Tech Focus: The New Armstrong HA Front Foil Range

Armie Armstrong delves deep into the latest HA range's evolutionary leaps. He talks us through the essence of foiling, the versatility of these foils, and the engineering precision that shapes their performance. From the thrill of seamless glides to the intricate details of carbon construction, Armie unravels the secrets behind these foils. Get ready to unveil the essence of HA foiling straight from the source!

Hi Armie, it’s great to have you with us! We’re stoked to test out the latest HA range for this issue. Can you explain the main features of the new Armstrong HA Front Foil Range and how it differs from the previous generation? 

Thanks for asking me to be involved! So, the new high-aspect range fundamentally evolves the original HA’s. Plenty of new ingredients are from planform, section and layup, but DNA is HA. The result means we have improved the foils' characteristics across the board. Lower stall speed, better glide and class-leading handling. They are far more forgiving and easily controllable across a wider speed range. The step from an MA to an HA is now a simple, easy progression; the previous HA required an advanced rider, whereas the new ones are intermediate/advanced.

Can you tell us about the ‘Essence of Foiling’ concept and how it originated? Who is the target user for the new HA Range? 

The Essence of Foiling is that sensation you get when it all feels seamless and endless, the purity of what keeps us coming back for more. The so-called target market is vast but generally aimed at anyone who understands and wants performance, glide and handling. It depends on your discipline, but all intermediate and advanced foilers of all disciplines will enjoy them. The deep range of sizes means everyone can find the perfect size for their weight, ability, and discipline. They are powerful and maintain excellent glide, so riding a smaller size is advantageous as you get better handling and turning.

Harlem Kitesurfing | View in Mag

AFS Foils | View in Mag

How do these foils differ from other Armstrong foil ranges? 

These have good glide pump-ability and smooth handling, so the new HAs are the go-to for connecting waves. We also have more sizes (7 total), and there is only a 100cm2 difference between each one. Compared to the MA range, they have way more glide but don’t ventilate quite as seamlessly, and jamming a tight turn in the pocket with an MA is still one of my favourite things to do! 4. Is the HA range strictly for prone and surf foiling, or can it be used for downwinding? The HA’s can be used for anything; only the rider's imagination is the limitation! We prone them, wing them, SUP them, and downwind them.

Can you talk us through the evolution of the section shape and the engineering process of the HA range? 

We started talking with Chris Porter sometime in 2022 and 2023; we contracted him to do some specific foil section studies for a few foils. During the new HA foil range development, he became more involved. His section analysis proved key to unlocking the sheer freedom and fun an HA foil can deliver. We trialled several sections that showed promise. His preferred section, with some special magic sauce he had added, was a team rider favourite and the one we kept returning to as it had such epic stability across the range and was so easy to pump and control. This made for absolutely epic test sessions! We were having the best foil sessions of our lives on the prototypes. Such a great job - thanks, everyone!

Which team riders were involved in the development process, and what was that like from your end? 

We utilise all our key riders plus some other people we trust. Everyone has their feel and requirements with foiling, so getting a broad perspective of these feelings is good. Oskar, Cash and Jeremy have been heavy on the testing because they know exactly what they want; on top of that, they have excellent communication, so it’s easy to understand their feedback.

Can you tell us more about the HA’s carbon construction and why you mix intermediate and high-modulus carbon? It’s all about strength and weight. IM is stronger, but HM is stiffer. We are always trying to keep weight down while maintaining the right amount of strength and stiffness. We mix intermediate and high mod depending on the foil size for the ideal construction. The thinner sizes need to be stiffer than the thicker ones, so there is a range of fine-tuned layups across the sizes.

What sizes does the HA Range come in? 

We start at 580 cm2 and end at 1180 cm2, going up in 100cm increments, so there are seven sizes.

Flysurfer | View in Mag

Ride Engine | View in Mag

Can riders try out the HA Range at any local store or event? 

Oh yes! Most of our dealers have demo foils, and we encourage them to let riders test them. The feedback has included the most stoke I have seen in our foiling gear.

Thanks for your time, Armie! Finally, is there a specific fuse & tail that you’d recommend people pair with the HAs? 

Ahh! Going off what our riders all enjoy, it would be the TC60 fuselage and Speed 180 or Dart 140 stabilisers and the 795 or 865 Performance Mast. Stick any HA on the front of that, and you get awesome glide, amazing handling and excellent pump response. Simply standout foil sessions are the result. Seeing other people enjoy these as much as we have is so rewarding. Keep on ripping everyone, and I hope to catch you in the water this season!