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is carbon much better?

Posted: Fri Feb 22, 2019 12:12 pm
by neilhapgood
Hi Folks,

just wondering how much better is a full carbon setup for freeriding, is it worth the extra?

thanks

Re: is carbon much better??

Posted: Fri Feb 22, 2019 1:44 pm
by NYKiter
Not really....take off window is smaller due to sinking faster....

Heavy alum rides just as nice as the carbon.... Ive owned a carafino, spitfire, alpline, moses and lift....plus my own alum models....

Just my two cents....

Re: is carbon much better??

Posted: Fri Feb 22, 2019 2:31 pm
by Peter_Frank
Each to their own, I would never use an aluminium foil now :naughty:

Isn't it the same as carbon mountainbikes versus heavy old classic mountainbikes - they all work, and some will pay the extra for the light ones, others won't.

8) PF

Re: is carbon much better??

Posted: Fri Feb 22, 2019 4:39 pm
by KristianE86
Mountainbikes do not go in the ocean, so the corrosive element of the discussion is not covered by that analogy. I think that is important. If you (like many people) do not disassemble the foil and clean it with fresh water, it will be junk within a short time so in that scenario the carbon foil might be cheaper over a few years.

Re: is carbon much better??

Posted: Fri Feb 22, 2019 5:03 pm
by ap888
Yeah it’s worth it have a hoverglide ridden bunch of other aluminum foil and ridden another kiters Carbon levitaz way better to be honest... just about to order a Moses but waiting till all 2019 is out don’t wanna miss anything :thumb:

Re: is carbon much better??

Posted: Fri Feb 22, 2019 5:04 pm
by grigorib
Absolutely worth it. There’s no high quality aluminum setups made (even though it’s possible). Majority of aluminum foils you see in stores even look like crap (except Axis and new Cabrinha maybe). Heavy and ugly,

Carbon setups are sleek, light, smooth to ride, easy to transport. And they’re not as much more expensive either. Well worth extra investment.

But I think aluminum mast + carbon bottom could be a nice and very reasonable combo.

Re: is carbon much better??

Posted: Fri Feb 22, 2019 5:32 pm
by NYKiter
Apline makes a great looking alum foil....carbon breaks down rather easily over time....moses are VERY fragile....G10 is rather solid for wings of course...just wish they would make an anhedral G10 wing.....

Re: is carbon much better??

Posted: Fri Feb 22, 2019 7:45 pm
by Peter_Frank
NYKiter wrote:
Fri Feb 22, 2019 5:32 pm
Apline makes a great looking alum foil....carbon breaks down rather easily over time....moses are VERY fragile....G10 is rather solid for wings of course...just wish they would make an anhedral G10 wing.....

Why do you think it breaks down easily over time?
Must say I dont think you can generalize, depends on the build from the manufacturer IMO.

I have had my first Ketos, with a 100 cm carbon mast I use A LOT, for 5 years now - is in mint condition :thumb:

8) PF

Re: is carbon much better??

Posted: Fri Feb 22, 2019 8:11 pm
by cglazier
Carbon is lighter, stronger, stiffer and allows a thinner (faster) profile to be used. It is also very durable and not subject to as much corrosion as aluminum.
No question that carbon is preferable, but it does cost more. Virtually all high performance hydrofoils have carbon masts, while aluminum is used for beginner and mass market products.

Be aware that all carbon is not equal. Top manufacturers (like Alpine) are very careful in their carbon layup and prepreg manufacturing procedures to get maximum stiffness.

I have to agree with Peter Frank, "Each to their own, I would never use an aluminium foil now"

😉
CG

Re: is carbon much better??

Posted: Fri Feb 22, 2019 8:23 pm
by Mossy 757
Yes, it's insanely better just from the weight perspective. Safer when transiting the surf/impact zone in waves, easier to travel with and transport, better performance all around. I'd be more worried about long term durability and corrosion on a foil that wasn't all composite. The only drawback is cost.