HR, HM, UHM or UHM Skinny: all four of our masts are carbon. To pick yours, you only need two numbers: your weight and the span of your biggest front wing. You weigh 75 kg (165 lb) or less and your wing spans under 1.00 m (39.4 in)? The HR is enough. You weigh 80 kg (176 lb) or more and your wing spans 1.10 m (43.3 in) or more? Go with the UHM at least. Otherwise, we recommend the HM. You’ll find every model on our foil masts page.
What do HR, HM and UHM mean?
They are the names of our carbon constructions. HM stands for High Modulus. UHM stands for Ultra High Modulus. Modulus is the stiffness of the carbon fiber: the higher it is, the less the fiber deforms under load. UHM fiber is up to twice as stiff as standard carbon fiber.
On the mast itself, what you see is the thickness and the chord. The HR is 16 mm thick, the HM 15 mm, the UHM and UHM Skinny between 12.3 and 14 mm. The thinner the profile, the better the mast glides.
| Mast | Lengths | Thickness / chord | Who it’s for |
|---|---|---|---|
| HR Carbon Mast | 65, 80, 85 cm (25.6, 31.5, 33.5 in) | 16 mm / 135 mm | Versatile. For learning and for tough conditions. |
| HM Carbon Mast | 80, 85 cm (31.5, 33.5 in) | 15 mm / 120 mm | Thinner than the HR: more glide, speed and maneuverability. |
| UHM Carbon Mast | 80, 85, 95 cm, 95 cm RACE (31.5, 33.5, 37.4 in) | 13.5 to 14 mm / 115 mm (95 RACE: 12.3 mm / 120 mm) | For racing and demanding conditions. |
| UHM Skinny Carbon Mast | 75, 80, 85 cm (29.5, 31.5, 33.5 in) | 13.2 mm / 105 mm | Narrower chord than the UHM. Livelier in waves, less drag at high speed. |
HR vs HM vs UHM: which mast for your weight and wing?
The heavier you are and the wider your wing, the more load the mast takes. That sets the minimum construction.
| Your profile | We recommend at least |
|---|---|
| You weigh 75 kg (165 lb) or less and your biggest wing spans under 1.00 m (39.4 in) | HR |
| You weigh 80 kg (176 lb) or more and your biggest wing spans 1.10 m (43.3 in) or more | UHM |
| Everything else (for example 78 kg / 172 lb, or a wing between 1.00 and 1.10 m) | HM |
Performance is your top priority? We recommend the UHM Skinny. The exception is dockstart and downwind with a wing spanning 1.10 m (43.3 in) or more: there, stick with the UHM.
Don’t know your wing’s span? Use the “Which mast?” foil finder. Pick your discipline, your weight, your biggest wing and your priority (budget, balance or performance). You get one mast and one length.
What mast length for your discipline?
- Surf foil: 80 cm (31.5 in). With the UHM Skinny: 75 cm (29.5 in), the only 75 cm mast in the range.
- SUP foil, dockstart, downwind: 80 cm (31.5 in).
- Wing foil freeride, freefly, freestyle, carving: 85 cm (33.5 in).
- Wing foil freerace: 95 cm RACE (UHM) with a wing spanning 1.00 m (39.4 in) or less. Above that: 85 cm (33.5 in).
- Parawing, kitefoil, wakefoil: 85 cm (33.5 in).
We don’t recommend a 95 cm mast with a wing spanning more than 1.00 m (39.4 in).
How much does a carbon foil mast weigh?
A thinner mast isn’t necessarily lighter. At 80 cm, the HR weighs 1.6 kg (3.5 lb) and the UHM 2.0 kg (4.4 lb). At 85 cm, the HR weighs 1.7 kg (3.7 lb) and the UHM 2.0 kg (4.4 lb). The HR 65 cm weighs 1.3 kg (2.9 lb) and the UHM Skinny 75 cm 1.6 kg (3.5 lb). At 95 cm, the UHM weighs 2.1 kg (4.6 lb), and 2.3 kg (5.1 lb) in the RACE version.
Why an AFS mast
- Our foils are made in our factory in Brittany, France.
- 2-year warranty on all our masts.
- On the UHM and UHM Skinny, the HDI (Heavy Duty Insert) inserts are fitted after molding. They run through the full thickness of the carbon.
- For returns, see our terms of sale.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between HM and UHM carbon?
The modulus, meaning the stiffness of the fiber. UHM fiber is stiffer than HM fiber, so it holds its shape better under load. On our masts, that lets the UHM run a thinner profile: 13.5 to 14 mm, versus 15 mm for the HM.
Do I need a UHM mast as a beginner?
Not necessarily. We pick the construction based on your weight and the span of your biggest wing, not your level. If you weigh 80 kg (176 lb) or more with a wing spanning 1.10 m (43.3 in) or more, we recommend at least the UHM, even when you’re learning.
Is a UHM mast lighter than an HR mast?
No. At 80 cm, the UHM weighs 2.0 kg (4.4 lb) and the HR 1.6 kg (3.5 lb). The UHM is thinner, which means more glide, not less weight.
Carbon or aluminum mast?
All AFS masts are carbon. An aluminum mast with the same stiffness as our UHM is around 19 mm thick and weighs about twice as much.
How do I adjust my mast for wing foiling?
Adjustment has its own guide: how to adjust the foil mast in wing foiling.
Is my fuselage compatible with this mast?
Check with our team before you buy.
What about the Infinity masts?
The Infinity Mast × Foil Drive and Infinity Mast × Manta Foils are for foil assist only: they integrate the motor mount. You’ll find them on our foil assist page.
Where can I find a used foil mast?
Used AFS masts and foils are listed on the AFS marketplace.
Your weight and your biggest wing give you the construction. Your discipline gives you the length. Find all four constructions and every length among all our foil masts.