Setup 2: evo 155, Short fuse, afterburner 14.5, 1,0 plus shim (red)
I flew both wings in the same conditions (waist-high waves).
Axis Mast on both setups.
I feel like the Surge can be flown at a much lower speed and gives me a lot more lift – even though it’s clearly smaller than the Evolution 155. With the Surge, it’s much, much easier for me to maintain height.
The Evolution 155 feels like it needs more speed, even though it’s significantly bigger. In smaller waves I’m constantly using the motor and can barely maintain good height. Always low on the Mast After one turn.
Does anyone have any tips? Is it maybe the AB 14,5 backwing? (to Small?!)
I actually really like the Evolution, but I have the feeling that a similarly sized Surge (maybe 950) would have noticeably better low-end performance and still more speed.
More shim, a longer fuse, or a larger tail should help. I had the same issues you describe on the same setup and the first two both worked for me independently. I would like to try the 15.5 AB but they are sold out.
I find the AB tail doesn’t have much low end and is more of a neutral carve tail. That axis tail seems to have more chord so you could try a chopped uni prog tail with the evo?
Perhaps a little off topic, but I’m curious how tails help with low end at all. Don’t they push down to counteract the pitch moment in the wing? I’d imagine this just changes the neutral angle of attack of the foil, which you could also compensate for simply by adjusting your stance and or front to back pressure. Otherwise, I believe the tail is largely for control tuning not low end. Is that the right way to think about it? Technically, I’d assume a bigger tail decreases low end if it adds drag.
Thanks! I believe it and have heard others say the same. Again just trying to understand by stating my assumption in case someone knows more and can correct me:
I would assume a bigger tail feels like it adds low end but technically does not increase system lift or decrease drag because:
a. It gives something else to push against without pushing through the water column when pumping
b. It can increase the angle of attack of the front wing subtly which adds more lift with less intentional and nuanced weight shifting which could easily lead to a stall if overdone at lower speeds.
Trying to reason through it because I’m struggling with the flat water paddle up and trying to convince myself which of my tails will help without having the skills to get up yet and confirm my theory :).