Double Dip: AFS Enduro 900 and 1300

AFS just released another gem from their lab. Designed by Laurent Borgna, the AFS Enduro range stands out for its remarkable lift and intuitive handling. Its engineering ensures unmatched glide and pumping efficiency. The AFS Enduro “All Terrain” series definitely pushes the boundaries of foil design. Available in four sizes – 700, 900, 1100 and 1300cm² – all foils have an aspect ratio of 11, and will cover a huge range of conditions and disciplines, and will definitely increase your riding level. Equipped with a Fuselink connection, these front foils deliver enhanced performance, compatibility, and user-friendliness, offering excellent versatility.

For this test I had the 900cm and the 1300cm, together with the 80cm UHM mast paired with the HA 38 stabilizer (for the 900) and HA 40 (for the 1300), which are the ones that come with it. Testing wise, I tried everything from winging to surf foiling in different wind and wave conditions and even SUP foiling for the 1300.

The 1300 model features a moderate surface area of 1300cm² and a span of 1190mm. I tried this one first on my SUP; I wanted to see if I could flat start without too much effort, which I did way easier than I thought. So this foil is just perfect if you’re looking for your first SUP downwind foil or if you’re wanting an ultra-efficient lightwind wing that optimizes lift and glide at low speeds. It can also be used for dockstart and pump training. The glide at low speeds is just insane and unmatched by anything I’ve ridden so far. If you miss a bump or if you’re faced with a flat patch during your downwind the 1300 will have you covered through every tough situation. Carving-wise this is not what it’s meant for, but it has enough to be fun and playful in the bumps, especially if you use the small fuselage setting. You can play with the stall speed after a jibe or a tack for example and really take your time to grab your wing back. It is highly recommended for lightwind wingfoiling, downwind, small surf foil conditions and for dockstart riding of course.

I was very excited to try the 900 size of the range and we can say this is the quintessential all-terrain wing of the range. The Enduro 900cm with a 994cm span excels in a variety of settings from downwind carving (expert), wingfoil freefly, to small and medium wave surf foiling. It offers smoother carving similar to a longboard, making it a super versatile choice. I think I had the most fun surf foiling with this 900; after my first wave I pumped to the back to catch a bump and felt I could pump forever. Just like the Pure (the other foil of the AFS range) I changed the position of the stab according to my discipline – shorter fuselage for surf foiling and carving, and longer for winging or downwinding. This little setting really affects the behavior of the foil and makes a significant difference, definitely a good add on. I wouldn’t say this foil makes snappy turns, even with the carve setting, but I enjoyed doing long carves on the shoulder and re-entry to the white water. The lift and stability is also there on the 900, and it never felt unstable while jibing or changing feet on the board. I played with the stabilizers according to the discipline I was doing, for example in surf foil I used the HA40 to have more lift and stability at low speed and for winging the HA38. The stability of the foil is definitely what impressed me the most; even when the tip comes out of the water on the turn, nothing changes, the foil remains stable and drives you all the way to the end of the turn.

I have been lucky to try pretty much every model of the AFS range (EVO, Pure and Enduro) so now let’s look at the differences and why the Enduro excels in all conditions and for every discipline. First the whole Enduro range has an aspect ratio of 11, whereas the Pure sits at 9 and the Silk is around 8. The only foil that has a higher aspect ratio in the range is the Pure HA designed for pure downwind and glide efficiency, but if you’re not an expert you will struggle with the low end of those foils, because as soon as you slow down under a certain speed the foil will stall straight away. This will not happen with the Enduro. The main difference with the Silk or the normal Pure, is that the aspect ratio will definitely improve the glide but the challenge is to have something that maintains a high turning ability as well. The bump technology is similar to the Silk; it helps to have a thin and fast profile but also increases the stall.

Overall and, unless you’re a pro in downwind SUPing, this Enduro range is made for people that want to start and improve their skills with the paddle, or in the surf. And if you’re an expert, this range will be a real asset in tricky conditions or with slower bumps. I would recommend going for a smaller size than your normal foil, for example If you’re scared to go for a foil under 1000 because of your level or maybe your conditions at home, you can give the 900 a go without any hesitation.

AFS have done a great job with these Enduro wings, they are easy to ride but also very well engineered to ensure that you can really push what is possible and have complete confidence that the Enduro will have your back.