I am looking at investing in a new foil setup. As these UHM masts are a considerable investment, I am considering a NoLimitz V2 Mast with an Axis mount then purchasing a Code Adapter.
This is because while Code looks good based on what I’ve seen, I’m concerned that they are a new outfit and are effecitvely untested in terms of having a few years of product cycles under their belts. As opposed to say Axis or Armstrong, etc.
In theory the NoLimits Axis + Code adapter setup will give me the ability to ride either Axis or Code wings. But I’m wondering if this is just me trying to be too clever and if there are serious downsides to this I have not anticipated…?
Too clever. Code isn’t going anywhere. Every foil they have is the current generation of foil. They are the brand I would recommend if you were buying into one brand right now.
Not sure what length mast your after but I have a NoLimitz 78 V2 mast with Axis mount and a Stringy Code adapter for it. Has worked perfect for me. I’d consider parting with the mast and adapter. Both the mast and adapter have very limited use and are in near perfect condition. I bought it intending to SUP DW but haven’t had the time to commit to it. I also have a 85 Code mast for winging and that’s all I’ve been using. Shoot me a text if you’re interested. (503)927-1191.
Thanks for your response. My thought process is that - while I wish the Code guys all the best of luck - they are a few friends who have put together enough money for an initial release and therefore a small business with limited resoruces. And, in two years from now, some of the bigger firms may have lapped them in terms of product releases.
So while they are a the top of the pops now, its an open question as to whether they’ll be able to keep up with rapid pace at which the industry is evolving. And again, I don’t want to take anything away from their success. I’m rooting for them. But to make the analogy to gaming console market, I am concerned that I may be buying an Atari system rather than a Nintendo or Play Station.
Fair enough. For me, 5k (AUD) is a lot for toys so I don’t want to be regretting my decision in 2 years. Also there is a lot of cheap Axis front wings about. In any case, the fact that I’m posting on this forum at all may reveal that I will be frothing over the latest kit irrespective of what I purchase
You just locked yourself into AXIS with that statement. They release at a rate unlike any other brand. If that’s how you truly feel, then AXIS will be your best bet. Nothing wrong with it either. AXIS releases great gear and is always staying up with the trends.
I don’t like the adapter. Mine didn’t fit great and have heard others report the same. It’s an extra connection and potential failure point. Plus you have to worry about the bolts seizing as not carbon. Don’t do it
my Stringy axis->code adapter works perfectly. I personally really like the Axis compatible mast offerings. The axis mast foot is something that can be adapted to many other fuselages, which is great.
My Experience with the Nolimitz v2 Mast and Axis Head
Adapter Compatibility & Fitment:
Compatible Adapters: I mainly run Code and Lift adapters with my Nolimitz v2 mast, and I haven’t had any issues with fitment on either. To my knowledge, those are the only adapters compatible with this setup.
Other Options: The Takuma head offers more adapter options, but since I’m fully invested in Axis and Lift foils, I haven’t needed it.
Fitment: Some of my peers using the NL mast have mentioned minor fitment issues, so they use aluminum tape to secure the connection and prevent movement. My adapters (Stringy) are super tight, though—I actually need a rubber mallet to remove them!
Performance:
Weight & Stiffness: The Nolimitz mast is noticeably lighter than anything I’ve used before, including the Axis aluminum mast, and the stiffness is exactly as advertised. It’s solid and works really well across different types of foiling—whether I’m prone, winging, dock starting, or towing.
Travel Considerations: Since the NL mast is a single piece, unlike the Axis aluminum mast, which packs flat, I had to change my packing setup for travel. It’s something to consider if you’re used to packing everything down flat.
General Insights:
My Collection: I have a lot of foils from Axis, Lift, and I’m getting more curious about Code. I often explain to my wife that it’s like golf clubs—I need a different foil for each situation! Of course, I know that a single setup can be ideal for most situations if you’re looking to become proficient, but having a variety of foils definitely lets me fine-tune my experience for different conditions.
Industry Observations: At AWSI, I got to check out new gear from brands like Axis, Code, KT, and Slingshot. Everyone seems to be putting out high-quality gear, and it’s great to see all the innovation.
Final Thoughts:
For me, foiling is like golf. There are always different tools for different situations. Although I’ve accumulated quite a collection, I realize that sticking with one versatile setup could also be a solid strategy for mastering this sport in all conditions.
I’ll add to Adan’s comment as we ride together often and I have compared my gear with his… The adapter is fine… either on a NoLimitz mast, or on an Axis mast to ride Code (which is what I’ve been doing). The only caveat I’ll add is that I do use filler to make it a tighter fit. I’ve been using aluminum foil tape (HAVC) but other tapes of filler tape are fine too. I feel the tighter fit is important. The NoLimitz mast is definitely lighter.
