Hey All,
This may have been posted - so apologies.
I have been down the rabbit hole and need to ask a total newb question.
Can you use different brand foils with different brand masts? Or is it like the dewalt vs milwaukee topic, once you’re in you have to be committed to it. At least for future (upgrade) wings and stabilizers
There are third party masts that can take adapters to work with different brands.
I’ve updated this comment to reflect corrections made by other’s here, thanks for that. It’s why I started out by saying that this is a case of the blind leading the blind. Anyhow, this is what I can tell you. There is no standard way of connecting a foil to a mast. Each manufacturer has engineered their own way of doing this. Into this space steps third party manufacturers offering so-called universal masts. These masts require you to choose an adapter tailored to a particular manufacturer’s foils. Even though your mast is “universal,” the adapter determines the brand of foil you can use. These can either be permanently affixed or they can be changeable. In the case where they’re permanent, yet more third party manufacturers enter into the space. These guys sell adapters for adapters. Now your “universal” mast, fitted with an adapter for brand X foils, can be fitted with adapters for several brands’ foils. I’ve avoided using brand names up until now, but an example may be the simplest way to understand what’s going on. On the one hand, if you buy a universal mast from No Limitz, you have to select what brand of foils you’ll use with that mast because they permanently affix an adapter to the mast. Should you want to use different brands of foils with that mast, you’ll need to buy another adapter from some other third party, such as Stringy. His adapters join different brands, so you get a Takuma to Axis adapter or a Takuma to Unifoil adapter. These adapters, unlike those affixed to the universal mast, are interchangeable. On the other hand, if you buy a mast from Cedrus, it lets you switch between adapters, as they are not permanently affixed. It’s my understanding that each adapter is sold separately. I’m sure there are tidier ways to explain this, but this is what I’ve got. Clear as mud, yeah?
I appreciate your help
I appreciate your detailed response. Would you say going with a generic mast is the best, and any website you recommend to start researching for info and initial purchase?
That’s the case with the No Limitz mast, the cedrus mast adapters are not permanently affixed.
Yes, the cedrus mast is engineered as a truly universal mast. You can use this mast with most foil brands on the market. You have to buy the mast to foil connection for each brand, but that has a secure and direct connection to the mast. Cedrus refers to this as the adapter. There are other manufacturers like stringy that sell something also referred to as adapters, but these are meant to “adapt” one brand’s mast connection to another brand’s foil. This adds an additonal piece to the connection which means more weight and potentially a less secure connection. It’s a bit confusing to start out
There are first party companies that take adapters too. The AXIS aluminum is actually good at this. The AXIS HM masts can take adapters too.
If you’re in Australia an often overlooked mast is from ONE Ocean sports. It naturally fits AXIS and there are adapters for Code and Lift. Good option.
Foilparts.com also makes masts and lots of adapters. The sport is new. People are all over the place trying to make it easier and more efficient.
If you are asking about a specific brand with a specific mast there is probably an answer out there for you. List what you’re looking for and we can provide answers. I purposely didn’t name brands in my first post, because people get real worked up about specific brands.
So basically. Lots of companies are trying to solve the issue of having to buy a mast every time you switch brands.
Haha, I’m embarking on this journey with you, my friend. I’m likely only a step or two ahead of you.
I don’t have the experience to say either way. From what I’ve read and heard, there are pros and cons to either route, universal or dedicated.
Personally, I’ve found this forum to be a great help. I’ve learned a lot talking to the local foiling crew. Youtube, as always, has been a big help. I’d also suggest listening to The Progression Project Podcast for inspiration as well as insights.
Very interesting subject ,
What do you think it the best connection system today?
There are definitely tradeoffs to universal masts. They generally require more maintenance. Also whenever carbon and aluminum are touching you risk corrosion.
My advice would be to buy a one brand setup at a good price used as your first setup. The foil market is extremely hype sensitive. Everyone wants to be on whatever the cool kids are riding, so there are often great deals to be had used. A big brand this past year has been code foils and before that the unifoil progression series. KTs new foils are hitting stores soon and will likely be the next hot thing. Look for a code or progression setup used as soon as KT is out
This is great advice, I have been scoring some pretty prices on old F-one gear too.
Correct answer
Where?! Haha
I watched the KT foil stuff (believe it was Kane) and the designs looked very good and practical.
Oahu market place and craigslist mostly, but I got a good price on a used 850 sk8 from https://lineupwebstore.com/ a while back.