Foil Test New Armstrong HA 880

High Aspect Foil Re-Invented

I had the opportunity to test and ride the new Armstrong HA880 Front Foil. Beeing more of a weekend warrior than a pro I was quite proud to have worked my way down to a sub 4-digit front foil and was quite comfortable on the HA 925.

Then Armstrong came and said I should try the new HA 880, so I did. In this video we are taking a closer look at the difference of the HA925 and the HA880.

If you are not in the mood to watch the video these are the main points that stood out to me:

• Smaller foil but same lift.
• Thicker profile but somehow a bit faster
• Great glide on the bumps
• Turns really well

I also don’t think you have to throw out your old HA925 if you are having a good time with it.

One thing you might like at the end of this video: I am trying to ride the ultra high aspect DW685. That was quite crazy.

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Standout Performance

Best of both worlds.

A newly developed section shape, outline and profile give the HA range a remarkable “best of both worlds” ability to carve beautiful lines and easily stay high in the pumping power zone for maximum wave riding potential. The foil section is adjusted incrementally at points across the wingspan (evolutive section shape) to provide a big boost to gliding efficiency and consistent lift at various bank angles and flight speeds. For those already riding the previous generation Armstrong HA range, we recommend downsizing one foil size, for example: from the older HA925, move to the new HA880 to maintain familiar pumpability with a substantial overall performance increase.

Features

• High aspect ratio
  • Aspect ratio (AR) 9.63-9.8 across the sizes
• Broad size range
  • Seven sizes from 580 to 1180cm2 for intermediate through expert surf, downwind and wing foilers.
• Evolutive section shape
  • The section shape is tweaked at various stations across the span for hyper-optimised water flow.
• Flat profile
  • Enables responsive turning in carves, even at wider wingspans.
• Toray carbon fibre
  • Built from premium Toray high and intermediate modulus carbon fibre for exceptional stiffness and light weight.
• A+ System
  • Our proprietary connection system offers industry-leading strength, durability and modularity.

Performance Pedigree

Meticulously engineered to push your fun on the water

The HA range benefits from two years’ worth of research with a leading CFD team. These foils turn beautifully and their section is optimised to stay with the wave, allowing smooth flowing connections between swell lines. Excellent lift means riders can drop down one full size from their previous HA foils for improved carving and speed range while maintaining an easy low end.

Top-tier construction

Built for progression

High aspect foils experience extreme torsional forces in the water, especially when carving. We’ve crafted the HA range from premium Toray high and intermediate modulus carbon fibre for an ultra strong, stiff and lightweight foil that performs exceptionally under the feet of intermediate to expert riders. The consistency of this layup when combined with our industry-leading manufacturing quality provides the best in performance and durability.

Specifications

Area: 880cm2
Span: 923mm
Aspect Ratio: 9.68