Searching Armstrong in Foils
Looking for a high-performance foil? Find complete foils, front wings, masts, and stabilizers for Kite, Wing, Surf, and Downwind at GlissEvolution in Pornichet. Brands: Duotone, F-ONE, Armstrong, Slingshot, SABFOIL and more!
En savoir plusFoils: Choosing the Right Hydrofoil (Front Wing, Mast, Stabilizer)
Updated July 2026
The foil, or hydrofoil, is the component that lets you fly above the water. It’s the heart of your setup, defining your ride feel, progression, and enjoyment across wingfoil, kitefoil, Surf, or downwind disciplines. Since 2005, our team of passionate riders at GlissEvolution in Pornichet has been dedicated to helping you choose the complete foil that perfectly matches your skill level, weight, and riding style.
Explore our extensive range of foils: wing foils, kite foils, surf foils, downwind foils, pumping foils, and all the screw sets and tools you need.
Anatomy of a Complete Foil
The Front Wing
The Front Wing is what generates lift, and its surface area, measured in cm², dictates the foil's behavior. A larger Front Wing offers early take-off and more forgiveness, making it ideal for beginners. Conversely, a smaller Front Wing delivers greater speed and handling, perfect for advanced riders. For more details, refer to our surface area table below.
The Stabilizer
The Rear Wing, also known as the stabilizer, is crucial for balancing the entire setup. A smaller stabilizer makes the foil more responsive and playful, while a larger one enhances stability and provides a more reassuring ride.
The mast
The mast connects the wings to your board. A short mast (65 to 75 cm) offers easier control and reassurance for beginners. A medium mast (75 to 85 cm) provides versatility, making it an allround choice. For more clearance in flight, especially in waves and downwind conditions, a long mast (85 to 95 cm) is preferred.
The fuselage
The fuselage connects the Front Wing to the stabilizer. A short fuselage makes the foil lively and agile, ideal for pumping and Surf. A longer fuselage, on the other hand, significantly enhances stability.
Choosing Your Front Wing Surface Area Based on Your Level
The ideal Front Wing surface area depends on your skill level and weight. Here are some general guidelines to help you decide.
| Front Wing Surface Area | Level | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| 1.800 to 2.200 cm² | Beginner | Stability, easy take-off |
| 1.400 to 1.800 cm² | Intermediate | Versatility |
| 1.000 to 1.400 cm² | Advanced | Speed, handling |
| 600 to 1.000 cm² | Expert | Performance, racing |
Aluminum or Carbon Mast?
An aluminum mast is robust and more affordable, making it an excellent choice for beginners. A carbon mast, being lighter and stiffer, offers superior reactivity and performance for riders who demand maximum efficiency. In both cases, regular care of your screw set will significantly extend the life of your complete foil.
What Budget Should You Plan For?
These are indicative price ranges for 2026, excluding any sale items. Most foils are modular, allowing you to purchase the Front Wing, stabilizer, mast, or fuselage individually.
| Component | Indicative Budget |
|---|---|
| Complete foil, entry-level | 800 to 1.€000 |
| Complete foil, performance | 1.300 to 2.€300 |
| Aluminum mast | 370 to €830 |
| Carbon mast | 880 to 1.€200 |
| Stabilizer | 150 to €450 |
Which Foil for Your Riding Style?
Choosing the right foil starts with your riding discipline. For wingfoil, you'll want to prioritize versatility and glide. When kitefoiling, the kite's power lets you ride smaller, faster surfaces. For surf, handling in the wave is paramount. If you're into downwind, glide and upwind ability are key, while for pumping and dockstart, take-off using only leg power reigns supreme. Looking for an electric-assist foil? Head over to our Foil Assist section.
The brands we offer
- F-ONE (France): Explore the Gravity, Phantom, SK8, and Eagle ranges, designed for everyone from beginners to performance-focused riders, all backed by French after-sales support.
- Duotone (Germany): Discover the Lift, Free, Carve, Glide, and D/LAB ranges, all featuring premium construction.
- Armstrong (USA): High-end and incredibly allround, Armstrong foils are a benchmark for glide.
- Sabfoil (Italy): The foil specialist, renowned for its manufacturing quality.
- Slingshot (USA): Features a robust, modular One-Lock system.
- Eleveight: Offers excellent value for money.
Second-hand foils
Want to get geared up without breaking the bank? Check out our second-hand sections for both wingfoil and kitesurf, where you'll find foil gear inspected by our expert team.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the budget for a complete beginner foil?
Around 800 to 1.€000 for an entry-level complete foil, often with an aluminum mast and large Front Wing, which is forgiving and reassuring.
Aluminum or Carbon Mast?
Aluminum is robust and affordable, perfect for beginners. Carbon is lighter and stiffer, offering more reactivity and performance for progression.
What mast length should I start with?
Between 65 and 75 cm: this is easier to control and less intimidating if you fall. You can then lengthen it as you progress.
What Front Wing surface area should you choose?
A large surface (1.800 to 2.200 cm²) is best for beginners; go smaller as you progress to gain speed and handling. Rider weight also matters.
Can a wing foil be used for kitefoil?
Yes. With a Kite, the power of the kite even allows you to opt for a smaller, faster Front Wing.
Can I buy the components separately?
Yes. The Front Wing, stabilizer, mast, and fuselage are available individually, allowing you to upgrade your foil as you progress.
Why choose GlissEvolution?
With twenty years of experience serving riders since 2005, GlissEvolution is your trusted partner. Visit our Pornichet store to see and touch the gear, chat with passionate riders, and even try it out at our Kitesurf and Wingfoil Test Center. We offer new and inspected second-hand gear, a dedicated after-sales support workshop, spare parts for all brands, and free shipping on purchases over €100. For personalized advice, give us a call at 09 62 64 74 77.
Find Us
Visit GlissEvolution at 2c avenue du Gulfstream, 44380 Pornichet (Loire-Atlantique). You can reach us by phone at 09 62 64 74 77. We're open Tuesday to Saturday, from 10 am to 1 pm and from 3 pm to 7 pm.
