Armstrong Foils MA625 2023
Reviews / Hydrofoils
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At A Glance
After testing the Armstrong WKT board and the carving specialist, the CF950 V2, we were eagerly awaiting the delivery of one of the newest releases in the Armstrong range, the MA625. From our past experiences on Armstrong gear, we had a feeling the MA625 front wing would be something special.
Unpacking Armstrong kit is always such a treat. There is a lot of attention to detail, not just in the product itself but also in the packaging. There is literally no expense spared on these foils; from the matte finish to the titanium electroplated screws and toolbox, the team doesn't hold back!
What stands out most is the unique look and style the foil has, which is instantly recognisable. If you ever see a black and white striped foil on the water, you are almost guaranteed that it is an Armstrong foil!
When we unboxed the MA625, it looked like a blade that wanted to go fast! In case you're new to foiling, the MA stands for medium-aspect! We paired the MA625 with the Dart 140, a super fast and slim HA (high-aspect) stabiliser. The crème de la crème was when we opened up the Performance 1035 mast package! We knew Armstrong wasn’t messing around and that they wanted us to have the ultimate set-up for testing. Lucky us!
On The Water
After putting everything together with the A+ system, we attached it to the Armstrong WKT (Wake Kite Tow) 110 and added some straps to the board so we could get this setup going with a kite. The footstraps are optional, of course, but with the low-volume board, one or two straps helps, especially if you're still progressing.
We got quite lucky with conditions; we had a wide variety over several weeks of testing. The first day wasn't ideal with some sizey waves and onshore wind, but we still sent it! We had some concerns that the MA625 would be tricky to get up on foil as it was quite a small wing, but we were immediately proven wrong!
We couldn't really get too deep because of the onshore wind and big waves, so it was imperative to get up on foil as quickly as possible and get to the back. No word of a lie... the first dive of the 9m kite, and we were up on foil. The water was very turbulent, but it was easy going. There was no proposing of any kind; it was just so simple.
Compared to the previous Armstrong setup we tested, which was the standard 85cm mast and the CF950 V2 front wing, there was a noticeable difference with this longer 1035 mast. Even though the mast was longer, we could feel the direct connection under the board, and the stiffness of the mast was second to none. This gave us a really solid connection to the foil under us.
We sent a few jumps and brought the tip out a fair amount of time, and it was blissfully easy and forgiving. Coming in for a landing after a jump, the foil broke through the water and popped straight back up, which made kite loops so much fun! It never felt as if the foil was holding you back.
We did a few speed runs on the setup and, man, it is fast! I could see myself doing some tow-in surfing on the bigger stuff and maintaining speed while being comfortable. I do think this wing needs some decent speed for it to come alive.
We did find it was quite playful during the turns, but I must say the CF950 V2 is a little more playful in the surf. With that being said you cannot compare the speed... the MA625 flies!
Overall
The Armstrong MA625 setup with the Dart 140 stabiliser and Performance 1035 mast was absolutely beautiful. The performance mast really is a game changer, and the front wing is something quite special. I wish I had the foiling skills of Reo Stevens to get the most out of this setup, but one thing is for sure: the equipment did not hold me back! The MA625 setup is comfy, forgiving, fast and really playful all at once! What more can I say?
Videos
This review was in Issue 101 of IKSURFMAG.
For more information visit Armstrong FoilsRelated
By Crystal Veness
Editor at IKSURFMAG, Crystal Veness hails from Canada but is based in South Africa. When she isn't busy kitesurfing or reporting on the latest industry news for the mag, she is kicking back somewhere at a windy kite beach or working on creative media projects.
