I sprang for a Axis 1500 Fireball knowing we are coming into summertime east coast Florida conditions 1-2’ small waves. I’ve had it out a few times and it has more low end than the 1350, more glide and an easier pump, even though it has a very similar area. It’s a very technical wing (I think the whole fireball series is), it’s a step up from the Art Pro’s (comparing to 1401/1201). Much twitchier and you need more speed to keep it going. If you are high on the mast it feels almost effortless, but if your technique is bad or you are low on the mast, it punishes you bad. It’s a wing you need at least 2-3 sessions on before coming to a conclusion. Also at aspect ratio 17 not a beginner wing either, you want to have your pump/turning mastered. It’s also super skinny and super sharp on the end you don’t wanna fall on it!
I SUP surf all of my wings. I use the 358/35 skinny tail and the Short fuse (64cm)
The first few sessions I took it out in choppy on-shore conditions blowing 15mph and it was tough to control some of the turns, but overall I enjoyed the session. First impressions were this is a fast wing and when up to speed it wanted to glide forever. Pop ups were very similar to my 1350, you don’t want to force it up you just let the board rise out of the water almost flat. It takes some time compared to a 1401 to get going.
Finally I got a clean 1-2’ day where the waves were coming in long lines. I broke my 60 min in the surf record and made it 1hr 16 mins and did 14.5 miles. This wing is fast and in better conditions works amazing!
It helped me break this record by being more efficient and really letting met get all of the energy out of each wave and letting me rest in-between pumping back out. If I had to wait between sets I could catch little waves and just glide while I took a rest and waited for the next set.
I would recommend this wing if you’re looking to get the maximum glide out of smaller waves, want to get some record surf sessions or just love long efficient glides. I liked a longer fuselage than I normally run (short 64cm instead of crazy short 60cm) and the 358/35 skinny tail is a must for the glide.
The turning isn’t bad I’d say it’s a touch worse than the Art Pro 1401, I think it’s due to the speed of the wing with a little more tracking, but it feels great to complete a turn it just shoots you ahead with tons of speed. It takes some leg power to control it and it is a little pitchy so you have to be precise, but once you get it, it feels great.
Comparing between the 1350 and 1500 I prefer the 1500 for smaller waves 1-2’ just for that low end confidence. If I miss a turn or slow down the 1350 has a good chance it’s unrecoverable and will stall out. The 1350 turns much better and really shines for 2-3’+ waves, so this is a great summer 2 wing combo for me.
I still go back to my Art Pro 1401 when conditions aren’t great, or if I’m tired. The 1401 has better low end, I can almost pump that thing out of any stall I get myself into. If the waves are slow or really chopped up the 1401 is easier to control if you lose your balance or miss a pump because of weird water. It’s also easier to flat water paddle up if the conditions are really small. But if the waves are decent it’s fireball all the way. I think the fireballs have replaced my art pro 1201 completely as I usually took that out when conditions improved.
Hope this helps someone!