North Sonar HA Foil Review - In depth!

Hydrofoil Academy Australia presents an in depth review of the North Sonar High Aspect HA foil range.
This is a long and detailed report that takes you from first look to how to maximise performance. We have included a timeline with chapters so you can jump to a section if you don’t want to watch the entire review.
You can see the product in detail at
hydrofoilshop.com.au/collecti...
Chapters
0:00 - Introduction
0:30 - Honesty Policy
1:07 - Marketing Spin
1:53 - Size and Specs
3:17 - Assembly
6:23 - On Water Experience (Winging)
13:14 - On Water Experience (Proning)
17:24 - Pros
19:21 - Cons
20:53 - Summary
If you have any questions, or would like test it for yourself, please don’t hesitate too get in touch
#hydrofoilacademy #Northfoils #Northkiteboarding #North #foiling #hydrofoiling

[@irf888]

Hi. I'll add some of my observations of the HA1050/270/70 setup for Winging. I can push the 1050 as fast as the 850, glide is amazing and fast, turning is effortless, pitch stability is excellent. You get used the the stall speed by pumping a little to gain speed before a gybe or tack, but it glides upwind through a tack brilliantly, easier than mid or low aspect foils. The learning to maintain speed actually improves your skills I think. The setup doesn't needs shims, but the V1 HA1450 does needs shimming as it tends to rotate downwards once over 32+ kmh. The 1050 is beautiful as you push for high speed. Sorry I disagree with your con about the stabiizer being mounted from the top. I use 3 foot straps so I never place the board upside down as it can fall over, I place the nose of the board down with leading edge of wing down as well, so actually now the stabilizer is facing upwards and convenient for changes. I use Sabfoil, Axis and North currently across wing and kite in all conditions and am about 83-85kg dry, hope this helps anyone thinking about North. Don't hesitate its as good if not better than everything else - and generally lighter. Regards. P.S: My advice - try not to think that smaller is better, make life easier and err on the side of large foils and boards, you fly easier and learn more efficiently. And with good technique you can match the performance anyway. EG: if you are thinking of a HA950 or 1050, just get the 1050. etc.

[@hydrofoilacademy]

Great advice there! So glad to hear you love them as much as I do!

[@blooskyy7]

Great video. I'm considering changing over from my current foil system to the North Sonar CF as the quality and range look amazing. Im interested to hear your thoughts about the front foil and fuse connection, as it's essentially just two faces connected with screws is it strong and secure?

[@hydrofoilacademy]

I have never had any issues with this connection. Its always locked in and secure.

[@blooskyy7]

@@hydrofoilacademy awesome thanks

[@secondlife7976]

How you can compare with SF series? I’m learning and current my go to is 2200r. I would like to replace later and cover first low wind

[@hydrofoilacademy]

The SF series are very different, they are much more forgiving and easier to use. I’d recommend these as a good stepping stone to the HA wings. The SF with the 215 tail is a really fun set up. I was out on them today in about 6-8kts. Super low stall speed let’s you pump up onto the foil super early. I wouldn’t have been able to do this on the HA wings.

[@secondlife7976]

@@hydrofoilacademyis MA1200 slower then SF1230? I’m looking for light wind solution now. I have North loft pro 8m and currently with seek v2 98l. And as a addition for upcoming season I would love to get MA850 😅 was you able to test it already ? Could this be next upgrade for performance?)

[@cheynedowsett]

What size would the 930 SF compare to in the Armstrong ha v2 range for similar pump, speed and turning? What are some of the main differences? The new high mid mast looks good too, thanks

[@hydrofoilacademy]

The Armstrong HA880 is similar to the SF830 in terms of pump, speed range and ease of use. I’d say the SF830 turns better on a wave and when combined with the new North Ultra high modulus mast it’s unreal. It’s my most used foil right now.

[@hydrofoilacademy]

I’d say the SF930 is similar to the HA980.

[@user-ht7ii5fe9w]

Hi Hydrofoil Academy, for wing foiling I have with Sonar MA1050, the 210 stabilizers and the C700 Fuse an absolutely perfect fun combo for maneuver-oriented freeriding. My question: if I want to foil faster in good conditions (>15kt) than with the MA1050 and also have fun in the wave and the wind-swell, is the HA850 with my 60kg a good choice? Which stabilizer would you recommend me to use with the HA? Cheers

[@hydrofoilacademy]

Yes, if you are comfortable on the MA 1050 and looking for more speed you are definitely ready for the HA 850 (this is my favourite of all the HA wings)! I would go with the 850, 700 fuse and 208 tail. That setup is great and super fast! Hope thats helps, feel free to call us if you want to talk it over. Thanks, Gav

[@user-ht7ii5fe9w]

@@hydrofoilacademy Thanks for your helpful feedback.

[@user-ht7ii5fe9w]

One last question: I can still use my 85 mast with HA850?

[@hydrofoilacademy]

For sure you can, it's just that you are more likely to breach a tip with the 85 mast. I rode the 85 for ages with the HA850. Just been to ride a bit lower to avoid this.

[@user-ht7ii5fe9w]

@@hydrofoilacademy Many thank for your quick feedback. I find 85 for wing foiling also an ideal all-water-mast length.

[@defenderoftheadverb]

Would a large MA wing be suitable for a novice?

[@hydrofoilacademy]

Yes, the MA wings or the R series would be best for a beginner winging.

[@defenderoftheadverb]

Aircraft always have their stabilizers elevated above the wing to avoid turbulence. The turbulence off a hydrofoil would be relatively small.

[@hydrofoilacademy]

Yes, agreed! Also my understanding is that aircraft travel at such speeds that the turbulent from from the wing would reach the horizontal stablizer and reduce it's effectiveness. Not so much of an issue with foiling as we don't reach those speeds...yet! 👍