What’s the difference between AFS HR / HM / UHM masts?
AFS masts are available in four versions
These four versions have different characteristics, in terms of performance and price. On the other hand, they all have the same stiffness and are all made of carbon. What changes is the thickness, and therefore the glide, of the mast.
HR carbon mast
The HR mast is the most versatile model in the AFS range. It offers an excellent compromise between glide, stability and maneuverability.
MADE IN FRANCE
100% Carbon
Il est fabriqué en carbone HR, un matériau qui offre une bonne rigidité et un poids réduit.
It’s made from HR carbon, a material that offers good rigidity and low weight.
This type of mast is more stable, softer and offers excellent grip. It’s ideal for learning the basics of foiling and for sailing in difficult conditions. It’s still a super-rigid mast and a superb piece of Made in France technology that’s highly upgradeable, so you won’t be confined to your first flights!
HM carbon mast
The HM mast is slightly thinner than the HR mast. It therefore offers better glide and higher performance, particularly in terms of speed and handling.
MADE IN FRANCE
100% Carbon
Il est fabriqué en carbone HM et il est disponibles en deux longueurs, 80 et 85 cm.
It is made of HM carbon and is available in two lengths, 80 and 85 cm.
This makes it more suitable for experienced riders looking for optimum performance. It is ideal for sailing in average conditions or for taking your sailing to the next level. Incredibly scalable and versatile, these masts can be adapted to all types of practice, combining rapid learning with top-flight performance.
UHM carbon mast
The UHM mast is one of the sharpest models in the AFS range. It offers the best performance in terms of glide, speed and handling, worthy of world-class competition.
MADE IN FRANCE
100% Carbon
Il est fabriqué en carbone UHM, un matériau ultra-haute performance qui offre une rigidité exceptionnelle, ce qui nous permet d’affiner le mât pour obtenir une glisse sans pareil.
It’s made from UHM carbon, an ultra-high-performance material that offers exceptional rigidity, allowing us to fine-tune the mast for unparalleled glide.
Its length ranges from 80 cm to 95 cm, making it suitable for experienced riders looking to get the best out of every discipline.
This type of mast is thin. The rare materials of which it is made, the work on its profile resulting from years of commitment at the highest level in competition and on your spots, and its finesse offer the best possible performance. It’s ideal for racing or for sailing in extreme conditions.
UHM Skinny carbon mast
Among our masts, you’ll find two UHM models (75 and 85) with the Skinny designation.
In concrete terms, what is a Skinny mast?
This mast is thinner in thickness and chord than its counterparts in the UHM range, making it more dynamic in wave surfing. It also offers better glide at high speeds thanks to reduced drag.
The Skinny keeps the rope low over a larger part of the mast, while a classic UHM has more rope variations to optimize glide on the lower foil area. Available in 75 and 85 cm.
Which mast for which practice?
If you’re a beginner or intermediate wingfoil, surf foil or dockstart sailor, we recommend you choose an HR (High Rigidity) mast. Its 80 cm length makes it suitable for a wide range of disciplines, enabling you to discover them and progress further with performance.
If you’re an intermediate or advanced rider, you can choose an HM (High Modulus) mast. This type of mast is thinner, yet just as rigid as the HR. This means more performance. Its two lengths allow for a wide range of disciplines: dockstart (80 cm), downwind (80 cm), surf foil (80 cm), wing foil (85 cm) and wake foil (80 cm).
If you’re an expert rider, you can choose a UHM (Ultra High Modulus) mast. It’s as rigid as ever, but with unrivalled glide. A wide range of mast sizes allows you to practice all disciplines, up to competitive level, as well as kite foil (85 and 95cm). Compared to other masts, they also excel in downwind (75 cm).
Choose your practice and conditions
The second criterion to consider is your practice. If you’re into wingfoil, surffoil or SUPfoil, we recommend a versatile mast between 75 and 85cm. This type of mast is suitable for all sailing practices and conditions.
And depending on the sport you practice, also take into account the conditions in which you’ll be sailing regularly. If you often sail in strong winds, we recommend that you choose a higher mast (85 cm or more), to angle your boat and help you get through the chop.
Be careful when surfing and downwind, as we tend to reduce the height (80 or 75cm) to concentrate on support when conditions are more muscular.
Compare the different models
Once you’ve considered these criteria, you can compare the different AFS mast models available. We recommend that you read other users’ reviews and seek professional advice.
Conclusion
Choosing the ideal mast depends on a number of factors, including your level, your discipline and your preferences.
If you’re a beginner or intermediate wing rider, the HR mast is an excellent choice. It offers a good compromise between performance and ease of use.
If you’re an experienced rider looking for optimum performance, the HM or UHM masts are the best choice. They offer exceptional glide and incomparable flying sensations.
Retrouvez notre guide complet sur le wingfoil.