F one Strike CWC 8m REVIEW

I can't say how impressed I am by the 8m CWC Strike from F-one. It has definitely enabled me to get up on foil in lighter winds than ever, AND (which is the most exciting part) later this session when the wind picked up by a couple of knots (9-12 knots) I could get on foil with the Kujira 980 - AND HAVE A BLAST!!!!. It's one thing to be able to get up on foil, but if you have to constantly pump to stay on foil then it's not much fun, but the 8m delivers so much power that I was seriously blasting around - not riding the swell and luffing the wing, but 'power dinging' as James Casey calls it - staying fully powered by the wing continuously and ripping it up with hard fast carves as you go downwind, something you need a small foil to be able to do!
Watching the video back I think I come across as being quite negative about the Slick - let me put this straight - I LOVE the Slick and think it's an awesome wing, but I have always though that in the very lowest part of it's wind range it feels a bit heavy and difficult to handle. As soon as it has enough wind to power it it is AMAZING (and it's top end is simply phenomenal), but for the best bottom end performance and ease of handling in light wind the Strike CWC definitely takes the prize!!!!!

[@johanbergkvist8834]

That "oh my god" at 2:40 sold the 8m for me; I've ordered one. Thanks for taking the time to post this review!

[@jonathanreinke9392]

Thanks for making and posting. I am a SUPER fan of this type of content! 😀

[@dominichoskyns9091]

Thanks man, it's super kind of you to say that👍👍👍👍

[@carsonking3798]

Thank you for this thoughtful review! I just put in my order for a CWC 7m!

[@andylitespeed]

Great review as always Dominic, thanks for that!

[@dominichoskyns9091]

Thanks Andrew. Stoked you found it useful 🤙

[@alexfuller818]

Awesome review. Totally agree on the middle handle point too.

[@leeclark7482]

Great review, very clear. I’ve got a 6m Slick which I really enjoy using but need to invest in an ultra light wind wing and your review has really helped - keep up the great videos 👍

[@dominichoskyns9091]

Thanks for your comment Lee. Really appreciate it 👍Please let me know what you end up buying and what you think of it.

[@ramakite]

great video!!!! and all info!!!

[@jhada3223]

Thanks Dominic, great review as always. I look fwd to all of your reviews. Keep up the good work. Not sure if the 8M would work for me at 5' 8" tall. I think I might be dragging the wing tips.

[@dominichoskyns9091]

There's a video on facebook of a 5ft 12 year old kid ripping with the 8m CWC so no excuses ;-))))) The wing is designed very cleverly so the outer wingtips are very short so they don't catch much at all, besides the wing flies at a very good angle so it's easy to prevent.

[@nicolashinchliffe]

Nice video useful comments. Keep it up !

[@carbonarne675]

that looks so crazy!

[@martinomovies]

Can’t wait to get mine. Taking forever here in the US.

[@dominichoskyns9091]

⏳⏱⏰😆

[@wingo.jimbo84]

Thx for the content!

[@dominichoskyns9091]

My pleasure. Glad you liked it🤙

[@randykrus9562]

I'm sold.

[@robertho1770]

Amazing review as usual - thank you so much. I am from Hong Kong and we have pretty light wind especially in our summer. I already have a Slick 7m which I find a little heavy and difficult to pump. Should I go for the 7 or 8m Strike ? I am 170cm and 67 kg and use a 87 L NSP board . Many thanks

[@dominichoskyns9091]

Thanks, it's really kind of you to say that. At 67kg I would have thought the 7m strike CWC would be fine for you, (it will have a better low end and is much easier to pump than the 7m slick) but at your height you could easily handle the 8m which will obviously give you even better light wind performance than the 7m, so if you think you need more power in the wind you get then it's probably best to get the 8m

[@raghuram2815]

Thank you for the video. Would you suggest the CWC 6m for beginner (I weigh 200 lbs) as the 1st Wing for learning on? My doubt is that of it is light-wind specific, it's high end might be bad. It could probably get hard to handle of and when the wind gets unpredictably strong.

[@dominichoskyns9091]

It's high end isn't bad, but you are right it is designed for light wind performance so that's where its strength lies. It's like any wing, as long as you use it in the wind range it is intended for it'll be fine for beginners, in fact it would make it easier as it's so well behaved and the power delivery is so smooth and easy to handle - so yes, I would recommend it for beginners :-) A wing that is easier to handle in it's top end will not be easy to handle in it's bottom end - there's always a trade off!

[@solentfoiler5969]

That 8m does look impressive! Does it change the game for light wind riding for you? For example, would you prefer to permanently use the 980 over the 1300 using the Strike, or does using a smaller foil not match the conditions as well as the 1300?

[@dominichoskyns9091]

Yes it has changed my light wind game. I would probably be able to use at least 1 size smaller foil than usual, possibly 2 sizes. The 980 felt fine when I used it with the 8m Strike!

[@user-qz2gm9cg6i]

F one 8 m. 3 -4 узла ветер, поедет на крыле 2100 Lahoma?

[@Marsy3112]

Hi Dominic, Thank you for the detailed comparison. I have been using the Slick 7.0 for some time and am also satisfied with it. Since I weigh 100 kg, the F-One Strike 8.0 would also be very interesting, especially since we have very little wind in our latitudes. Have you put the two wings on top of each other, is the Strike wider than the Slick ?

[@dominichoskyns9091]

Yes the 8m Strike has a wider wingspan than the 7m Slick and you do notice it when flying it but it doesn't seem to be a problem. There's a video out there somewhere of a 12 year old kid who is 5ft tall using it with no problem 🤣

[@andrebabin5153]

@@dominichoskyns9091 What is the span and width?

[@kitesailor1]

15/09/22-is the F1 8m CWC still the best light wind wing you have ridden.

[@dominichoskyns9091]

Yes. Noone has produced a wing to rival it yet for winging in the lightest wind

[@TrygveAgus]

Great information! Thanks Dominic!. Here is in San Francisco, the wind at the bay is great but the water is choppy and therefore quite challenging. I feel not safe to practice there , especially I am still a beginner. I prefer to sail on the lake nearby which has flat water , but the wind is light i.e. around 8-12 knots. I am thinking of getting the 8 m for practicing in the lake because with my Slingshot 6.4 (+F-One Foil 1800 m2/ Board 105 liter) , it is not fast enough for me to go up on the foil . (I am 71 kg, 175 cm, and recently able to go up on the foil for few moments). Do you think the Strike 8m would be the right solution for me (instead of the 7m) ? I am also worry that it would be difficult to flip the sail when it is upside down on the water.

[@dominichoskyns9091]

The 8m is not that difficult to Flip over when on the water, you just have to move out to the correct angle against the wind and it flips over fine. I use the 8m in 6-12 knots with foils of 1700 - 2000cm2. I'm 82kg but have been doing on light wind a long time do my technique is fairly good. If your a beginner and you're only just getting up on foil on a7m then it sounds like the 8m will be perfect for you in those conditions

[@TrygveAgus]

@@dominichoskyns9091 perfect! thank you so much!!

[@Surfingpilotlife]

Thx for the review! Some other reviewer wrote that the 6m is handling wise like a 5m. Would you confirm and say the ease of handling of the strike 8m is about the same as the 7m slick?

[@dominichoskyns9091]

In the lowest wind ranges it handles easier than the 7m slick despite being bigger. It feels lighter and takes less wind to fly and luff. It is more stable when luffed and feels easier to move in transitions when underpowered. When powered the slick is fine

[@Surfingpilotlife]

@@dominichoskyns9091 pumping ability the same? ( i know hard to say with different sizes). Maybe both need slightly different technique?

[@kallejohansson111]

Awesome video! Love it! Dude I'm a beginner started my first session on fone swing 5m and got up on the foil. Learned how to pump. But we have little wind here in Sweden. Usually 10knts. Can I go out as a beginner with my 8m or should I wait? I guess I will damage it more when I'm a beginner. It costed a lot 😑

[@dominichoskyns9091]

Of course you can use it as a beginner. I learnt with a 7m but if a 8m was available back then I would have used it. There's nothing you can damage

[@kallejohansson111]

@@dominichoskyns9091 Tnx ❤️

[@thelicencecoliquorwisedivi8364]

Hi Dominique. When can we expect your review on the 2023 CWC 7 and / or 8m from FOne? There aren't any reviews out there and I'm sure there are a lot of us who are looking to buy the new CWC, but we want to know what you think about it! Thanks.

[@dominichoskyns9091]

I'll do my best but there's so much equipment out there and at the moment I've got some really exciting developments with Axis and FoilDrive that I'm heavily involved with so I can't guarantee that I'll be reviewing the new CWC. I'd like to and will try my best to do it🤞

[@LixisArgentina]

Great Video!!! I have almost the same gear, Slick 7m, Fanatic 5 8 110l, Kujira 1210 and 82 kilos. What is the lowest end you get with your Slick 7? and with the Strike 8m in the same conditions and gear? Thanks!!!!

[@dominichoskyns9091]

7m slick and the kujira 1210 I suppose about 12 knots, and with the 8m Strike about 10 knots but TBH I would always be using a bigger foil in wings that light our I end up pumping all the time. I rarely use the 1210 unless the wind is 12 knots minimum. Too much effort. The bigger foils give much better glide in light wind and pump much easier. Its a trade off as they are less maneuverable but then its unlikely you'll be ripping carves when the wind is under 12 knots. That's more cruising weather. With a bigger foil like the Axis 1150 or 1300 or maybe even the kujira 1440 I can use the 7m slick in 8-10 knots and the 8m strike in 6-8knots

[@LixisArgentina]

@@dominichoskyns9091 Thnaks a lot for your kind answer. I also own a Moses W1100, so I would test it in those conditions. My goal is to foil below 10 knots so I think I could. Cheers

[@ArthurKite]

Amazing review, man. How tall are you? I have a 2100cm2 W1100 from Sabfoil and i think I can get going in 6knts with this, do you agree?

[@dominichoskyns9091]

I'm 6'2" but I have seen a 12 year old kid (he's 5ft) using the 8m successfully - actually he was ripping on it!!!!!!!!!!! That foil should be fine for use from 6 knots.

[@wiepkjedegroot]

Great video's! I have a Swing V2 5m and I love it. My weight is 62kg (137lbs) and I am 1,79m (5'10") tall and still a beginner. I have the gong allvator surf XL foil. Would you recommend the 7m or 8m for light wind days? Thanks in advance!!

[@dominichoskyns9091]

At 62kg the 7m should be more than enough. the 8m is only needed for people over 80kg

[@wiepkjedegroot]

@@dominichoskyns9091 or stick to the 5m and invest in a foildrive (or comparable product)? :P Thanks for your advice!

[@dominichoskyns9091]

@@wiepkjedegroot haha that's true, but there's no product on the market comparable to FoilDrive. Its a unique product. Totally worth it 👍

[@wiepkjedegroot]

@@dominichoskyns9091 My boyfriend/partner is an engineer, I give him a new project for Christmas :D

[@Andrea-gl3ru]

Hi, great video as usual and al bit of jealousy on how you make feel easy.... Could you help me to invest in the right direction? I have a Takuma helium 1500 + Airush 7 m, if I want to improve my take off in light wind, better to invest on bigger span foil like F.one Gravity 2200 or faster Kujira 1440 or just change wing from 7 m to CWC 8 m? I think the three options have different contribution: area/support, speed/less drag and last one power. Thanks

[@dominichoskyns9091]

Hiya. Thanks for the comment, that's really kind of you. If you have the helium 1500 any not get the helium 1750? That should be right up there with the best of the light wind performance foils and you could get the wing set only as it will fit on your existing helium mast and fuselage. The CWC 8m will also help but my personal experience is that the foil is the most important element for light wind winging because the foil is what keeps you gliding through the lulls. The kujira 1440 is a great foil for light wind but it won't beat the helium 1750 for low end lift or its stall speed.

[@Andrea-gl3ru]

@@dominichoskyns9091 Thanks a lot appreciate. BTW Gravity option was on the table because I can have it for good price (complete foil same as just front wing Takuma). Takuma 1440 because I see you soo good on it :-D

[@Surfingpilotlife]

I like one handed riding in small swells also, maybe you can attach a rope between the handles to create a third one? I don’t get it, why f-one is not doing it… Btw, how did you like the handles?

[@dominichoskyns9091]

The handles are ok but not as good as some wings I've used, but I suppose thats down to personal preference. I'm planning on making a rigid handle to connect between the 2 existing handles. Whether it works or not is a different matter ;-)

[@DaveSails7]

Armstrong has a mini boom you can add between handles (Power Link Control Bar). Not sure if it fits this wing specifically.

[@neilsimon6871]

Hi Dominic I am torn between the 8 meter strike and the 7 meter slick as a beginner light wind wing. (6-14knots) Watched a ton of reviews on both wings (wish I could demo them someplace before buying but no such option exists for me). Seems you prefer the strike for lower end situations. Is there any reason to go for the slick over the strike that I may be discounting? Thanks, Neil

[@dominichoskyns9091]

The strike has definitely got better light wind performance. The slick has a better top end and its heavier. What weight are you? If you are 70kg or less you could go for the 7m strike. I'm 82 kg and the 8m strike is perfect in 6-12, and then I'm on my 6m slick in 12-14 knots. My 7m slick rarely gets used any more

[@neilsimon6871]

@@dominichoskyns9091 I am 77 kg. Do you prefer the boom handling characteristics of the slick more than the handles of the strike? Is it challenging to alternate between the two for you or do you just adjust automatically after using both for a long time?

[@dominichoskyns9091]

@@neilsimon6871 you definitely get used to whatever you are using as it becomes second nature after a while. Normally I prefer a boom but tbh the handles on the strike are so big that they don't cause the same problems that having lots of small handles cause. I just wish they put a center handle in between the existing handles. I don't think it would take much to retro for a home made handle, I just haven't had time to do it yet.

[@neilsimon6871]

@@dominichoskyns9091 thanks Dominic. Sounds good. If you were to go with two wings the first being the 8m cwc what size slick would you opt for to round out the light wind quiver? 6 meter?

[@dominichoskyns9091]

@@neilsimon6871 yes definitely the 6m. There would be to much crossover with the 8 & 7m within their wind range. The 8 & 6m would give you much better range

[@Tobeon2]

Thank you for the review... What is the volume of board. Also, I am considering of purchasing 2400 cm2 front wing since the wind in my area is general quite light (I weigh 75 kg). Any thoughts?.. oh so, how much do you weigh?.. (I am a beginner wing foiler and want to obtain as much info. & knowledge as possible now.. 😊

[@dominichoskyns9091]

5'9" 110ltr board. Kujira 1440. 82kg

[@Tobeon2]

@@dominichoskyns9091....Thank you.. Thank you.... I am thinking of getting a 2400 cm front wing so that I can wing foil in very light wind.... (I am a very beginner now..).. With 8 m2 wing and 2400 cm2 front wing with 120 liter board, I should be able to wing foil in very low wind condition, right??.. 😁

[@wingo.jimbo84]

Yes for sure u need few Session to windfoil.

[@dominichoskyns9091]

@@Tobeon2 yes, that sounds the perfect setup for a beginner. You'll love it, have fun👍🤙

[@Tobeon2]

@@dominichoskyns9091 I can finally get going up foiling with no problem.!! !!.. Now I have to work on my Jibing and tacking!! 😁😜.. I just saw other review clip of yours. As a still beginner, I should get axis 1150 over 1300 for now, right?.. By the way, I also purchased Slick 7.0 m2 and love the boom although I wish it was a bit thinner!!

[@ramakite]

sorry, i was talking about this video..... what camera and support have you use?

[@dominichoskyns9091]

GoPro max 360 on a hand held 3ft pole. Having to hold it in my hand means it gets in the way when winging so I'm in the process of making a mount with a longer pole that I can screw into the front or back footstrap inserts. Should be much easier, can't wait to test it🤙

[@ramakite]

@@dominichoskyns9091 thanks bro

[@smytharmstrong8543]

Thanks for this! Am I wrong in making the following assumptions from your test?: (1) the 8 metre Strike is lighter than the 7 metre Slick (carbon boom might help the Slick); (2) the Strike floats better on the wind; however, what would an 8 metre Slick do?; the Strike handles really well; (3) you could still get up on the Slick even though it is one metre smaller; (4) the Strike allowed you to use a smaller foil in the same wind conditions (not sure which foil wing you used with the Slick -- you still got up on the Slick in really light winds even if it might have been on a bigger Kijura foil, which is very impressive); (5) and he Strike would be improved with a boom or middle handle -- could you not attach a rod between the handles like the one Armstrong (or a custom one) makes to solve the issue? So, what's the bottom line -- is the Strike worth the investment? Is it a must have for you as your light wind wing given that you already have the 7 metre Slick? I suspect we'll see a new crop of wings for 2022 that will make most of us re-evaluate what we think we need or want -- new materials and/or new designs.

[@dominichoskyns9091]

Hiya. I'll try to answer all your questions as best I can: 1) The 8m slick 'feels' lighter when handling. It doesn't really matter about actual weights (if a lighter wing feels heavier it probably isn't flying very well). I was using a carbon boom with the 7m Slick. 2) I suspect the same thing would happen to the 8m Slick, perhaps even more so as it would be even heavier - the 6 does this a bit in the lowest end of it's wind range as well but not as much (presumably because it is lighter) 3) Yes I could still get up on the 7m Slick in those conditions, but with more effort/pumping to get onto foil - as expected in the same wind strength. The test wasn't about comparing power it was about comparing performance characteristics, my overall conclusion being that the Strike is easier to handle and performs better than the slick in the lowest end of their range. The wind dropped by 2 knots as the sun went down and I couldn't get up with the 7m Slick but I could with the 8m Strike - again probably obvious but we don't know for sure till we try. 4) I could get up onto the 980 with both wings, but when on foil I had to pump the board and/or the wing to generate enough power to keep the 980 on foil, whereas with the 8m strike i had plenty of power to cruise and throw some really cool carves. 5) Yes a middle handle would give you so many more riding options, especially in light wind - which is what the CWC is designed for, so that's a big disappointment. I will be trying to make one for myself, but its a pain in the a**e that I have to do it. Bottom line - yes, for me it's worth it because I have lost track of the amount of days I have had the wind drop on me to the point wher my 7m couldn't get me back on foil. We get equal amounts of 6-8 and 8-10 and 10-12 knot days, some 12-16, some 16-20, and occasionally even 25+, but the 6-10 knot range will now not only be accessible for me but should be much more fun!

[@smytharmstrong8543]

@Dominic Hoskyns Thanks for the comprehensive reply. Any idea what the top end of the Strike would be? I foil in some really gusty conditions -- 2 or 3 knots then gusts of 12 to 15, which can be very frustrating. I started out today on my 3.5 metre Slick and the Kijura 980. An hour later I was on my 4.5 metre Slick and the Kijura 1210. An hour after that it was the 6.0 metre Slick and the Kijura 1440 and I had to pump my butt off to get on foil! One reason I like the boom so much is that it allows easy positioning of my harness lines (like windsurfing). I really don't understand why manufacturers don't have a boom option for their wing products -- I'd pay a reasonable premium. Anyway the Strike looks like a winner. I really appreciate the unbiased information you provide about a variety of foiling products -- keep up the good work!

[@dominichoskyns9091]

@@smytharmstrong8543 I used the 5m slick when I visited the UK last Aug and it was 12 - 32 knots, with seriously punchy gusts, a really stormy day. I have to say it wasn't pleasant at times but I survived and overall I had a reasonable session. I don't think any wing will give you a stable, smooth ride in those conditions, but in normal wind conditions, even with average level of gusts and lulls I would say the slicks have the most stable ride and a really big wind range. They are super stable in their top end but Gheorghe top end depends on yourcweight and the size foil you're using. I have held onto the 7m slick in 16knots, but would always change to the 6m when the wind is 12+ knots given the chance.

[@smytharmstrong8543]

@@dominichoskyns9091 Dominick, Take a look at this video about light wind winging. I have no idea how someone can get up on foil in 6 knots (maybe he caught a 10 knot gust) with a 3.6 metre wind wing and a HA 980 foil (might have been even smaller) -- maybe if I lose 20 kilos and inhale helium. I have to shake my head -- not possible for me. This guy's dad was up with a five metre in 6 knots! What am I missing? kzbin.info/www/bejne/kICvaXZmmNOJg7s

[@smytharmstrong8543]

Here's what the Armstrong bar looks like attached to the Strike -- if you have the funds then no need to make one. kzbin.info/www/bejne/j2emaquIh92Wjbs

[@LixisArgentina]

Hi Dominic, I am a big follower of your videos, really one of the best in KZbin no doubt. I would like to know your opinion, I am trying to decide between the Kujira 1440 and the Axis 1150, to be used in light winds around 6 to 8 knots with my Strike 8m and my Fanatic 5.0 75 liters board. I weight 80 kilos as you. What do you think? Thanks!!

[@dominichoskyns9091]

Thanks for your comment, I really appreciate it. For 6-8 knots I use my axis 1300, and before I got that I had the 1150. I don't use my kujira 1440 until its consistently in the 8-12 knots range. Over 12 knots I'll use a smaller foil. I know it's a small wind range but 6-8 know it's so light and at the very lowest of the usable range that the extra lift from the 1150 or 1300 really helps despite the fact that they are not as fast or maneuverable as the 1440. It's the difference between having a great session because you can get on foil and cruise around or getting frustrated because you can't quite get on foil and have to keep pumping through lulls rather than having fun. Given a choice I'd always rather be on the smallest foil possible but in super light wind bigger is better. I prefer the 1300 over the 1150 because it has better speed and glide. It's a totally different feel to the 1150 which is slower but a bit more 'throw around'. The 1300 locks into carves and takes a bit of getting used to but once dialed in it's an awesome foil. Kane de Wilde rates it as the best big foil he's ever used. Worth considering for sure

[@LixisArgentina]

Thanks for your time and knowledge! Cheers

[@LixisArgentina]

@@dominichoskyns9091I almost forgot, what would be your choise in terms of fuselaje and mast for the 1300 taking into consideration the use of a foildrive also? I was thinking short fus and 82 cm mast to have a little more space or the foil drive but I have seen 75 cms is the recommended in general

[@dominichoskyns9091]

@@LixisArgentina I use an 82cm mast because of the extra clearance when downwinding but flat water 75 is fine. I use the ultrashort fuse for everything as its got great maneuverability but still has great pitch stability

[@LixisArgentina]

@@dominichoskyns9091 Thanks man, good winds

[@wildhogget69]

I am now completely lost, as I can't get going in 10knts with a 2500 wing and a 6.5m and I weigh 85kg, and here you are on a 980 foil???? Ps. new subscriber

[@dominichoskyns9091]

Hiya. Don't worry, light wind winging is a very technical side of foiling where the correct technique is vital, and you only develop the right technique through a lot of time on the water - its all about the subtleties! How long have you been foiling?

[@wildhogget69]

@@dominichoskyns9091 Thank you for the inspiration, I have been out about 15 times so far, I am an ex windsurfer from many years ago..lol I guess after this 2500 Gong foil, I will need to step down a bit on the foil size. Smallest wing I have is a 5m, so I guess when the wind gets up and I get maxed out on the 5m the foil should just reach a maximum speed and that's it due to drag. So that is why I guess later I will need to have another foil in my quiver?? Just watching your other foil review vlog

[@dominichoskyns9091]

@@wildhogget69 sorry I thought you were using a 6.5m wing. You'll need at least 14 or 15 knots minimum to get up on foil with a 5m as a beginner, even with such a big foil. It's always easier to be slightly overpowered at the beginning stages, at least until you develop the correct technique, but don't worry, it'll come quite quickly, all you need is time on the water to practice 😉 As you get better you'll find a smaller foil is actually easier as they are more efficient but font try to hurry the early stages, I've seen the frustration of people who try to move forwards too quickly. Going slow in high winds will help you learn faster than going fast on a small foil and not being able to control it. Hope you enjoy the journey🤙