You know foiling has progressed to a pretty neat place when we’re faced with the luxury of choice. With the introduction of our new MA Mk II front foils, we’re offering an alternative flavor to the HA’s and a more versatile and user-friendly foil compared to the first generation MA. In our quiver bag, we’re carrying both an HA and MA Mk II. Stuck deciding which size to get and why? Have a read below.
Coming from HA
If you’ve already got an HA, you might consider adding in an MA Mk II for a different vibe based more around carving. Not factoring in stabilizers and other components, your weight, or conditions, here is a general rule of thumb to land you on an MA Mk II size:
If you’re looking for the same bottom end, stall speed, and comfort as your HA but increase maneuverability and pitch stability, go up one size in the MA Mk II. If you’re ok with trading a bit of bottom end and stall speed in order to boost responsiveness and top speed more significantly (like in powered conditions), pick the closest size in the MA Mk II.
Scenario A
You’re happily on an HA880 and are keen to retain that nice low bottom end, stall speed, and comfort but get a boost in the carving and pitch stability department. Your MA Mk II is the 990.
Scenario B
You’ve got that same HA880 but feel ready to take things up a notch with substantially more responsive carving. You’re fine with a slightly higher bottom end, increased stall speed, and reduced comfort. Your MA Mk II is the 890.
Coming from MA (gen 1)
If you’ve been riding a first gen MA, you’ll be stoked to know the MA Mk II has a broader range of usability with a much-improved bottom end, stall speed, and overall comfort. The Mk II retains that incredible carving and great ventilation recovery that made the MA such an awesome foil. Here’s a general rule of thumb to land you on an MA Mk II size:
If you’re looking for the same bottom end, stall speed, and comfort as your MA (g1), go down one size in the MA Mk II. If you’re ok with trading a bit of bottom end and stall speed in order to boost responsiveness and top speed more significantly (like in powered conditions), you can go down two sizes in the MA Mk II.
Scenario A
You’re happily on an MA1000 and are keen to retain similar bottom end, stall speed, and comfort but get a boost in the carving and pitch stability department. Your MA Mk II is the 890.
Scenario B
You’ve got that same MA1000 but feel ready to take things up a notch with substantially more responsive carving. You’re fine with a slightly higher bottom end, increased stall speed, and reduced comfort. Your MA Mk II is the 790.
If you’re still trying to determine which MA Mk II is right for you or how to combine it with the new Surf Mk II stabilizers, or for any other questions, we recommend reaching out to your nearest Armstrong retailer or reaching out to us at info@armstrongfoils.com.