Lake Surf Foil Review of the Slingshot Infinity 99 Hydrofoil
Vložit
- čas přidán 26. 08. 2024
- Lake Surf Foil Review of the Slingshot Infinity 99 Hydrofoil | Foiling NY
The Infinity 84 Hydrofoil from Slingshot has unlocked so many fun activities on the lake, including flat water pumping and surfing a tiny wake behind a jet ski. I purchased that setup in the summer of 2019. For 2020, Slingshot introduced the Infinity 99, their biggest hydrofoil front wing. With 15% more area and almost 20% wider wing span, I had to give it a try. I contacted Slingshot and they offered to provide a small discount in return for an honest review, so I purchased the wing. The wing did not disappoint. It delivered longer/further flat water pumping and lower energy flat water pumping than the Infinity 84. This wing also enabled dock starts and took my lake enjoyment to a new level. - Sport
Those dockstarts are impressive as is riding the jetski's third wave. Well done.
Thank you. It took about 100 fails before I was able to land it. Even now I’m only able to do 1 out of every 3. I’m enjoying this sport so much that the failed dock start attempts are still fun! I recommend the “Surf Foiling” forum on Facebook as well. I post quite a bit there, including a clip of my dock start fails!
Fantastic video and greatly appreciated objective review of the comparative wings. I the '84 w/the Slingshot WF-2 board (which is about a 1/2 lb heavier than your board). I'm 195 lbs and on my 2nd time foiling had a chance to try both the '84 and '99 on a friend's boat. Unfortunately, I was too new to the sport and demoing the two wings on different mast heights and thusly far from a real A|B, apples to apples comparison (as you have). That said, while I LOVE the concept of a larger wing than the '84, I almost found the '99 too large, slow. As a beginner, the '99 was almost too large and made it hard for me to compensate for my mistakes whereas the '84 was fast enough that I could course correct/manipulate it. Now that I'm a better rider, I've been thinking of trying the '99 again as I could use a bit more glide than the '84 - but hate the thought of losing the speed and ability to maneuver. Feels like there is an opportunity for a '90 that has more of the feel of the '84, but more glide and pumping power. Appreciate your video on dock starts as I've not been able to get ANYWHERE with my dock starts. I was trying to blame it on mast height/my abilities, but am think now its more my weight as I sink so quickly. Wish I could go with a single quiver wing - but am considering the '99 again...just wish it was faster/more maneuverable akin to the '84 (I don't need the '76 speed, just closer to the '84). Would love to hear more about your thoughts on the two wings the more you use them and if you settle into one over the other more consistently. Sincere, thanks again for your video
Thanks for your very thorough comments. I agree with what you said. The 99 was a game changer for my dock starts. I’ll try the 84 again soon. I’m quite interested in trying high aspect ratio wings. Axis has a lineup (910 / 1010). Have you tried them?
@@WakeThief No (tried Axis or any other high aspec wings), I've seen several around CZcams of course, but never tried nor know anyone who has. Further, its frustratingly difficult to get any objective comparisons of wings on youtube as they are folks who are either reps of wings, or store owns that don't want to be overly candid relative to strengths and weaknesses. Finally, at 195lbs, there are not (on CZcams) that many riders my size so harder to get more apples to apples council :). Part of the issue is I'm far from mastering the infinity line so was planning this year to try and lock those down. Further, your Drwarcraft micro purchase is brilliant! Slingshot's WF-1 doesn't make sense to me as its HEAVIER than the WF-2. The Dwarfcraft micro is much shorter and much lighter. Far better for foiling. Seems like a miss in their product strategy as they don't even market the Dwarfcraft for wake foiling.
Sorry (excited to speak to a learned expert in my weight class :), would love hear how pumping off the dock goes with the 84 now that you've mastered the 99. I really wish Slingshot could figure out a slightly higher aspect wing somewhere between the 84 and the 99. I'm open to any other mfg (Axis, Armstrong, etc.) but so hard to understand what works/not for my use case (heavy rider, small wake opportunities - but who still aspires to do all you do, wake transfers, pump as fast/fast than the boat, etc. My issue is aspiration vs. execution at this stage :). Finally, if you're enjoying imovie, I HIGHLY recommend Final Cut Pro for Mac. Its not as intuitive (tons of youtube how to lessons), but gives you full pro capabilities without having to commit to thousands of dollars with Adobe Premier for editing
What mast do you use? Also do you recommend the dwarf craft micro? I’m 190 pounds an I’m having trouble keeping the pumping going off the dock I can go about 4 yards then it drops on me
61cm slingshot. 75cm axis. I’m also 190lb. For dock starting, a smaller and lighter board is best. I really like Dwarfcraft micro. I am realizing however, a buoyant board really helps with getting out of the water and surviving a touchdown while gliding and seeking to regain pump. The WF-1 looks like a good compromise of both. Please join foil surfers Facebook group and post a video of your dock start to seek feedback from experts on the forum.
Great review! I have a little foil anxiety😅. How do you feel the quality is on the slingshot? Is the mast to fuselage connection solid/stiff in the "b position"? Would be cool with a closer look video, with pros and cons.👍
Thank you. Given the type of attachment, you would not expect it to be stiff, but I have found it stiff enough. We also don’t use the foil too hard on a lake. Thanks for the video suggestion. I will give it a try.
Thank you. Im below 70kg/155lbs. Should not be a problem to me? Im looking at the 99 for pumping and getting out with the slingwing in lowest wind possible and downwind. And maybe ad the Apollo 60 or the infinity 76 for more speed and performance. Sounds like a good setup?
99 might even be too much for your weight. Perhaps the 84 might be a better choice
Thank you for your comment. I know the feeling about foil anxiety! I will make this video over the winter. I have been happy with my slingshot setup but there are distinct design decisions that manufacturers like AXIS and Armstrong made that makes for a more rigid foil at some interfaces.
How far from Alexandria Bay NY are you?
I have been using the slingshot 68 and 76 all summer. I'm 180lbs and i really love the carving of the 68. I struggle with the 76. Its difficult to stay in the wake and pumping is impossible. Looking at either the 84 or the 99. What do you think?
Dan Finkbeiner either will work fine, depending on whether you want this wing exclusively for pumping or not. The bigger wingspan of the 99 makes it harder to carve but it’s superior for pumping and dock starting. This video might help. Pls let me know if you have any other questions. czcams.com/video/bfo5VxKm4lc/video.html
@@WakeThief can I piggy back on this question? Would you recommend the 99cm wing or the axis 1150? We have been using the infinity 76cm on the slingshot foil wake package all of last season and we’re looking to go to smaller wakes, pump between wakes, etc. I’ve watched your videos over and over and I have it narrowed down to those two wings. Thank you in advance for any advice.
Hi Ryan - It depends if you’re ok spending $1600 to start a new brand and passionate about foiling enough to go that route. The 99 is a lot of fun. You could always do that and then delay getting the 1150. That’s what I did. If you’re serious and want a thrill of a lifetime, I’d go with the 1150. Let me know if you want help spec’Ing the rest of the foil. Wakethief@icloud.com
Awesome vid! I love my 84. Ive got about 20 hours flight time too! Have you tried any different tails other then the 48cm for quicker carving? Just wondering if I need a 99 and a smaller rear wing for my quiver.
1 hour ago I tried the 42cm (negative lift) rear wing. It’s great in terms of fluidity Of the pump. Very smooth and effortless. Almost out of control at times. And it made carving nicer, even with a big frontal wing (infinity 99 @ 2400sqcm). The 48cm feels slower but the extra lift was nice. I’m gonna ride the 42cm and will share more thoughtful conclusions after a couple of runs. Thanks for the comment!
Thanks for a great video. All your videos are super high production level and very helpful. You inspired me to get a 99 wing to use both for my windfoiling and to attempt lake pumping. I have the long Slingshot fuselage. Is that suitable for dock starting and pumping? Thanks
Thank you for the comment. I love foiling and have loved learning with everyone. Do you mean mast or fuselage? Slingshot has one fuselage. I like the B setting. Try all three and see what you like best. As for mast, I like the 24” mast. I feel like the 3ft is like “walking on stilts” and the 1ft is too hard to keep the wing from breaching.
@@WakeThief Actually Slingshot has two fuselages; short (610 mm) and long (782 mm). Short has two mast positions, long has three. I believe you referenced three mast positions (A, B, C), so may I assume you are using the long fuse? I have long, which is generally used for windfoil. Apparently short is more maneuverable but sacrifices stability. If you are using long then I'm good to go! My goal is to pump like you when there is no wind. Thanks!
Thank you for sharing. I didn’t know that. I do have the three position fuselage
The Slingshot long fuselage is primarily for windsurf foiling where it helps deal with the added dynamics and forces of a sail on the board. The short fuselage is more for wake, prone surf, SUP surf and wing foiling and makes pumping easier.
@@chuckr3398 thanks Chuck
Would also love any tips you have for dock start pumping (or pumping in general). How long have you been foiling? You inspired me and based on your video I just purchased the '99 wing. Question: How much more of an unlock do you feel the Dwarfcraft Micro is vs. your old board (I'm on the WF-2)? Curious if it helps with wake transfers, etc. Its odd that Slighshot's highend board for wakesurfing seems far less capable than the Dwarfcraft which they market for wind surfing. Inexplicably, they made it slightly heavier in their 2020 model (6.2 lbs vs your 5.9 lbs). Thanks again, I've been dying to try and find someone dock starting and pumping successfully on a slighshot kit as well as someone who is 190 (I'm 196-8 lbs). All the videos are smaller guys weighing 175 lbs :)
Awesome! The 99 is going to help big time. Please join foil surfers forum on Facebook. Amazing dialogue and lots of good videos that will help answer your questions. I posted one video of my 50+ dock start attempts on the 84. :) I started foiling 2 years ago and I probably have 20 hours on the wing. Like any sport, practice does make perfect and practice is not hard because foiling is a feeling like no other. I really want everyone on lakes to experience the joy I’ve had in the last two years. Going to make a video this week on how to pick a foil board. My first setup wasn’t ideal, but I seem to be getting closer to what I’m seeking. The Dwarfcraft micro was an impulsive purchase. I wanted a small board so just bought it. Slingshot had two versions. I bought thinner. I like it more than the WF-2. My first year I rode that board. The smaller the board the less inertia you have when carving back and forth because there’s less mass of board ahead of your front foot. Thanks so much for your comments today. Pls check out the foil surfers group on Facebook.
@@WakeThief Wow, thank you for the time and such a learned response! I just purchased the '99 and going to get used to it and then look into the Dwarf Micro. My boat has a deep V hull so strangely I've struggled to get the push I need on the wave. Hoping the '99 helps with that. Again, SO amazing and inspirational to see a 190 lb guy as proficient as you are. The weight makes a large difference and I was having troubles dialing my board at 195 w/the wing, etc.
I use the 99 for prone and SUP foil surfing anything from 1/2ft to 3ft. Above 3ft it becomes a bit more difficult to keep it from breaching but i have successfully surfed 4 1/2ft storm waves on it.
For prone and SUP surfing i think it is way better than the 84.
I also weight around 190lbs.
I like it in the B position most, I'm still trying to get the hang of pumping. Any tips?
I totally agree with you. It’s hard to surf a big wave on the 99. Smaller is better. I used the B position as well. I used the 76 in A position. I’ve never tried C. Maybe I should. As for pumping, flutter your front foot and try to keep the front wing as close to the surface as possible. Little pumps when front wing is near surface is the most effective. #happyfoiling
Also what where are you putting the mast on the track? All the way forward or backward?
I have the slingshot mast in the fuselage position B. Note that A comes in right out of the front wing. There’s no fuselage position options for Axis. I positioned the pedestal on the track 2cm behind the fully forward position for both foils
Would you recommend against a beginner using the shorter dwarf craft board?
Yes. Unless you’re dock starting. But behind a boat, go with a 4ft+ board if you’re a beginner
Great review... I have yet to try pump foiling... I have the 84 wing and the larger version of the dwarfcraft... do I have any hope with this set up, or do I require the smaller board??
Thanks Phil. I think there’s hope because I’ve seen people doing it online. If I were 20lb lighter it probably would’ve helped me.
Big fan over in CT/RI. Can you tell me what mast position on the dwarfcraft you like for pumping? Currently on Lift (HA) and Armstrong (HS) have you experimented with either?
Ryan Mrachek. Thank you. For mast position, I turn the board upside down and place my finger on my best guess as to the center of lift (remembering the rear wing lifts too) and see that the board is balanced. I’d recommend trying it and see how it feels. You’ll know when it’s out to whack because the board won’t be level when you’re gliding / pumping. Good luck. I haven’t tried Armstrong or Lift but I’d love that. I will add it to my list. Thank you for the suggestion. Please subscribe and turn on the bell to be notified of the next video. #happyfoiling
Great video! Just picked up a 99 and can't wait for the ice to be gone. Have you tried a smaller rear wing with the 99?
Yes. I liked it more with the smaller 42cm
Thanks so much for this video. I am just getting started and am trying to figure out what to buy. Out of these two boards, which one do you think would be best suited to surfing? We weigh the exact same amount it seems.
Thanks in advance for any info and thoughts
Thank you, Nathan. Happy to help you our. Please email me at wakethief@icloud.com. What’s your boardsports skill level? How do you want to use it (surf big wakes, small wakes, pump, dock start)?
Would you consider the 99 a beginners foil?
Yes
im 220 and live near ocean and there is a lot of Cruise ships going in and out of the harbor I just got a wing and I'm thinking about the 99 and that family fun inflatable and 145 L do you think that would work for me on cruise ship wakes and may be open ocean swell. or winging shouldn't be at 84
Yes! That would work great. If you want some help spec’ing stuff email me at wakethief@icloud.com. Happy to help.
I'm 6'4 220lbs and am leaning towards the 99. My son however is only 150lbs max. Do you think it will be two wings for us or will he be able to get up on a 99?
Hi Dennis. That should work fine for both of you. All it means is that your son will fly at a very low speed, which isn't too bad at all. If he were smaller, I might be concerned by his ability to pitch and roll such a big wing, but 150lb should be fine. Enjoy!
For the 99 (and other slingshot foils) what fuselage position do you have the mast mounted in? Position A or B?
My understanding is that each position has different performance characteristics and I wanted to know which you found best for pumping? Thanks!
Hey Nathan! I prefer B because position A has the mast coming right out of the front wing, and because the foil track doesn't go far enough forward, you need to place yourself pretty far back on the board so that the center of lift of the front wing / rear wing is right underneath the center of gravity of your body ... so feet slide back. Pumping a board is easiest when there's less swing weight (board in front of your front foot). I hope that helps!
@@WakeThief Yes, very helpful. Thanks for response!
Great video. I am looking to get into foiling and have decided to start with a board and foil I can use behind our surf boat. Ideally, I would like to be able to pump it without the boat as well. Which setup would you recommend that would do both well. I am 5'8" and weigh 170lbs and my son is 5'5" and weighs 140lbs
I believe the axis 910 would be a good fit. Please check out that review. The 910 for you is like the 1150 for me in terms of performance at your weights.
Thank you for the comment, David
@@WakeThief Thanks for the feedback, what board would you recommend? There are so many of them out there, it is hard to know what to choose. Plus the big wake brands like Liquid Force and Phase 5 are getting into the game too.
Hey David. This should help. I really like short, light and low volume! czcams.com/video/A5kwC7eoPNU/video.html
@@WakeThief another great video. You are so good at articulating differences. Would this small Micro board but good for surfing wake surf boat waves as well? And would it be easiest enough to learn as a beginner? Both my son and I are proficient wake surfers, doing platform starts, 360s, and other tricks along with riding both Skim and Surf style boards. We wakeboard, waterski, wakeskate. If you can do it on water we have probably tried it. Now we want to add Foil boarding to that list.
Where do I go to buy the board, foil mast, and foil?
Mackiteboarding is a shop in the US. I also buy from slingshot sports and axis directly via their websites. If you need help picking let me know. Good luck!