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Zeeko Spitfire Hydrofoil

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3InletsWindsports
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Re: Zeeko Spitfire Hydrofoil

Postby 3InletsWindsports » Thu Sep 28, 2017 7:49 am

Just on holiday up from home and our cool Bass Straight waters to 1770 on the Coral sea.
There is a big difference in water temp and a noticeable difference in takeoff speed.
This extra speed needed, takes some getting used to and makes we wish for a XLW wing set.
But back home I know I will not use the XLW much.

borist
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Re: Zeeko Spitfire Hydrofoil

Postby borist » Fri Sep 29, 2017 7:43 pm

Did you try XLW wings? I did not use them in more than 16-17 knots yet so perhaps there is a limit. Simply winds were not stronger than that here. However I find XLW very useful in learning new stuff in stronger than light winds. Even after many weeks of use I'm still surprised how forgiving it is. You know the moment when you mess up and you are sure the foil has to drop because you have no speed left. Yet XLW just keeps flying. I usually just burst into laugh when it happens. It is like cheating :lol:

3InletsWindsports
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Re: Zeeko Spitfire Hydrofoil

Postby 3InletsWindsports » Fri Sep 29, 2017 9:33 pm

I haven't yet used the XLW as at my home spots it is either flat or significant swells and the std wing I feel comfortable with at my skill level which is not very advanced.
I mainly get on swell outback and bottom turn to toeside then up for a top turn. Both apex's the board touches down so it's a hybrid style I suppose. On flat I am hopeless toeside. I get the turn but only get a few feet then get pulled of board. Don't know why the waves help me but I'm taking it.
The XLW wings are on the hint list to the financial controller.

airsurfer
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Re: Zeeko Spitfire Hydrofoil

Postby airsurfer » Sun Oct 08, 2017 10:08 pm

borist wrote:
Fri Sep 29, 2017 7:43 pm
Did you try XLW wings? I did not use them in more than 16-17 knots yet so perhaps there is a limit. Simply winds were not stronger than that here. However I find XLW very useful in learning new stuff in stronger than light winds. Even after many weeks of use I'm still surprised how forgiving it is. You know the moment when you mess up and you are sure the foil has to drop because you have no speed left. Yet XLW just keeps flying. I usually just burst into laugh when it happens. It is like cheating :lol:

Has anyone tried the XLW front wing with the standard rear wing yet ?

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chirojoseph
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Re: Zeeko Spitfire Hydrofoil

Postby chirojoseph » Mon Oct 09, 2017 1:34 am

Yes of course I tried it. About 3 weeks ago. It works AMAZING! I was a bit reluctant to post because probably Nicolás will tell us that it puts unnecessary strain on the fuse or somehow invalidates people's warranties.. But since someone finally asked... Yes... It is actually now our favorite zeeko setup.

Was gonna call it "the Drooler" (since drool goes slower than spit) as a joke... But when explaining it in Spanish (live near cancún) it was easier to read use the Mexican word for drool/saliva which is "baba"... So now we refer to this setup as a the "BabaFire." jehe....

More floaty, goes upwind better in my humble opinion, fun for jumping, kind of a c between carver and spitfire... But without the drag of the XLW setup.

Give it a a try, especially in moderately powered conditions.

I wouldn't be surprised if future spit models came with a slightly larger front wing.

Good winds!
KyroJoe

airsurfer
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Re: Zeeko Spitfire Hydrofoil

Postby airsurfer » Mon Oct 09, 2017 4:45 pm

Thanks Joe that's exactly what I was hoping for. I'll try it and report my experiences

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Re: Zeeko Spitfire Hydrofoil

Postby borist » Mon Oct 09, 2017 11:50 pm

I wonder if that kind of setup is still legit canard? No matter, I'll give it a shot

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chirojoseph
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Re: Zeeko Spitfire Hydrofoil

Postby chirojoseph » Tue Oct 10, 2017 12:58 am

Of course it's legit. Both wings still creating lift, bigger wing in the back... Only changed the ratio between the wings a little bit... Why wouldn't it be a canard?

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Re: Zeeko Spitfire Hydrofoil

Postby borist » Tue Oct 10, 2017 1:57 am

chirojoseph wrote:
Tue Oct 10, 2017 12:58 am
Of course it's legit. Both wings still creating lift, bigger wing in the back... Only changed the ratio between the wings a little bit... Why wouldn't it be a canard?
I don't have the wings in front of me to compare sizes. XLW front wing is quite large compared to standard front, so I thought it might be close to being equal in size to standard back wing, that's all. Of course they are both lifting

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chirojoseph
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Re: Zeeko Spitfire Hydrofoil

Postby chirojoseph » Tue Oct 10, 2017 4:02 am

You have a valid point Borist! I have no idea if we could have 2 equal wing sizes and still have it work like a Canard.

However, the difference between XLW small front wing and original back wing is still significant.. I'll see if I can take a pic and upload later.


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