HY-FOIL FREE

The GunSails Hy-Foil 1500 is another model in the proven Hy-Foil series and is specifically designed for windsurfers who value early lift, control, and gliding performance in lighter winds thanks to its large front wing.

First Impressions: Straight out of the box, the Hy-Foil 1500 shows its thoughtful design: it comes in a generously sized and well-padded bag, with all components stored and protected separately. The front wing even has its own neoprene cover, so you can safely set down the foil even when assembled, without risk of damage.
The foil set consists of an 85 cm aluminum mast, an aluminum fuselage, and rather substantial carbon wings – a combination that offers an attractive compromise between performance and price, though it does result in slightly more weight. This extra weight is mostly noticeable when carrying the foil, but hardly at all during use on the water.
Build quality is impressive throughout: the components feel premium, the finish is clean, and all parts fit snugly with no play and can be assembled quickly.
Three screws each are used to connect the mast to the fuselage and the front wing to the fuselage. The rear wing is mounted with two Torx screws. The Tuttlebox adapter is secured with three long Allen screws.
Stiffness levels of both mast and fuselage are high – the aluminum mast does not have to hide behind carbon in terms of rigidity. The contact surfaces of the connections are functional, although slightly narrower than some newer systems, which might theoretically result in slightly less overall stiffness – though in practice, this doesn’t present any downside.

Wing Design: The 1500 front wing stands out with a wingspan of 90 cm and a very large profile depth of 20 cm, making it more compact than the other freeride sizes (1050 and 1350). Its unusual foil profile, with the thickest point roughly at mid-depth, differs clearly from the typical teardrop shape. The wing edges are slightly sharpened but not dangerously so – with the exception of the rather sharp, pointy wingtips on the rear wing, which could have been more rounded for this foil category.

On the water: With 1500 cm² surface area, the GunSails Hy-Foil Free 1500 is among the larger foils in the windsurf market. Still, it doesn’t feel sluggish at all – in fact, it’s lively, balanced, and surprisingly sporty.
Take-off is smooth and controlled, with no abrupt lift. The foil requires a bit of speed in semi-planing mode before gently transitioning into flight – ideal for beginners or comfort-oriented riders. A couple of light pump strokes accelerate the board quickly. Lift-off can happen very early with a small push from the back foot – but never in a sudden or unpredictable way.
Once in the air, the foil remains stable and predictable, maintaining altitude even at low speeds. Even as speed or wind increases, it stays easily controllable. A real highlight: it neither pulls up too much nor drops unexpectedly. All up-and-down movements are calm and manageable.
At the lower end of the wind range, the board encourages a more upright stance. As wind increases, it can be edged more aggressively with a sporty feel, letting you lean hard to windward with your body and rig – making upwind angles very effective.
Occasionally, you’ll feel a slight “buzz” through the foil – like a fishing weight skimming over rippled sand – but these are just minor vibrations, only noticeable to the most sensitive feet and with no impact on control or performance.
Even at higher speeds – during tests up to around 35 km/h with a 6.5 m² sail in light to moderate wind – drag remains surprisingly low. The wing’s profile seems very well designed, enabling speeds you wouldn't typically expect from a 1500 cm² foil.
In maneuvers such as jibes, the foil reacts reliably and predictably. While super-tight carving isn't its strong suit, it handles tighter arcs than classic power jibes with no issue. Active riders are rewarded with stable turns and good exit speed. Foot switches are also easy to execute, as the foil maintains consistent altitude and is not overly sensitive to weight shifts.

Verdict: The GunSails Hy-Foil Free 1500 impresses with a well-thought-out build, high-quality materials, and a balanced in-flight feel. The standout qualities are early lift-off, excellent control, and solid speed. It appeals to both ambitious beginners and experienced freeriders looking for a versatile foil for light wind sessions. Given its attractive price point, it offers excellent overall value.