What are the advantages of a carbon foil?
The foiling discipline has experienced explosive growth in recent years, particularly with the emergence of wing foiling , which allows gliding on the water using a wing and a foil.
The foil consists of a mast, a fuselage and two fins: a front fin for lift and a rear fin to stabilize the whole.
There are different types of foils, depending on the materials used, such as aluminum or carbon.
In this article, we will examine the advantages of carbon foils , while debunking some common misconceptions, particularly those claiming that carbon foils are always more efficient and lighter than their aluminum counterparts.
Is a carbon foil really more efficient than an aluminum foil?
1. Rigidity and performance, yes but no.
Firstly, a carbon mast is not necessarily stiffer than an aluminum mast. If, on a mast that is 16mm thick, there is only 2mm of carbon, then it will not be stiffer than an aluminum mast and, above all, it will be less strong.
The advantage of a carbon mast is that it can reduce drag to the maximum while remaining rigid in bending and torsion.
To achieve this, it is necessary to increase the amount of carbon, increase the quality of the carbon fibers and have a coherent and relevant draping plan.
This isn't the case for all carbon masts. One of the major advantages of having a carbon foil is minimizing drag while maximizing stiffness. This provides stability, improved acceleration, and better maneuverability. Performance is significantly enhanced.
If the carbon foil is well constructed, it provides a feeling of responsiveness, reactivity, control and glide.
For example, let's compare a carbon foil and an aluminum foil. With the same thickness and chord (11mm chord and 14mm thickness), the aluminum mast is more flexible and flexes while sailing, creating lag, a loss of responsiveness, glide, and/or control. This is why aluminum masts are made thicker.
Carbon foil, on the other hand, will provide increased responsiveness and nervousness if and only if the quality of the carbon fibers is increased and the quantity of carbon is also increased.
If deformation occurs under the stress of a large load, the carbon will return more quickly to its initial position. The carbon foil will then provide more precise support and finer control while sailing.
Lightness, yes but no.
The density of a carbon fiber component is 1.80 g/ml, while that of aluminum is 2.7 g/ml. So on paper, carbon fiber seems much lighter. However, if you want an ultra-rigid carbon fiber foil, you have to increase the amount of carbon fiber.
If we produce a solid carbon mast, it won't be much lighter than a hollow aluminum mast. However, the carbon mast will be much thinner (14mm vs. 18.5mm for aluminum) with less chord. We'll save approximately 200-300g for the same size.
However, if the carbon mast is thickened and foam is added inside, between 500 and 900 g can be saved per mast. In this case, the carbon mast can be considered lighter .
Durability and Versatility
Durability is one of the many advantages of carbon foils. Damage to the wing from a rock or scratches from friction can happen.
The advantage of a carbon foil is that it can be easily repaired by sanding and adding more carbon. However, unlike aluminum, it is not recyclable. Therefore, it's essential to choose your carbon foil carefully to ensure maximum stiffness, efficiency, and durability, so it can support your practice and progression.
Another advantage of carbon fiber is its resistance to corrosion and wear , unlike aluminum which can pit or crack over time. Carbon fiber is therefore a non-recyclable but durable material that guarantees optimal use for many years if properly cared for.
Some advice.
- To maximize the lifespan of your foil, avoid any friction with sand or pebbles and avoid placing your board on the rail with the foil resting on the ground on one side. You risk damaging the fins and losing efficiency.
- Protect your mast in a mast cover to avoid any impact.
- It is advisable not to leave a carbon foil in direct sunlight. Epoxy resins polymerize at 65-70 degrees Celsius (generally, sometimes even earlier). A foil in direct sunlight with high temperatures can easily exceed 80 degrees Celsius. Consequently, the resins soften, and if you use your foil immediately, you risk weakening the structure. It is therefore recommended to let the foil cool down before going back on the water.
- The same applies if your foil has been left in your car for a long time in high heat.
- Remember that even if your foil is well-built, a foil is an underwater aircraft. Any contact with an obstacle will damage it.
- Rinse it from time to time and if you use it very frequently, check it regularly from all angles.
In conclusion
- In conclusion, using a carbon foil offers numerous advantages over aluminum. Carbon provides unparalleled rigidity (if high-modulus fibers are used), lightness, durability, and versatility, allowing you to fully enjoy the gliding sensation offered by the foil. If you wish to invest in a carbon foil , invest in a very good quality carbon mast . It will certainly cost a little more, but it will save you from having to buy another one or two years later. We recommend you check out our Sroka Elite Carbon range , which offers a 100% high-modulus M40J foil with a slim (14mm thick with a 10.9cm chord) and high-performance mast. If absolute performance isn't your priority , take a look at the SOLO carbon foil with a 16mm thick mast. It will offer you lightness and rigidity at a more reasonable price. Finally, we will be showcasing our range of high-performance aluminum foils with the simplicity of an aluminum foil.
Feel free to contact us for more information on Carbon Foils.