Armstrong Midlength MKII 2026: Test and Review of this foil board
When a brand drops the second generation of an already successful product, one question always comes to mind: did they truly improve it, or just change it for the sake of it? That's the core question Hydro Gav tackled in his review of the Armstrong Midlength MKII 2026. He rode it back-to-back against some seriously good boards, and his verdict came in fast: this is no mere update. We'll break down what makes it so good, without twisting his words. The Midlength and other boards are in the Wing foil boards section of the shop.
Huge thanks to Hydro Gav for this independent and detailed test; he has no affiliation with Armstrong. You can find his full video embedded below. Watch it all and subscribe to his channel to support his work.
The Armstrong Midlength MKII 2026 is a versatile foil board built with X-Form technology. It's perfect for wingfoil, prone, foil assist, and SUP foil. It comes in 9 sizes, from 38 to 130 L, and ranges from €2,249 to €2,649 including VAT.
Hydro Gav tested a completely redesigned board, with updates to its shape, construction, weight, and volumes. The 85L model weighs in at 4.52 kg. This makes it the lightest production board he's ever used, all without sacrificing stiffness. He highlighted an exceptional connection to the foil, incredibly easy take-offs in light wind (making it ideal for parawing), and a very forgiving hull shape for touchdowns. His main reservation: it's a premium product, and it's not designed as a radical freestyle board or a sinker for big jumps.
Who is the Midlength MKII for?
According to Hydro Gav's test, the Midlength MKII is for wingfoilers who want a board that takes off effortlessly in light wind. It also gives you the option to downsize your wing or foil in stronger, established wind. The tester also rated it as one of the best production parawing boards available. It's a true joy for playing in the waves once you're flying. Finally, it supports prone and foil assist, and it's compatible with Foil Drive.
This board is less suited for riders seeking the smallest, most radical freestyle or jump board, pure sinker enthusiasts, or those on a tight budget, as it's positioned as a premium product. To complete your setup, check out our selection of wingfoil foils and wing foil boards.
Which Midlength MKII size should I choose?
The Midlength MKII is available in nine volumes, from 38 to 130 L, with prices ranging from €2,249 to €2,649. Hydro Gav measured the 85L (€2,499) at 4.52 kg. He prefers the 65L and smaller volumes for performance and wave wingfoil.
| Size | Price |
|---|---|
| 38 L (4'8") | €2,249 |
| 45 L (5'0") | €2,299 |
| 55 L (5'4") | €2,349 |
| 65 L (5'8") | €2,399 |
| 75 L (6'0") | €2,449 |
| 85 L (6'4-inch, measured) | €2,499 |
| 100 L (6'8") | €2,549 |
| 115 L (6'11") | €2,599 |
| 130 L (7'2") | €2,649 |
Not sure about your size? Contact usto dial it in for your body size and riding style, which also depends on your foil.
Midlength MKII Technical Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | Armstrong |
| Model | Midlength MKII 2026 (Midlength FG MK2) |
| Construction | New X-Form technology |
| Use | Wingfoil, prone, foil assist, SUP foil (Foil Drive compatible) |
| Sizes | 38, 45, 55, 65, 75, 85, 100, 115, 130 L (9 volumes) |
| Weight (85L measured) | 4.52 kg |
| 85L Dimensions | 6'4-inch x 21⅜" x 4½" |
| Hull shape | Hybrid (between displacement and planing), efficiency-oriented |
| Footstrap inserts | Adjustable Y-layout |
| Included | Board bag, Dyneema leash retention |
| Price incl. tax | From €2,249 to €2,649 (85L at €2,499) |
Our Detailed Review of the Midlength MKII
This field feedback comes from Hydro Gav, who conducted an independent test with no affiliation to Armstrong. The MKII completes the brand's trio of new products this season, following the new mast range and the new wing.
Independent test: Hydro Gav
A shape designed for parawing and wingfoiling.
If you asked Hydro Gav for his ideal parawing midlength dimensions, you'd get something very close to this MKII. The 85L measures 6'4-inch long, 21⅜" wide, and just 4½" thick. It has enough length for take-off in marginal conditions without feeling long when you're riding. The volume is pushed forward, it has a well-pinched tail, and its width ensures stability. For him, it's the perfect shape for parawing, and this balance holds true across the entire range; the 65L is one of his favorite boards. An excellent parawing board almost always makes an excellent wing foil board. The MKII is lively, controllable, and fast. It's become his go-to for wave winging.
Exceptional foil connection.
Even with its significant buoyancy, the board never feels oversized on the water, even in larger volumes. Many production midlengths can feel heavy and disconnected from the foil. The first thing you'll notice is the thinness in the foot placement area. Every millimeter less in thickness brings you closer to the foil. Whether you're pumping for take-off, carving turns, or reacting to the foil, the feedback is immediate, precise, and incredibly connected.
Record-breaking weight changes everything.
The weight is what impressed him most: the 85L weighs 4.52 kg. It's the lightest production board he's personally used, lighter than many boards with less volume, and even some customs. But the number isn't what matters; it's the result. There's no sense of fragility or lack of stiffness. Every pumping stroke translates directly into forward motion. Despite its length, the lightness minimizes swing weight.
A hull shape between two worlds.
This is where Armstrong got clever. The MKII sits between a displacement hull shape, which is efficient at low speeds and forgiving but unstable when stopped, and a planing hull shape, which is stable and fast but trickier. It leans slightly towards efficiency without ever becoming twitchy. Its full benefit shines during touchdowns. A slight nose contact or a rail catching, and the board absorbs the error instead of unbalancing you. This is one of the tester's favorite features: we all make mistakes, and this one is forgiving.
Incredibly easy take-offs.
The combination of a longer outline, an efficient hull shape, and well-thought-out volume distribution makes underpowered take-offs ridiculously easy. This is invaluable in parawing, where you don't always have the luxury of generating power at will. You push off the nose, get the board flying, and use a technique similar to downwind SUP. It's efficient and predictable, which makes it formidable. Hydro Gav never wanted more.
The details that make the difference
This is an area where Armstrong outperforms almost everyone. The included board bag remains one of the best on the market; most damage happens out of the water. The Dyneema leash retention prevents getting stuck at the opening. The inserts layout is an adjustable Y, functional and minimalist. The deck grip is high quality with positioning markers, and the new screws direction markers under the board speed up foil assembly. The board is fully optimized for Foil Drive.
Midlength MKII vs. Midlength FG (V1).
| Against… | What the test says |
|---|---|
| Midlength FG (V1). | The MKII isn't just a facelift. It's lighter, more connected to the foil, more efficient, and more forgiving on touchdowns than the original, which was already very successful. |
| Current top models for parawing and wave wingfoiling. | It measures up to the best, including the Axis Mini Dart, the latest KT, and Omen. The final choice really comes down to personal preference. |
Our take on the Midlength MKII.
The Armstrong Midlength MKII 2026 is far more than a cosmetic refresh. The shape, construction, weight, and volume distribution have all been refined, resulting in a board that's lighter, more connected, and more forgiving than its predecessor. Hydro Gav actively tried to find its flaws but came up empty-handed, ultimately placing it in the same exclusive category as the Ozone Pocket Rocket V2. Whether you're into parawing or wave wingfoil, this board stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the best on the market, and he believes it absolutely lives up to the hype it's sure to generate.
FAQ: Armstrong Midlength MKII.
What is the Armstrong Midlength MKII 2026?
It's a second-generation versatile foil board, completely redesigned with X-Form construction. It covers wingfoil, prone, foil assist, and SUP foil (Foil Drive compatible), in 9 sizes from 38L to 130L, and excels in parawing.
How much does the Midlength MKII 85L weigh?
The 85L measured by Hydro Gav weighs 4.52 kg. This makes it the lightest production board he has tested, ahead of several lower-volume models.
Is the Midlength MKII good for parawing?
Yes, it's even one of the best production boards for this discipline according to the tester. Its shape, forgiving hull shape, and easy light wind take-offs are perfectly suited for parawing.
Which Midlength MKII size should I choose?
The range goes from 38L to 130L. The 85L is suitable for versatility and light wind, while the 65L and smaller volumes are popular for performance and wave wingfoil. Our team can help you choose based on your weight and riding style.
What is the price of the Armstrong Midlength MKII 2026?
It is offered from €2,249 incl. VAT for the 38L to €2,649 incl. VAT for the 130L, with the 85L at €2,499 incl. VAT.
Is the MKII suitable for freestyle and jumps?
That is not its purpose. Riders who want the smallest and most radical board possible for freestyle or jumps will opt for a dedicated sinker.
Let us help you choose
Our team practices wingfoil and parawing all year round. We'll advise you on size, volume, and program, remotely or at our Pornichet store, to find the wing foil board that suits you.
Make an appointment Call us See the boards
Source: independent review of the Armstrong Midlength MKII 2026 by Hydro Gav (YouTube video "Armstrong Midlength MKII Review"). This article is a summary in French, published with our thanks; the opinions expressed are his own, transcribed without distortion.
