HY-FOIL FREE 1050

Red like the fire department, the foil from Gunsails leaves nothing to burn. Even the scope of delivery is excellent: with all screws cleanly sorted in a pillbox, two carbon wings, all in a solid bag. The 85 centimeter long mast is very stiff in all directions and in normal foil conditions sufficiently long with enough reserves. However, these are hardly necessary thanks to the very predictable foiling behavior. The wing comes up very early even in the lightest wind - two or three pumping actions are usually enough - and then builds up lift quickly and constantly. This allows for a sporty, edged flight position with a lot of forward thrust and pressure on the front wing and a lot of speed even in light winds. At the same time, the foil feels well controllable, but not nervous - and very predictable in the up-down axis. The foil is one of the fastest, especially in medium wind. In the gybe it stays up for a long time, prefers to go through medium turns, but can also take pressure quite well. With a spacer on the tail wing the lift can be reduced a little bit, then less draft is enough for a very good control over the foil even in stronger gusts.

CONCLUSION: Top freerace foil.

+ Light wind, speed potential, control
- Nothing

Serenity in flight

Developed by a team of German aeronautical engineers, this new aluminum foil features a slim carbon wing and wide span carbon stabilizer, stiff fuselage and Deep Tuttle attachment head. A carbon mast is also compatible with this aircraft.

ON THE WATER: It needs a little more cruising speed than the best, then takes off with a more linear, smoother climb and plenty of lateral stability, : very suitable for first flights. In the air, the overall balance is very good, especially laterally, which is immediately reassuring and, above all, forgiving of errors in stance. You can feel the support when piloting, the foil is programmed to fly straight without lurching. Of course, those who like playful foils and turns lack liveliness, but instead the behavior is very healthy, very linear and therefore easier to control. One appreciates the balance of power and planing with plenty of support to go upwind and maintain flight in the lulls, while maintaining a very nice, natural cruising speed with little water resistance. Since there is no noise or vibration, the planing is very pure and you are less likely to notice that the acceleration and speed are so high. This Gunsails foil stabilizes narrow boards to go straight and doesn't deform too much when pushed against the wind with wider boards, indicating some tolerance. It is powerful in the low to medium wind range and will only have a little more power on the front leg at high speeds. Finally, it is very stable to explore the gybe at low speed.

CONCLUSION: Gunsails has hit the bull's eye with this easily accessible, very stable, gliding and powerful foil for less than €900. You can easily get on with it and calmly go on big tours with airtime gybes at wind speeds of 10 to 20 knots. A nice surprise.

+ Price, XL stability, performance/planing ratio, upwind ability, accessibility, good performance, silent flight.
-  Less playful, less responsive to feet to change flight path.