Fanatic Sky Air Inflatable Wing Surf Board Review

[@johnnoble1967]

I went out and bought one of these boards in part based on this review (the 5' 10"). It seemed ideal to learn on and to take on a plane and save on the crazy rental costs for winging gear. Anyway I got mine in December inflated it at home to 15 PSI then deflated it and stored it away. Jumped on a plane out of Detroit for warmer climes two weeks ago all good (except the larger version of this is oversized which is OK just can't use the standard baggage belt). First day pumped it up on the beach put the foil on went to get my wing and bang followed by a rapid woosh the board had popped! Anyway I get it these things can happen but clearly I was a bit miffed having to rent gear for two weeks. Anyway MACKite to the rescue they were hyper responsive and will get me sorted with or without Fanatic - I cant thank them enough what a great store! It's 12 days since pop day and Fanatic have yet to respond. I just don't get it you'd think they would want to know etc etc. Anyway I've had three inflatables two Starboard and one Fanatic - one Starboard leaked and you know what happened to the Fanatic so I won't be taking those odds anymore!

[@thebucharts9665]

I have owned one of these boards for about 2 years and have taken it out no more than 30 times. It works well and packs up nicely for travelling. Unfortunately the seams now leak and there is a bulge on one side. So you do need to consider these boards to be disposable and so you do need to consider that seriously prior to purchase. Many shops no longer carry them because they do expect them to fail. Fanatic does not consider these seam failures to be manufacturing flaws.

[@alejandrostrauss3906]

Tucker You say in the video that the F-One Rocket Air is together with the Fanatic your favorite inflatable board. Are you going to make a video of the F-One? Thanks!!!

[@MACkiteboarding]

Perhaps one day Alejandro. At this time it is not on my list so it'd be at least 2 months out. Feel free to email me with any questions, [e-mail]

[@LockeyPrice]

Hey Tucker, Do you have a recommendation for where to initially set up my Armstrong 1850 on a 5'4? I weight 155lbs or 70kg It was based on this video and others that I bought one of these. So, great job!

[@MACkiteboarding]

Thanks Lockey, Armstrong tend to ride further forward under your stance so probably all the way forward on this Fanatic. - Tucker

[@LockeyPrice]

@@MACkiteboarding Thanks Tucker, I appreciate all of the foil advice/videos!

[@LockeyPrice]

Any suggestions on hardware, it looks like the Armstrong bolts are too long ... 😓

[@MACkiteboarding]

@@LockeyPrice You'll need to measure. Most are about 10mm shorter than stock hardware for use with the Fanatic. -Tucker

[@LockeyPrice]

@@MACkiteboarding Thanks man.

[@perwestholm6765]

Thanks, great review as always! I cannot help to get slightly off topic ask if there is a review for the Ocean Rodeo Glide A-serie coming soon? It must be that wing you're using in this video and I'm very curious of what you have to say about it.

[@MACkiteboarding]

It's on my list. I've been testing the Aluula, hybrid, even dacron prototypes and now production wings. Should be posted in 2-4 weeks roughly. Feel free to email me if you have specific questions [e-mail] -Tucker

[@PerWiklund234]

Any plans to review Naish S27 inflatable?

[@MACkiteboarding]

Hi Per, no plans at this time. It's a nice board but nothing really revolutionary in terms of inflatable performance. -Tucker

[@mikeb1039]

Have you ridden the Starboard inflatable with the top deck 'plate'?

[@MACkiteboarding]

Yes, you'll find that review here...kzbin.info/www/bejne/aKHTqJxmZcmnf7s

[@AuzCoastflyer]

This is probably a really dumb question, but could you screw a couple of fins into the two tracks and use it as a SUP on flat water or even small waves? I have a Naish foil and a Airush 6m wing and really want to learn this sport. I've been kitesurfing and surfing for 20 years and I weight about 90kgs. Love your videos!

[@MACkiteboarding]

I've gotten that question from countless people so you are not alone. Yes, technically you can put SUP fins in the tracks. However, most wingboards are not meant for paddling so they aren't very fun, especially in waves. However, they can be used in light wind for putting around without the foil. -Tucker

[@oceanlance]

Great review.. I'm considering an inflatable for a travel board. Fanatic sky air is out of my price range. So I'm looking at F-One Rocket Air 5'4" 90L or 5'10" 125L - I'm 5'10" 70kg an advanced beginner who's trying to jybe/tack on a 110L F-One board. You mentioned Rocket Air - would you be doing a review of that at some point? Which size would you recommend me to get, 90L or 125L? Thank you.

[@MACkiteboarding]

At your weight, I'd go for the 110L on an inflatable. They carry a lot more volume so you need to size up for similar stability. -Tucker

[@philiptuffs-wh7jp]

Hi I have the fanatic sky air 5’ 10” and can not get it on the foil . I have the mast all the way forward in the track, but the centre of gravity looks to far forward . I have had two people test it and could not get it to work , I have a Armstrong cf 400cm2 foil on it . Any ideas think I am out of them.

[@MACkiteboarding]

The armstrong foils like to be mounted really far forward. You might try a longer fuselage or larger stab.

[@sunirauvivant-thierrythouv5798]

Thanks, great video ! Would you recommend this board for a beginner ? My weight is 73kg, what size would you recommend for me ?

[@MACkiteboarding]

Yes, absolutely. The Sky Air is very easy to learn on and as a bonus it will be less painful if you fall on or get hit by the board. At your weight, I'd suggest the 5'8 for learning. Could size up to 5'10 if you are in lighter conditions or if you think you'll need some extra stability to help out with balance. -Tucker

[@sunirauvivant-thierrythouv5798]

@@MACkiteboarding Thanks, I’ve found a second hand 5.8, can’t wait to try it !!

[@danieldick4433]

@@sunirauvivant-thierrythouv5798 hey I came here with the same question! 😄 Did u get the board in 5'8? How hard was it to learn wingfoiling?

[@leons.kennedy4517]

Great video ! Can I asked you question that I'm 63kg any board and foil size recommend for ? Also I heard that the bigger foil good light wind, it's that the board also bigger is better ? Cause my place just got lot of shit wind days haha~

[@MACkiteboarding]

Hey Leon, Please email me at [e-mail] to discuss. Do you have any experience foiling or in wind sports? -Tucker

[@sandyolney]

Hi. Just traveled with 4 boards... nightmare. Great review. How does it look packed up? How small?

[@MACkiteboarding]

Hey Sandy, It comes with a rolling luggage style case which also has backpack straps. The bag is oversized since the board packs so flat so you have space for extra gear. I estimate you could fit 2-3 extra wings in there if you packed them well. The case is decent size because of the rigid plate, I'd guess 24x38x7" roughly. It's an ideal setup for travel. -Tucker

[@sandyolney]

@@MACkiteboarding very helpful...this is now a serious consideration. Your videos are A+.

[@MACkiteboarding]

@@sandyolney Glad to hear it Sandy, Let me know if you have any more questions. 800.622.4655

[@westie2812]

Thanks for the nice review! I am an intermediate windsurfer intending to try wingfoiling. Do you think this board would be a good choice for learning and improving? I am 83kg, would a 5’10 be a good choice? What about the footstrap bumps? Are they disturbing when riding without footstraps? Do you think that the original Fanatic foil would be a better fit considering the footstraps’ positions? Thank you!

[@MACkiteboarding]

Yes, absolutely. The 5'10 would be a blast and ideal to keep in your quiver for lightwind and travel even after you progress to an advanced level. I didn't find the footstrap bumps too intrusive but if they are, you can change the foil position to move your feet to a different space. On the 5'10, I wouldn't suggest footstraps but the fanatic foils would be best if you do intend on using them and like a wide stance. -Tucker

[@simoncfly]

I have this board. The seal went over the rear over about 15cm at 19psi of pressure and Fanatic haven't responded to two queries about what to do. It's new maybe used 12 times. A glue repair will cost $200 if they can fix it. It goes fine but the foot joints hurt your kness when you jump on. I'm guessing Fanatic have zero customer service. So the red tape will lift and you're on your own!

[@MACkiteboarding]

Sorry to hear that Simon. If you bought it with us or have a receipt from another shop we can submit it for a warranty request for you. [e-mail]

[@kpj5]

All the complaints really putting me off investing in this board

[@MACkiteboarding]

Yeah, it's hard to please everyone, for sure. 🤙🏽 Give us a call when you have a moment. We're always happy to help with any questions: 800.622.4655

[@martinomovies]

People who cruise might like inflatables

[@MACkiteboarding]

For sure. The performance on this board actually impressed me. It's narrower width, foil plate, flip nose, and tail ridge really make a noticeable difference for winging at a higher level on inflatables. -Tucker