Forums > Stand Up Paddle Foiling

Armstrong CF1600 review

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Created by hilly > 9 months ago, 13 Jul 2019
SUPbru
386 posts
19 Aug 2019 6:50AM
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Hi Murf & jt737...out of interest, what's the approx weight of your 5'10? Cheers

jt737
QLD, 418 posts
19 Aug 2019 10:11PM
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Hi SUPbru. Mine is 5.9kg. It's certainly the best foil board I've had, though at 102 l is a workout in choppy water. I'm waiting on a 6'5x 28 x 115l in the next container from One, can't wait.

SUPbru
386 posts
20 Aug 2019 2:29AM
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Thanks mate....a lot of production boards are still up there in terms of weight so anything sub-6kg is a result & the design looks great. I'm the same as you...I've got a 5'11 for clean conditions & a 6'5 for those less than perfect days...good call ordering a back-up

Southby
VIC, 25 posts
27 Aug 2019 9:14PM
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I have been riding a mate's Armstrong 1600 for the last 3 days and are now a big fan! I had watched Robert from Blue Planet's interview with Arnie Armstrong when it came out and was impressed by his expertise, passion and the design and construction of the foil. When I opened the bag to assemble the foil, I was even more impressed. The quality, design and weight. It is like a work of art where you just enjoy looking at it assembled.

After reading Hilly's review I was really excited to ride it after being on a Naish XL for the last 4 months. The first obvious sign was how light it was carrying the board to the break. From the first wave it felt stable, fast, easy to pump and great for turns. I love riding it and we have had great surf for the last 3 days so ideal for testing it. It has improved my surfing in just 3 days and it looks like my good mate is going to sell it to me so I'm thrilled!

hilly
TAS, 7195 posts
28 Aug 2019 10:01AM
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Select to expand quote
Southby said..
I love riding it and we have had great surf for the last 3 days so ideal for testing it. It has improved my surfing in just 3 days

Found the same thing, and the more you ride it the better it feels.

MidAtlanticFoil
672 posts
5 Sep 2019 11:34PM
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Looks like Armie has a few wings to be released in the near future. Here's a look at the 1550H Wing:

www.instagram.com/p/B2B6DJ5H9Vw/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet

toppleover
QLD, 2033 posts
6 Sep 2019 6:39AM
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Select to expand quote
MidAtlanticFoil said..
Looks like Armie has a few wings to be released in the near future. Here's a look at the 1550H Wing:

www.instagram.com/p/B2B6DJ5H9Vw/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet


New boards look the goods too



hilly
TAS, 7195 posts
6 Sep 2019 10:28AM
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Hoping for a 2000HA for larger boned riders

toppleover
QLD, 2033 posts
6 Sep 2019 7:21PM
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Swapped boards today with a mate, very impressed with the design/build of the Armstrong.

MidAtlanticFoil
672 posts
10 Sep 2019 4:39AM
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Unveiling video of the new HS wings (skip to the minute 53:00 mark)



I have the 1550HS on order and will be ordering the 1050HS when it comes out in the next few weeks. Anyone want to buy my 1600 in the states?

hilly
TAS, 7195 posts
12 Sep 2019 4:56PM
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Armie talking about the new wings here www.instagram.com/p/B2Q1tSwH4S9/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Note there are 3 videos there.

hilly
TAS, 7195 posts
22 Sep 2019 11:57AM
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I have had the CF1200 wing for a while but have not used it until today. I thought it would struggle with 105kg on a sup. Well I was super impressed. Can now make steep takes no problems and it turns on a dime even at speed. Carried good glide if you were good at staying in the steeper parts of the swell and kept active by pumping and turning. New favourite wing










Not sure why the Garmin said mostly lefts


Oceanfrother
VIC, 20 posts
22 Sep 2019 5:45PM
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Hilly

What software or app are you using with your Garmin to get wave count etc. Also which Garmin do you have?

Cheers, Chris

tightlines
WA, 3467 posts
22 Sep 2019 4:36PM
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Select to expand quote
Chrisactive said..
Hilly

What software or app are you using with your Garmin to get wave count etc. Also which Garmin do you have?

Cheers, Chris


I believe it would be the Surf Tracker 2 app.
Its actually not an app as such but an extra data field you add to your Garmin, it takes a while to sort out but then it is pretty easy to use.

apps.garmin.com/en-AU/apps/a9d3e8c1-fdaa-419d-b5c5-f763192569a2

Select to expand quote
hilly said..
Not sure why the Garmin said mostly lefts


The beach facing direction is configurable to suit locations and that determines left or right by the direction you are travelling in relation to the beach, I have done it before but don't usually bother.

There are some instructions on how to do it somewhere in the link to the forums in the link above.

Here it is:
forums.garmin.com/developer/connect-iq/f/showcase/521/data-field-surf-tracker?_ga=2.245510980.1177561594.1569140587-324747353.1568641314

I think for example most of the beaches in WA are facing West i.e. approx 270dgrees.

With one of the updates now you just

"add Beach Facing Detection measurement as a option before hitting START (calibrate compass, then point watch 12 hand at waves, perpendicular to beach, then go to data field page and get a stable/reliable heading, then hit START)"

hilly
TAS, 7195 posts
22 Sep 2019 7:22PM
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Select to expand quote
tightlines said..

Chrisactive said..
Hilly

What software or app are you using with your Garmin to get wave count etc. Also which Garmin do you have?

Cheers, Chris



I believe it would be the Surf Tracker 2 app.
Its actually not an app as such but an extra data field you add to your Garmin, it takes a while to sort out but then it is pretty easy to use.

apps.garmin.com/en-AU/apps/a9d3e8c1-fdaa-419d-b5c5-f763192569a2


hilly said..
Not sure why the Garmin said mostly lefts



The beach facing direction is configurable to suit locations and that determines left or right by the direction you are travelling in relation to the beach, I have done it before but don't usually bother.

There are some instructions on how to do it somewhere in the link to the forums in the link above.

Here it is:
forums.garmin.com/developer/connect-iq/f/showcase/521/data-field-surf-tracker?_ga=2.245510980.1177561594.1569140587-324747353.1568641314

I think for example most of the beaches in WA are facing West i.e. approx 270dgrees.

With one of the updates now you just

"add Beach Facing Detection measurement as a option before hitting START (calibrate compass, then point watch 12 hand at waves, perpendicular to beach, then go to data field page and get a stable/reliable heading, then hit START)"


Spot on. I will never bother to calibrate just found the data yesterday thanks to Twimby.

Oceanfrother
VIC, 20 posts
23 Sep 2019 10:26AM
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Select to expand quote
hilly said..

tightlines said..


Chrisactive said..
Hilly

What software or app are you using with your Garmin to get wave count etc. Also which Garmin do you have?

Cheers, Chris




I believe it would be the Surf Tracker 2 app.
Its actually not an app as such but an extra data field you add to your Garmin, it takes a while to sort out but then it is pretty easy to use.

apps.garmin.com/en-AU/apps/a9d3e8c1-fdaa-419d-b5c5-f763192569a2



hilly said..
Not sure why the Garmin said mostly lefts




The beach facing direction is configurable to suit locations and that determines left or right by the direction you are travelling in relation to the beach, I have done it before but don't usually bother.

There are some instructions on how to do it somewhere in the link to the forums in the link above.

Here it is:
forums.garmin.com/developer/connect-iq/f/showcase/521/data-field-surf-tracker?_ga=2.245510980.1177561594.1569140587-324747353.1568641314

I think for example most of the beaches in WA are facing West i.e. approx 270dgrees.

With one of the updates now you just

"add Beach Facing Detection measurement as a option before hitting START (calibrate compass, then point watch 12 hand at waves, perpendicular to beach, then go to data field page and get a stable/reliable heading, then hit START)"



Spot on. I will never bother to calibrate just found the data yesterday thanks to Twimby.



Thanks Guys! Legends!!

hilly
TAS, 7195 posts
23 Sep 2019 10:54AM
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Garmin Fenix 5 plus

Southby
VIC, 25 posts
23 Sep 2019 3:04PM
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Hi Hilly
That's good to hear about the 1200 wing! Did you notice much difference between the 1600 in terms of stability and speed? Will you use that now for most sessions other than small conditions and where you need to link between waves? I use the 1600 for all conditions although more challenging on the bigger and steeper waves and had wondered about the 1200 so great to get your review.

hilly
TAS, 7195 posts
23 Sep 2019 3:52PM
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Southby said..
Did you notice much difference between the 1600 in terms of stability and speed?


A little less stable standing out the back. Heaps faster on the wave and easier to turn at speed. Stable as when flying on a swell. Seemed to be less effected by boils and foamballs.


Select to expand quote
Will you use that now for most sessions other than small conditions and where you need to link between waves?


It will be my go to wing in waist and above. I was suprised how well it linked sections, as long as you keep turning and/or pumping at the top of the swell.

hilly
TAS, 7195 posts
25 Sep 2019 10:35PM
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Select to expand quote
Southby said..
Hi Hilly
That's good to hear about the 1200 wing! Did you notice much difference between the 1600 in terms of stability and speed? Will you use that now for most sessions other than small conditions and where you need to link between waves? I use the 1600 for all conditions although more challenging on the bigger and steeper waves and had wondered about the 1200 so great to get your review.


Just got great feedback from someone who was struggling with the Armstrong after coming off the HA Axis 900. He was using the 1600 then tried the 1200 and was super impressed. Found it much faster and easier to turn compared to the 1600.

MidAtlanticFoil
672 posts
26 Sep 2019 2:22AM
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Select to expand quote
hilly said..

Southby said..
Hi Hilly
That's good to hear about the 1200 wing! Did you notice much difference between the 1600 in terms of stability and speed? Will you use that now for most sessions other than small conditions and where you need to link between waves? I use the 1600 for all conditions although more challenging on the bigger and steeper waves and had wondered about the 1200 so great to get your review.



Just got great feedback from someone who was struggling with the Armstrong after coming off the HA Axis 900. He was using the 1600 then tried the 1200 and was super impressed. Found it much faster and easier to turn compared to the 1600.


My HS1550 just came in the mail! I'll have ride reports in soon. With out comparing the 1200 to the 1550 side by side, it looks like the 1550 is a 'big brother' to the 1200 wing. I can pump the 1200 quite well at 65 kgs, so we'll see how far I can go on the 1550.

MidAtlanticFoil
672 posts
30 Sep 2019 4:53AM
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Had the 1550 out this morning in a very small swell. I was really impressed with the wing and was pumping all over the place linking multiple waves. Turning was quick even with the long fuselage. I would say it is a great wing to move to after learning on the 1600.

I also took it out to try some dock starts and nailed my personal best first go. Was happy about that as the local sailing club was watching and I hadn't tried dock starts in a few months.

Im going to have to see which wing fits best with wing dinging to see if the 1600 still has a place in the quiver. May be worth it to sell and try to get a 2400 wing for low low wind sessions on the wing.

Weight: 65kg and prone foiling.
Swell: 1.9 foot at 9 seconds high tide.

Southby
VIC, 25 posts
7 Oct 2019 5:38PM
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That is good news to hear. How does the 1550 compare to the 1600 in speed, turning and linking waves? After reading how Hilly's favourite wing is the 1200 how does that compare to the 1550? It looks similar but as you say the big brother of the 1200 so you will use 1550 in smaller conditions? Can you please post a photo of how they look along side each other to see if thinner and flatter like many of the new high aspect wings on the market. Thanks

MidAtlanticFoil
672 posts
8 Oct 2019 4:52AM
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Select to expand quote
Southby said..
That is good news to hear. How does the 1550 compare to the 1600 in speed, turning and linking waves? After reading how Hilly's favourite wing is the 1200 how does that compare to the 1550? It looks similar but as you say the big brother of the 1200 so you will use 1550 in smaller conditions? Can you please post a photo of how they look along side each other to see if thinner and flatter like many of the new high aspect wings on the market. Thanks


I will try and get some photos of the 1200 v 1550 v 1600.

At only 60kgs, both the 1600 and 1550 are large wings for me and only work when the swell is small or weak, otherwise I get launched. Funny story, I recently took out the 1600 thinking it was the 1200 on a small but shallow/sucky day and proceeded to get launched to the moon on one particular drop-in. I felt it coming and jumped up and to the side so wasn't in any danger, but it launched me for sure.

I really need to do a side by side and swap wings during a session to get a realtime comparison, but I would say from that one session the 1550 is just faster and allows linking more waves due to that, covering more distance per pump, before my heart gives up. The 1600 pumps great for me at my size, but it just might not be as easy to pull a u-turn onto an oncoming wave and it has a bit more drag.

I just looked at some stats on my dawnpatrol app between the 1600 and 1550 and the top speeds were very similar, distances further on the 1550 though. Both pretty gutless short period swell sessions.

I took the 1550 out winging for the first time and had a great run around a km on foil. I also need to try swapping wings mid wing session to get a proper comparison.

MidAtlanticFoil
672 posts
9 Oct 2019 9:01AM
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Let me see see if I can remember how to post photos. Here are some comparison shots of the 1200 v 1550 (1-4)





Here are some with the 1600 in the mix:

34-E5959-A-B51-C-4-F2-B-8-DBF-B7-FB341284-E9
D7-BFE16-E-4117-438-B-A752-DF5-B0-DC61-DDB
04583-E16-AF80-49-EE-8682-E36854-ADE347

hilly
TAS, 7195 posts
9 Oct 2019 3:47PM
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At Gloo atm terrible reception. New wings look cool. Heaps of wind up here.

hilly
TAS, 7195 posts
11 Oct 2019 10:12AM
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The 1600is still a fun foil. This was a difficult day.

JEG
VIC, 1469 posts
11 Oct 2019 2:03PM
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your killing it Hilly and how I would like that local spot, ya'll!

hilly
TAS, 7195 posts
11 Oct 2019 2:29PM
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JEG said..
your killing it Hilly and how I would like that local spot, ya'll!


Ha ha local. I wish, lazy 1000k drive

warwickl
NSW, 2173 posts
11 Oct 2019 7:38PM
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Select to expand quote
hilly said..

JEG said..
your killing it Hilly and how I would like that local spot, ya'll!



Ha ha local. I wish, lazy 1000k drive


Have you changed boards?



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"Armstrong CF1600 review" started by hilly