Page updated May 2026
The Armstrong Performance-X Carbon Mast 12 mm is a high-performance foil mast designed for experienced riders seeking pure glide and speed. It features an ultra-high modulus (UHM) carbon construction, an ultra-thin 12 mm profile, and a built-in 0.5° angle. Compatible with the Armstrong A+ system, it comes with a 0.5° mast shim, a protective bag, and a full set of titanium and 316L stainless steel hardware.
KEY INFORMATION
ARMSTRONG PERFORMANCE-X CARBON MAST 12 mm
What we like
- Ultra-thin 12 mm profile: its reduced thickness minimises drag for maximum high-speed glide.
- UHM Carbon: high-modulus fibers deliver maximum stiffness at the lowest weight.
- Integrated 0.5° angle: pre-calculated geometry, and comes with a 0.5° mast shim for trim adjustment.
- Premium hardware: 316L stainless steel screws with Rainbow Titanium coating, plus a titanium barrel nut.
- Armstrong A+ compatible: fits the entire A+ range without an adapter.
Available sizes
4 sizes:
72.5 • 79.5 • 86.5 • 93.5 cm
Riding Style
Foil performance • Pure glide • Speed
Level
Advanced to expert riders
Included / Not included
✓ Included: 0.5° mast shim, protective bag, full titanium/316L stainless steel hardware kit, Torx T30 key.
✗ Not included: Front Wing, fuselage, stabilizer, board.
COMPARISON: PERFORMANCE-X VS A+ CARBON MAST
| Criterion | Armstrong Performance-X | Armstrong A+ Carbon Mast |
|---|---|---|
| Profile (thickness) | 12 mm, ultra-thin | Standard |
| Construction | UHM (Ultra-High Modulus) carbon | Intermediate + high modulus carbon |
| Mast angle | 0.5° integrated (shim included) | Standard geometry |
| Best For | Specialist: speed, pure glide | Allround for all disciplines |
| Target Audience | Advanced to expert riders | All levels |
| Sizes | 72.5 / 79.5 / 86.5 / 93.5 cm | 45 / 60 / 72 / 85 / 100 cm |
Verdict: The Performance-X is the choice for riders who want to get the most out of their A+ foil, with its ultra-thin profile, UHM carbon, and pre-set geometry. The A+ Mast is still the recommended option for allround versatility and for riders just starting out.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
UHM Carbon and an ultra-thin 12 mm profile
The Performance-X is built from ultra-high modulus (UHM) carbon, a class of fiber offering the best stiffness-to-weight ratio available. This construction allows Armstrong to reduce the profile thickness to just 12 mm while retaining the stiffness needed for high-speed control. In practice, this means less drag, giving you more speed for the same wing power and a freer feel through maneuvers. This mast is designed for skilled riders who want to extract the most refined feedback and performance from their foil.
Integrated 0.5° geometry and A+ compatibility
The Performance-X has a built-in 0.5° mast angle and comes with a 0.5° mast shim for adjustment. This pre-calculated geometry optimises the foil's hydrodynamic efficiency without needing extra shims. The chord remains at 106 mm, identical to other Armstrong performance masts, which ensures geometric compatibility with A+ front wings and fuselages. The mast connects directly to all current A+ Armstrong wings, fuselages, and boards without an adapter.
Hardware and accessories included
The hardware lives up to the mast's high-performance design: you get 3 M6 28.5 mm and 5 M7 26 mm screws in 316L stainless steel with a Rainbow Titanium coating, plus 5 M7 T-nuts, 1 titanium 8 mm barrel nut, and a Torx T30 key. The full set offers maximum corrosion resistance in salt water and the durability expected from Armstrong. The mast comes with a padded protective bag for transport and storage, as well as the 0.5° mast shim for trim adjustment. Everything you need is in the pack, ready to rig.
Choosing the Right Size
Four lengths are available. The 72.5 cm is the standard balance of speed and manoeuvrability, suitable for most conditions. The 79.5 cm adds more clearance in chop and gets over bumps more easily. The 86.5 cm and 93.5 cm masts are for bigger swell, downwind runs, or long-distance pumping, where extra ride height is a real advantage. The weight naturally increases with length: 1.650 g for the 72.5 cm versus 2.100 g for the 93.5 cm. For the most responsive feel, pick the shortest mast that fits your riding style.
VIDEOS
TESTS AND REVIEWS
ARMSTRONG PERFORMANCE-X
The Performance-X is Armstrong's flagship mast, with an ultra-thin carbon profile (around 11.8 mm) built for efficiency, glide, downwind, and parawing. Hydro Gav calls it the benchmark when glide and efficiency are the top priorities, comparing it to the Carbon MK2 and Performance MK2 in his full review of the range.
Hydro Gav
YouTube Foil Tester
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
| Size | Length | Weight | Profile | Chord |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 72.5 cm | 725 mm | 1 650 g | 12 mm | 106 mm |
| 79.5 cm | 795 mm | 1 915 g | 12 mm | 106 mm |
| 86.5 cm | 865 mm | 2 045 g | 12 mm | 106 mm |
| 93.5 cm | 935 mm | 2 100 g | 12 mm | 106 mm |
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Armstrong Foils |
| Model | Performance-X Carbon Mast 12 mm |
| Type | Performance carbon foil mast |
| System | A+ Armstrong |
| Sizes | 72.5 / 79.5 / 86.5 / 93.5 cm |
| Profile (thickness) | 12 mm |
| Chord | 106 mm |
| Mast angle | 0.5° |
| Construction | UHM (Ultra-High Modulus) carbon |
| Screw set | 316L stainless steel with Rainbow Titanium coating + titanium barrel nut |
| Included | 0.5° mast shim, protective bag, complete screw set, Torx T30 key |
| Level | Advanced to expert |
FAQ - ARMSTRONG PERFORMANCE-X CARBON MAST
The A+ Carbon Mast is an allround mast, designed for all foil disciplines with a good balance of stiffness, durability, and comfort. The Performance-X is more specialized, with an ultra-thin 12 mm profile, UHM carbon, and built-in 0.5° geometry. It's made for advanced riders who prioritize pure speed and glide. It's faster and feels looser in maneuvers, but in return, it requires you to read the water more precisely.
Yes, if your foil uses the Armstrong A+ system. The Performance-X has the same 106 mm chord as other Armstrong masts and uses the standard A+ connection. It fits all current A+ range front wings, fuselages, and boards without an adapter. Just make sure your setup is A+ and not the older V1 system.
The 72.5 cm is the standard compromise between speed and maneuverability. The 79.5 cm gives you more clearance in chop. The 86.5 cm and 93.5 cm are for more challenging conditions, such as downwind or long-distance pumping, where ride height is a real advantage. Go for the shortest length compatible with your riding style for maximum responsiveness.
The 0.5° mast shim is a wedge that fits between the mast and the board to fine-tune the foil's pitch. Armstrong includes the shim that matches the Performance-X's designed geometry. This allows you to achieve the mast's intended pitch, or to make slight adjustments depending on the board you use.
Marine-grade 316L stainless steel and the Rainbow Titanium coating are the most corrosion-resistant materials for use in salt water. Armstrong uses them to maximize the mast's lifespan, especially at the connection points which undergo repeated mechanical and chemical stress. Even so, always rinse it with fresh water after each session.
GlissEvolution has over 20 years of expertise in board sports. Our passionate team tests the gear on the local spots of La Baule and Pornichet. We provide responsive, France-based after-sales support, a 2-year warranty, and free shipping on orders over €150 (conditions apply).
▶ Need some advice?
Visit GlissEvolution at 2c avenue du Gulfstream, 44380 Pornichet (Loire-Atlantique).
Call us at 09 62 64 74 77 or WhatsApp 07 83 28 39 94. We're open Tuesday to Saturday, 10 am-1 pm / 3 pm-7 pm.
Our Test center is available by appointment.
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