I’ve got a 585 on the way and will try to shoot some vids. Bay conditions for me. I hear that size is similar to the Orca 685 in lift.
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Take your guess please!!
By the way you were turning, I guessed Manta. But on further thought, I’m guessing the SR mast was letting you snap turns, so maybe the Orca. I did order the 80 SR.
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Planning to make the move from Armstrong. Currently on the 80cm Performance X mast (big upgrade) with HA780 and MA790 on big days. However, the MAs don’t pump well enough and the HAs don’t handle bursts of swell energy very well. I ride in Hood River with trips to Baja in the winter. 160lbs on a 65l board. Parawing only.
I tried a friends F4 setup: 85cm RC mast, Manta 750, xs Surf 120 stab. I really liked feel of the Manta - very forgiving, easy to turn, plenty of pump.
First question: One thing that was much different was the pump cadence. It was very slow compared to what I’m used to on my gear. Is this everyone’s experience or more related to the 85cm mast? I will be using the 80cm AX mast.
Second question: My original plan was for an Orca 685 and Manta 750 (or maybe just Manta 750). Should I wait to try the Piranha? I’m not opposed to a quiver but it seems like the Piranha is targeted for my type of riding.
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The manta to me feels like a wave surfing foil that can do a more if needed. If you aren’t surfing breaking waves (Hood and Baja aren’t really like that) I have to imagine that the Piranha is for you. But then again, I only tried the orca and manta.
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I came from Armie on similar wings (148lbs). I was on an 80 striped mast, then 85 AX and now added the 80SR. I do think the manta 630 pumps at a bit slower cadence in general, maybe more elongated, higher altitude pumps to gain that speed, but faster once up to speed. One thing you’ll probably notice going from the RC to the AX is a slight decrease in drag, which should elevate things a hair.
I say surf what you can now. The bigger size piranhas won’t be here for a bit, while the Manta could be in the water pronto. I just recently had my best feels yet DW on bombing gorge like swells with the Manta 630 and 120 tail.
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It was the 16 AR hammer head 585 
Yes it was made possible by the SR 80
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What was your daily driver on Armie gear? I assume performance mast? How much gain did you feel when you switched to F4 AX and manata? Considering making the same change
Interesting to hear even with the Performance X mast, that you prefer F4. I’m torn between upgrading to Performance X mast or taking the opportunity to switch to F4.
My daily Armie was 80cm performance mast (not the new one) with a 880 or 680 HA. Also had an 890 MA I tried for PW. Owned countless other front wings over the years.
The Orca 685 with the AX or SR mast and the 135DW or 120 surf tail just feels amazing. It can handle speed so well, plus carves like a champ. It’s definitely the feeling I’d been chasing. Rode it again today after the Manta and enjoyed the more laid back approach after cooking my legs cranking cutbacks on the manta.
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Really appreciate your feedback having ridden both brands. I think I’ll start with the Orca 685. It should be a fun new experience on prone, haven’t ridden that high AR before. Not sure I’ll like it for winging as I’m pretty happy with Armie’s 790 MA MKII which has AR 8 but maybe in time I can grab a Manta and use that for wing and prone.
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How’s the Manta compare to AFS Silk V2? I haven’t tried F4 yet but the V2 Silk has been the exact type of surf wing I’ve been looking for the past year. The increase to 9 AR added so much speed/glide/pump but it’s still super snappy in turns. If the Manta is that much better I’ll need to demo it at some point!
I have asked the same question and the response that I was given, was that I needed to try the foils for a few sessions. I was also told in the same conversation to try the new Cabrinhas and the KT Halo. Apparently the Cabrinhas are very pitch stable and user friendly. hope someone that has tried more foils can provide their opinion.
The surf foil podcast compared them as being very similar feeling, and quite distinct from the code X and Flux
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Are there any recommended limitations on use of the SR mast for foil size & weight similar to the AX mast?
Arguably the best question in this thread. Clearly they are at the limits of the materials 
The biggest limitation is it’s only available to current customers for any price. The listed retail price must just be deterrent as it appears you CAN buy the 108cm tuttle version for $600 less 
Hi,
Thanks for the question. The SR masts are quite a bit stiffer than the AX masts, and are working well with all the wings. Certainly rider weight can be much higher. They have a different feel and really come alive riding high on the mast. The flex is a bit different since the skinny part on the lower section. This mast was originally designed for our super HA wings, however works with all the wings pretty amazing. With such a short chord, the turning response with larger aspect ratio and larger wings is where the magic happens!
Br,
Chris
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Anyone know which FoilDrive pod adapters are working well with the AX mast
Thanks
Hi Chris,
thanks for answering questions with your expertise here 
Does the SR Mast come close to the stiffness of the RC Mast?
I am wondering which is a better fit for pumping and carving in waves and sometimes on flat water with the Orca 1050. Looking for efficiency and turning in a mast but also want to have the ability to load it in turns without being wobbly. Sounds like the SR would be a great fit?
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