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kobo said..
To be honest I was kinda hoping Army was going to come out with a HA similar to the CAB ,not a MA series but he's obviously decided to start at the beginning and redo CF ,MA and lastly the HA series. I don't mind waiting as I'm continually improving on the current HAs all the time and have amazing rides on them.It would be nice to have a lower stall speed but it's becoming less of a problem the more I ride nowadays..As you say eppo probs better of investing in the new mast , looking forward to some prone reviews of the 725/925/1125 on the new 795 mast...wish they had the old washer system though.


Well put. I'm in the same boat as you.

NordRoi
669 posts
30 Dec 2022 3:42AM
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mindhoc said..

At 90kg I would probably consider staying Armie or finding a brand with solid connections between components. F-one titan connection is not very titan and bolts get loose when riding them hard. It's a shame because everything else is so rock solid

Having said this , every brand has unicorn setups, just need to collect them with time and use them where they work the best









WHAT, Army strong connection? Never had that issue with f-one and axis and pryde, maybe I don't ride them hard enough. Every 2-3 days or riding I do check bolts and usually nothing to report. On Axis the top plate was needing a 1/4 rotation every 3-4 days.Army masts were very wobbly, even with the A+ system.Going from f-one and more from axis to army, I was feeling a lot of movement, creating lost of control over the wing.I'm sure that was also a reason why so many liked their chopped wings. Not saying army is not good, they got some nice front wing..but their system was the bottle neck. Assuming their new mast is great.

mindhoc
NSW, 94 posts
30 Dec 2022 8:14AM
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NordRoi said..



mindhoc said..

At 90kg I would probably consider staying Armie or finding a brand with solid connections between components. F-one titan connection is not very titan and bolts get loose when riding them hard. It's a shame because everything else is so rock solid

Having said this , every brand has unicorn setups, just need to collect them with time and use them where they work the best












WHAT, Army strong connection? Never had that issue with f-one and axis and pryde, maybe I don't ride them hard enough. Every 2-3 days or riding I do check bolts and usually nothing to report. On Axis the top plate was needing a 1/4 rotation every 3-4 days.Army masts were very wobbly, even with the A+ system.Going from f-one and more from axis to army, I was feeling a lot of movement, creating lost of control over the wing.I'm sure that was also a reason why so many liked their chopped wings. Not saying army is not good, they got some nice front wing..but their system was the bottle neck. Assuming their new mast is great.




Lol, good point , I'm assuming Armstrong has a strong connection but I have never ridden it. As for f-one , I almost lost my phantom 1780 twice and the bolts would get loose after every session. I also have a 1280 where it does happen but it can handle 2 sessions. I do know of 3 cases of people loosing the whole plane, one of them was a jumper.
I have had Sab front wing bolts coming loose too while riding but it has been on long HA wings and during the second session if I don't tighten them up

my axis story stopped after snapping 2 fuses. But then they upgraded their fuse design and I believe that is a problem from the past

burchas
338 posts
30 Dec 2022 8:39AM
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mindhoc said..

NordRoi said..




mindhoc said..

At 90kg I would probably consider staying Armie or finding a brand with solid connections between components. F-one titan connection is not very titan and bolts get loose when riding them hard. It's a shame because everything else is so rock solid

Having said this , every brand has unicorn setups, just need to collect them with time and use them where they work the best













WHAT, Army strong connection? Never had that issue with f-one and axis and pryde, maybe I don't ride them hard enough. Every 2-3 days or riding I do check bolts and usually nothing to report. On Axis the top plate was needing a 1/4 rotation every 3-4 days.Army masts were very wobbly, even with the A+ system.Going from f-one and more from axis to army, I was feeling a lot of movement, creating lost of control over the wing.I'm sure that was also a reason why so many liked their chopped wings. Not saying army is not good, they got some nice front wing..but their system was the bottle neck. Assuming their new mast is great.





Lol, good point , I'm assuming Armstrong has a strong connection but I have never ridden it. As for f-one , I almost lost my phantom 1780 twice and the bolts would get loose after every session. I also have a 1280 where it does happen but it can handle 2 sessions. I do know of 3 cases of people loosing the whole plane, one of them was a jumper.
I have had Sab front wing bolts coming loose too while riding but it has been on long HA wings and during the second session if I don't tighten them up

my axis story stopped after snapping 2 fuses. But then they upgraded their fuse design and I believe that is a problem from the past


Never had issues with the F-one connection my self. Daily 5 hour sessions, consistently bottom feeding my foil and I'm not even using TefGel.

hilly
WA, 7938 posts
30 Dec 2022 9:06AM
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Lots of screws. GoFoil has 2





Pacoo
136 posts
30 Dec 2022 2:54PM
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I just jumped from Gofoil to Armstrong. The gofoil front screw gets loose all the time with big wings, the front wing connection system got loose after a couple of months and became a pain when changing wings, plus 3 masts broken in the front fuselage in 2 years.

That said, Armstrong feels a lot more flexible to ride.


hilly said..

Lots of screws. GoFoil has 2



King Crash
NSW, 319 posts
30 Dec 2022 8:59PM
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hilly said..
Lots of screws. GoFoil has 2






Not like for like. That's the alloy setup after all and comparative to market, not too dissimilar.

Carbon mast is 3 screws.

hilly
WA, 7938 posts
30 Dec 2022 6:08PM
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Pacoo said..The gofoil front screw gets loose all the time with big wings,


Never had that and it does not matter as the screw is just to hold it in place on the taper like armie. Never had an issue with armie stuff either.

hilly
WA, 7938 posts
30 Dec 2022 6:11PM
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kobo said..
To be honest I was kinda hoping Army was going to come out with a HA similar to the CAB ,not a MA series but he's obviously decided to start at the beginning and redo CF ,MA and lastly the HA series.


I think this sums it up well. Trying to satisfy to many different interests away from my interest which is swell riding.

Pacoo
136 posts
30 Dec 2022 9:07PM
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hilly said..

Pacoo said..The gofoil front screw gets loose all the time with big wings,



Never had that and it does not matter as the screw is just to hold it in place on the taper like armie. Never had an issue with armie stuff either.


That was an issue for me during long sessions, or downwinds, mainly on the big wings like GL240 and GT2200.
In any case, there is no bad feelings with gofoil, I'm still keeping my 26 mast and the RS1000. Gofoil is great equipment, but prices are getting crazy in Europe (1000 ? for a RS850). I was hopping for them to resolve the problem with the mast fuselage connection but there have been no actions. There is also room for improvement in the front wing fitting. I may go back if they get their s**t together.



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"Stay with Armstrong or move to F-one?" started by Zasby