Collection: Hydrofoil Sets

OUR HYDROFOIL MASTS: CONSIDERING THE MAST IS THE SPINE OF THE HYDROFOIL BODY, THIS YEAR WE FOCUSED ON A TOTAL REDESIGN OF THE RANGE.

TWO ARE THE FACTORS WHERE WE HAVE BEEN CONCENTRATING OUR WORK: LATERAL AND TORSIONAL STIFFNESS (FLEX AND TWIST) OF THE MAST.

MAST FLEX AND FOIL ROLL: Controlling the flex of a mast means to better control the “roll” of the foil. If a foil rolls easily, it is hard to control and the foil becomes very nervous and unstable to ride. Controlling the roll of the foil through a lower flex of the mast is by far the most important improvement on our foils this year to allow extra stability and a comfortable and secure feel.

MAST TWIST AND FOIL YAW: Until recently the effects of Yaw on the hydrofoil have been largely underestimated. The Yaw is the twisting/rotational force applied to the mast whilst riding the hydrofoil. This twisting creates a side drag of the foil that depending on the speed of the foil, can quickly lead to a complete loss of control. This is the most important feature on a hydrofoil mast to allow better average and top end speed.

MEASURING THE MAST STIFFNESS (both lateral and torsional) has been a constant exercise for us this year. For this purpose we have created our standard measuring system to calculate mast stiffness: We fix the mast to a special structure on the wall. This structure will fit either the top plate with 4 screws or a deep tuttle head (racing wind hydrofoils).

Once the mast is attached to the wall, we measure its distance to a bar placed parallel to the mast. Then we attach a 30 kgs weight to the end of the mast and measure the new distance from the bar. The difference is the SIDE FLEX. A higher distance number will indicate a mast with lower lateral stiffness (softer mast to side pressure).

MEASURING THE MAST STIFFNESS (both lateral and torsional) has been a constant exercise for us this year. For this purpose we have created our standard measuring system to calculate mast stiffness: We fix the mast to a special structure on the wall. This structure will fit either the top plate with 4 screws or a deep tuttle head (racing wind hydrofoils).

Once the mast is equipped with its fuselage and is attached to the wall, we lock the fuselage aligned with the line of the leading edge of the mast, so it cannot bend towards the floor when under pressure. Then we apply a load by attaching a 30 kgs weight on the rear part of fuselage at 36 cms from the middle line of the mast. The measurement is taken from the floor and the difference between the loaded fuselage and the unloaded fuselage is the Mast Twist measurement. A higher number will indicate a higher twist (lower torsional stiffness).

In order to increase both lateral and torsional stiffness of the ALU mast, we have redesigned a new mast profile and mould. The new mast now has a maximum thickness of 18mm and its profile is also proportionally thicker towards the trailing edge in order to minimise twist. We have also introduced a new middle stringer structure in between the two screws that have allowed a higher lateral stiffness. The incorporated top plate is smaller and shorter than the Y25 UNIVERSAL ALU MAST resulting in a lighter weight. The new ALU mast has an unparalleled TWIST of only 2,2 cms, feeling as torsional stiff as a full hi-modulus M40J Carbon mast !!!

A new unique and exclusive quality carbon mast, designed, built and finished as a diamond. Designed for hi performance wingfoiling, this mast is a huge improvement also for top level Surf / Sup and Kite use. Built with an exclusive hi density acrylic core to ensure lightweight and stiffness. The pre preg Carbon M40J TORAY® fibers used on this mast are only UD and Biaxial oriented (best layup mix for side and torsional stiffness), with a finishing layer of 3K carbon for best smooth surface.

With a Tensile modulus (stiffness) of 54,7 Msi (million pounds on square inches) and a Tensile strength (axial stress amount before breaking) of 640 Ksi ( kilo-pound per square inches) the TORAY® M40J carbon is the best PAN BASE carbon fiber available in STD weights for premium sport goods applications.

Please realise that the MJ line of Carbon fibers from Toray® are the most expensive carbon fibers in their range and very limited in terms of availability with the longest lead-time from order. Please do not only consider a Carbon mast for its lighter weight compared to an Aluminum mast. Using a lower modulus carbon fibers it is possible to make a lighter mast, but it will most likely have poor torsional and side stiffness. Often a light weight mast is synonymous of poor stiffness and durability. Always choose quality when hydrofoiling, and quality #1 on a hydrofoil mast is: STIFFNESS.

esigned and built to withstand the highest pressure/stresses applied during racing wind foiling. No foam core on this mast. Only 100% TORAY® M40J carbon fibers are used inside.
A unique mix of UD, Tri and Bi-axial fibers are used on this mega stiff jewel to allow the best dynamic response to the huge pressures applied during hi performance windfoiling use. Finished with a woven tape 100 gms/sqmt carbon surface to increase torsional flex all the way to the last layer on the mast. This is the mast to challenge in terms of overall stiffness in the windfoiling world today. Choose quality over weight saving only. Speed is a result of stiffness of the mast not of its weight.