Double Dip: Indiana Barracuda High Aspect Front Wings M & L

Known for their high-quality boards, Indiana entered the wingfoil and foil market in recent years, offering innovative products for wing foiling, pump foiling, and downwind foiling. The Barracuda M and L HA Front Wings are designed to provide glide efficiency and speed across various conditions. Both models feature a high aspect ratio of 10.6, promoting effortless glide and impressive speeds. Their innovative Gulwing shape balances stability and maneuverability, ensuring smooth, straight-line performance with responsive handling in curves.

On the bench test, we have the lightning 85 Carbon Mast Drive HM, paired with the two Barracuda front wings, the M and the L, together with two sizes of fuselage, the XS/XXS and the M/S, and two stabilizers as well – a S(325) and a L(395). I had a lot of options to play with and make the most of these two foils, and they were a lot of fun. I tested these both winging and surf foiling in various conditions. I didn’t find any downwind conditions to try it on the SUP but – based on the performance in other conditions – the L version is definitely a good option for that too.

First impressions, the two sizes have a similar feeling, really light on the front foot and you’ll need a bit of time to adjust if you are coming from a different foil (like I was). Once you’ve adjusted this, you realize how effortlessly this foil glides through the water. I was impressed by the speed of the L version, always feeling that I had more under my feet, and this feeling gives you comfort and confidence riding. Both sizes have the same Gulwing shape that gives the foil a very stable feeling in a straight line, but also in the carves without creating any ventilation or vortex, even if half of the tip comes out nothing changes, and you can finish your turn easily.

To sum up all the testing, here are the two setups that I really loved: first is the Barracuda M with the short fuselage (XS/XXS) and the small stabilizers – this setup on a wing with some small onshore waves is a banger. You’ll be doing turns in a tiny pocket and surfing rail-to-rail like you’re on a small surfboard. I was able to fit in two to three turns on a wave that normally wouldn’t even get one. Really impressive. You’ll just have to be careful with the pitch sensitivity, especially coming down from a turn. I recommend using the flat shim set while you’re winging, and going at higher speed, as it will reduce the pitch sensitivity and gives you a more comfortable setup, especially with a super short fuselage.

Second set up, the Barracuda L with the M/S fuselage and the small stabilizers. This setup was my go-to for surf foiling small waves and long swells. I wasn’t turning like the other setup but doing long carves on the shoulder and catching waves super far out. The longer fuselage reduces the pitch sensitivity and increases the pressure on the front foot, which is good for pumping. This setup could also be used with the bigger stabilizer if you are heavier or want to reduce the stall drop a bit, but you’ll also lose some speed. It all depends on the conditions, the speed of the swell, your level and of course your riding style.

The Barracuda range is all about speed and glide, making it a go-to for anyone chasing performance, in every discipline from SUP downwind to surf foil, pumping and winging of course. The lift and direct pumping feel make it super responsive and easy to use once you get the hang of it. The Gulwing shape keeps things stable when you’re flying in a straight line but also lets you carve smoothly without worrying about ventilation, even if the tips come out of the water, together with the monobloc design that cuts down on drag, which is a big win for performance.

Whether you’re ripping tight turns on small waves or gliding effortlessly on long swells, the Barracuda delivers. It’s fun, fast, and gives you the confidence to push your limits, all while feeling smooth and natural under your feet. Perfect for anyone who loves speed, flow, and a foil that just works.