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Sabfoil’s newest addition, the Balz Pro line, is a mid-aspect, performance-oriented line of foils meant to boost your performance on the water while retaining an easy control and easy feeling to it. Designed in collaboration with Balz Müller (AKA Radiculo), the Swiss pioneer of radical and creative foiling maneuvers in both wingfoiling and windfoiling, the Balz Pro series of front wings from Sabfoil is aimed at pushing the boundaries of performance in freestyle, but also freeride and even wave foiling.
From a construction point of view, right from the moment you unbox the Balz Pro wings, you get a sense of the high-quality engineering that’s gone into their production. These front wings are made from the finest high-grade carbon fiber, ensuring durability without sacrificing weight and stiffness. Sabfoil's attention to detail in the construction is clear, with advanced manufacturing techniques that give the wings an ultra-smooth finish, with a durable, polished surface that resists wear and reduces drag, enhancing performance and durability.
Balz has emphasized that the Pro line is designed for riders who want to excel in freestyle and wave riding alike. According to Müller, the wings offer a perfect balance of effortless rideability and pro-level performance, pushing riders to explore new heights. His aim was to develop foils that maintain exceptional stability, rebound quickly after landings, and offer superior control during high-speed sessions.
Looking into the design of this line, two things stand out: the increased surface area at the center and the reduced dihedral angle together providing more low-end glide. This, combined with the unique twist of the wingtips that ensure stability even in challenging conditions, make for an easy and accessible feeling. On the other hand, one of the standout features of the Balz Pro line is the wings' explosive acceleration, pop and rebound, making them ideal for freestyle riders looking to push their limits, providing a smooth, effortless ride when performing jumps, double tricks, spins, and other aerial tricks.
During my test sessions, the Balz Pro line lived up to its promise of delivering pro-level performance. But what really amazed me was how these foils in particular excelled in being pretty accessible considering their pro characteristics. The wider surface area of these wings ensures that even at low speeds, takeoffs are smooth, and the twist of the wingtips gave a nice stability and progressive platform, allowing for tight, skatey turns and responsive handling – ultimately giving you the confidence to engage in more radical turns.
The combination of smooth takeoffs, superior stability, and excellent rebound upon landing makes these foils a game-changer for freestyle foilers. But they are also extremely fun and accessible for the average rider looking for a platform to refine his skills.
We’ll look into the three sizes more in detail now. The smallest in the line, the Balz Pro 707 has an area of 661 cm² – slightly bigger than the Medusa Pro 669 that has a surface of 548 cm² and a higher aspect ratio of 8.14 compared to the 7.55 of the Balz Pro. The 707 is clearly designed for agility and speed, making it a go-to option for those who enjoy powered sessions.
The Balz Pro 808 is Radiculo’s go-to choice and a great all-round performer. A versatile option that balances agility and speed, suitable for those who want to push hard on those new-school freestyle tricks that require lots of speed, pop and control. This wing, with a surface of 792 cm², excels in medium wind conditions and offers solid performances for pro riders and lots of fun, even for less experienced riders.
The Balz Pro 909, with the largest surface area of 1000 cm², is designed for maximum lift and stability. Perfect for foilers who want a smooth, controlled ride in smaller surf or when gliding in low wind conditions. It’s also a fantastic option for intermediate foilers looking for a forgiving platform to learn on, though it has plenty of performance features for experienced riders as well.
When testing the Balz Pro line, it’s clear that these wings were designed for high-end freestyle riding. The responsiveness of these wings is unmatched. However, I felt that this line often hits the sweet spot for riders who want a versatile foil for both freeriding and wave sessions with their smooth and predictable behavior during carves, making it easier to connect turns without sacrificing speed. Overall, Balz Müller’s influence on this line is clear: these wings are built to push the limits of foiling creativity while remaining accessible to a wide range of riders. Whether you’re looking for radical freestyle sessions or just a smooth ride through gentle swells, the Balz Pro series has something to offer.
