Omg ARMSTRONG what a joke. That gear is super unbreakable because the connections have so much flex. As other stuff gets stiffer people break it more often - true - but it’s because you’re able to ride it harder and there’s nothing absorbing extra energy. All the flex and bend absorbs so much impact and energy it’s impossible to break anything on bad gear. Even modern Armstrong stuff I’ve felt on the beach has been so flexy and creaky in the connections I don’t know how people ride it. I don’t know what their pro riders are doing maybe using epoxy to glue some of those connections together for comps etc!
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Yeah not Armstrong. Definitely Takuma. I’ve got a full set fs right now!
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You’re wrong. I consider myself not the biggest Armstrong fan, but it’s nice stuff. I have been on their 1080, 1180 and 1880. It’s all really good. (I’m 6’3” and 200). My first wave on the 1080 I linked waves for just under 4 minutes. Plenty of time to sniff out flex issues.
My buddy is the same size (200lbs) and is ripping prone on Armstrong, never any issues. Especially on the 880 and 1080
I won’t buy Armstrong because it’s too expensive for my taste, but it’s wild to say it’s not a top caliber foil brand.
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Ok, the last time I put hands on one was a year ago and it was a MA 1000 and a performance mast and I did the check i do to my foils every time I go out. Grab the connections with one hand and put some force into the wing tip with the other - something I do to make sure everything is good and tight and not going to break or ruin a session - and it creaked and moved more than I would want to ride. Maybe someone had an old fuse on it, maybe it wasn’t assembled right, maybe the tolerances on those setups are hit and miss, but it was a level of fit that I absolutely would not accept in my riding, esp for Armstrong prices. It was better than what I experienced 3 years ago when I bought a full armie A+ setup but nowhere close to the fit on a modern AFS or even uni.
Mom! They’re fighting about Armstrong again!
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No way… this is what we would do to each other in real life. Just talk trash in the parking lot about each others set ups, cars, what they’re wearing, haircuts, etc… and then tap knuckles and paddle out and hoot for each other‘s waves. 
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Yeah let’s recommend the brand that doesn’t even exist… they went outta business last year, ma dawg. I’m not saying it’s bad, but let’s not recommend gear you can’t even buy.
I’ve had experience with every brand. I don’t know what you’re talking about. Most brands rely entirely on a Tuttle type setup i.e. Unifoil/Signature, Lift, Code, AFS, Axis, F-One. They’re notoriously difficult to put on/take off. Same with Cloud IX, depending what setup you have. Takuma is just wannabe Armstrong and they went outta business.
All those foils are fine. They make good stuff. I just think the tuttle style connection is lazy. I can run my Armstrong with no screws and it will for the most part, function fine. Minus the fin box screws and the tail.
I can run the earliest prototype Armstrong wings with the latest gear. The gear will outlive me because it cannot rust. My friends with Lift and GoFoil have trashed gear that rusted out. That’s where I’m going with this.
F-One has a great front foil connection that’s easy to swap. But it entirely relies on screws for strength. I have taken my Armstrong out with ZERO screws, and it held together. It’s great kit and it’s why they have such a large market share.
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It’s insane. I recommend Armstrong because the earliest prototype gear works with the latest and greatest stuff. It can’t rust. I have run my setup with no screws and it held together. It is the most modular without a doubt. It’s like if I recommend Toyota to someone and then a Lammborghini owner has to say I’m wrong. Nobody is wrong. It’s just preference.
The basic principles of the tapered mast to pocket fuse that you don’t like, are the same principles that Armstrong uses for its front wing to fuse connection. Except, Armstrong’s connection doesn’t actually tighten the connection with the way the bolts exert force. Similar to Takuma, that Armstrong connection is notorious for play and as the two components wear, it just gets worse.
Also, if you take even a basic level of care with your gear, rust really isn’t an issue.
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AFS is from 2009… and they’re basically just another male/female connection similar to F-One. It relies entirely on the screw to hold it together. My Armstrong setup can function with no screws in the fuse… just my $0.02.
But it entirely relies on screws for strength. I have taken my Armstrong out with ZERO screws
My Armstrong setup can function with no screws in the fuse…
I have run my setup with no screws and it held together.
I can run my Armstrong with no screws and it will for the most part, function fine.
We’ve found the market for Slingshot One-Lock!!!
JK - as you said its all preference and if Army is working for you, then great!
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I legitimately want the OneLock just because I am always switching wings day to day for different disciplines. BUTTTTT I don’t think Slingshot really has many foil choices like Armstrong.
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Bingo. Tuttle is such a lazy desing and EVERYONE does it. I much prefer Armstrong. My mast/fuse don’t even require scews to work. They will eventually work loose after many many turns. Most brands can’t even make it to the water without screws. GoFoil could. But you always needed a mallet for that wish.com garbage brand.
- That was a joke aimed at, and apparently appreciated by, TME.
- But kind of not, imagine buying a good kit for cheap, knowing they aren’t going to come out with some “game changing” new foil. You get what you get and you don’t get upset.
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We get it…you’re an Armstrong fanboy!!
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Rust was an issue with gofoil and lift. Your gear shouldn’t need to be “cared” for. It can be titanium and carbon and just always work…
Fanboy? Not really. It’s just a really good design. Titanium and carbon will never have corrosion issues. I can leave my setup together, and have, for over a year and it comes apart like new. GoFoil can’t do that after a few days. WIld you’re stupid enough to consider someone a fanboy for buying quality gear… most Toyota owners aren’t fanboys. They just want high quality and reliability.
Most systems can be made rust-proof if you just replace the bolts…
Although I do love a good multi-colored Armstrong bolt.
