Hydrofoil Product Review | Armstrong HS1850

To slightly warp an old adage… “not all foils are created equal”. The Armstrong HS1850 foil is a game changer.

In terms of overall profile and shape, the 1850 is pretty flat and a little longer than the 1200 or 1550 foils. Adding to the list of adages that apply, “size matters” and “bigger is better” fit the 1850 too. It is a mid aspect wing with a bit of a surf shape that helps it to carve while providing pumping abilities.  Like other mid aspect wings, the 1850 keeps a glide, making it very easy to pump. Even though the 1850 is big and fast, it is still stable.  It carries speed and will put you where you want to go.

Compared to a surf wing, the 1850 might take a bit of getting used to. At first, it might feel a bit unsettling, like it might catch an edge.  Once you learn to commit to it….the HS1850 will commit to you. For larger wings it might help to move your back foot forward, towards the leading edge.

The HS1850 loves to be high on the mast. It really helps it be responsive. Staying up high, you get long glides to carry your speed.  More speed offers more stability and, when you slow down you might feel more tipping.

With a long fuse, the 1850 pumps really fast and easy.  It's almost miraculous how much speed it carries, so much speed that you can almost pump it across the entire lake.  You can catch waves that are so small they look like bumps instead of waves.

A combination of pumping, gliding and the attributes of the 1850 mean you can ride waves a long way.  Whether you are riding waves from tankers that go by in the ocean or wake surf boats on the lake, the 1850 allows you to grab on to any little bumps in the water.  The 1850 is a lot of fun and it inspires you to steal waves.

Regardless of how close you are to the boat and regardless of wave shape, the 1850 demonstrates versatility at every turn.  The all-carbon setup feels solid all the way throughout your ride.

Whether it's your wave or whether it's somebody else's wave, a little bit of pump goes a long way when riding the 1850.  Together with the long fuse, the world is your oyster for pirating other people’s waves.  

In conclusion, the Armstrong HS1850 basically does it all. While it’s not the first foil you're going to want to buy, it is a great option for a secondary foil. This foil is a little more advanced and, once you are up to speed, a good choice to use when you are ready to start exploring and trying different things.

Pro Tip: If you want to make it feel looser, go ahead and upgrade to a 50cm fuselage and the flying V200 tail.