Let's Talk: 2016 Slingshot Foils (with Nathan)

Nathan's Fireside Chat: 2016 Slingshot Foils

With foiling taking center stage lately in the kiteboarding world, a few companies have either started to include foils to their lineup or expanded their current offerings. For Slingshot in 2016, we've been introduced to a program that will take you from true beginner to advanced, and everything in between.

Slingshot's "Learn to Fly" Program

Slingshot's "Learn to Fly" program features the all-new Hover Glide aluminum-masted foil aimed at those looking for a price point option for foils. What really sets Slingshot apart is the multiple (four) mast height options. Why adjust your mast height? It's simple and sensible, really. 

To start with a shorter mast will make the entire setup feel more manageable and avoid those 3-foot nose dives straight to your face. The Hover Glide comes stock with a 35.5" mast, and you can purchase the Flight Package (including 15", 24", and 30" masts), or just purchase them individually. The Flight Package allows you to progress through the heights just a few inches at a time, keeping you confident and learning quickly.

Slingshot's Foils

Slingshot is offering two high-end foils - the  Lift NF2 (similar to last year) and the  all-new Silencer NF2. What sets these two apart are a few key attributes, including manufacturer, materials, and buoyancy - a new consideration for foilers. The Lift is hand-built in the Lift/MHL Factory down in beautiful Puerto Rico, a small custom manufacturer dedicated to carbon fiber watercraft. The Silencer NF2 is proudly hand-made here on mainland USA by a trusted composite manufacturer, LP Composites. 

The Lift features a carbon/kevlar construction, where the Silencer has a 100% carbon construction. The Silencer has a lighter, more buoyant makeup than the Lift, which has a few added benefits. A lighter, more buoyant foil construction will make riding a smaller (less buoyant) board easier, such as the Dwarfcraft 42". The Silencer is nearly neutrally buoyant, making maneuvering your board into position for the start much, much easier.

Slingshot's Foilboards

We mentioned the Dwarf Craft 42" earlier, which is one of three boards for Slingshot's 2016 lineup. The 42" Dwarf Craft is a short, nimble, and easily transportable for advanced riders. The smaller size and concave deck makes the Dwarf Craft feel very similar to a wakeskate, with a few key shape features that help it excel while foiling. The Dwarf Craft is also available in a larger 54" size, aimed at performance, in any condition for nearly any rider. The larger size will allow riders of all levels to progress easily, and the solid Slingshot construction is built to last. 

The Dwarf Craft is built from a tough EPS core, fiberglass, and inlaid PVC stringers adding to the strength and durability. The board has a good bit of rocker in the nose and an aggressively chined rail, helping you stay on top of the water and keep your speed up when you get a bit too close to the surface with the board. The Dwarf Craft is an excellent option for those of you not wanting to compromise performance while saving a few bucks off of the Alien Air price.

Ahh, the Alien Air. This is the "top dog" of the Slingshot foil board lineup, and for good reason. It remains the performance all-around foiling option, shaped to include a blunted nose for less swing weight, rocker in the tip to keep you upright, and a chined rail for keeping your speed up. The Alien Air is constructed with the same techniques used in Slingshot's award-winning surfboard construction, as well as carbon composite rails and strut reinforcements.

Regardless of your experience with foiling, Slingshot has the perfect option for you to enjoy every moment on the water this year!