So it’s time for you to update your wingfoil setup, and you want to replace your foil front wing. While there is a lot of choice out there, what each option brings to the table isn’t always clear. Don’t let that deter you, though. We believe everyone deserves the best wingfoil experience, and having a foil front wing that best suits your style will ensure that you get it!
Below, we’re going to take a look at a few of the most vital things you need to think about when you’re choosing your next front wing.
Recapping The Basics
This is the first piece of core information that you’ll need to be familiar with some core concepts when you’re trying to pick out a new foil front wing for your setup:
Surface Area - The surface area of a foil front wing will determine the amount of lift and drag you’ll experience. Larger wings will experience more lift and drag, while smaller wings will do the opposite.
Aspect Ratio - The aspect ratio of a front wingfoil wing is the measure of how long and skinny vs short and wide it is. Wings with a high aspect ratio have a long and narrow shape and will be more efficient at gliding, experiencing less drag and higher speeds in exchange for ease of control. Low aspect ratio wings are the inverse, being slower and easier to control, as well as getting more lift.
Wingspan - The wingspan of a foil front wing is the tip-to-tip length of the wing. Long wingspans provide a smoother, more efficient glide, while short wingspans are more manoeuvrable and capable of tighter turns, which is ideal for a surfing or freestyle wing.
These three factors are going to work hand in hand to determine the kind of experience you’ll get from your front wing, so keep the front-and-centre in your mind as what they are and how they interact is going to make all the difference.
What Conditions Do You Often Wing Foil In?
The conditions you’re aiming to wingfoil in will be one of the most important factors in your choice of wing. Wingfoiling wings are designed to excel in a variety of different conditions and disciplines. If you’re looking to surf, something like our E-type 2 or E-type Pro front wings would be ideal picks. On the other hand, if you crave the exciting high speeds of downwind, then the Starboard Glider 2 would be a particularly strong choice. It’s all up to how you intend to use your wing.
Are You Changing Brands Or Sticking With Your Current System?
Particularly if you’re moving on from your first setup and looking to get into more advanced kit, you might be considering a brand switch. Parts from different brands will often be incompatible with each other, so it can be difficult to shift easily to use a particular foil front wing that you like. Some manufacturers, including us, use the UCS system when making their products. The universal connect system is a simple-to-use connection type used by various brands that ensures that their products are all compatible with each other, giving you the most convenient experience possible when assembling your wingfoil setup.
If your setup doesn’t make use of UCS, then a total overhaul is the ideal point to switch to a different brand if you are looking to change. Otherwise, make sure you’re looking for wings, masts and other components that are specifically compatible with your existing kit.
Don’t Underestimate The Impact Of Technique
A wingfoil wing upgrade can massively up your performance, but it’s important to consider the technique required to make effective use of it and whether or not you’re ready. A high-aspect ratio front wing, like the Starboard MF or SLX, may be able to achieve higher speeds than a low on, but if you don’t have the experience, it might take a while for you to adapt, and you may very well become frustrated by the technical demands of the new wing. But if you’re up for the challenge, these high-spec wings can transform your wingfoiling experience.
Consider Long-Term Investment
You’ll want to consider how useful the new foil front wing is going to be to you in the long term. Many are versatile enough to be used across a wide variety of disciplines, including winging, SUP foiling, racing, and downwinding, but while flexibility is great for some, it’s not ideal for those looking to specialise. If you want to focus on a single discipline, then a dedicated wing may be a better investment for you. For example, somebody looking for top performance in freestyle wingfoiling will get a lot of mileage out of an E-Type Pro front wing. Think carefully about what you plan to achieve.
If you have any important questions or concerns about any of the foil front wings available from Starboard Foils, or are in need of assistance in making an informed decision about your setup, then why not get in contact with us? Our team will be more than happy to provide you with expert guidance.
