Test & Review
Wingfoil
Sabfoil W799 - W1000 - W800 Wingfoil foils test
Published June 29, 2022 · by The GlissEvolution Team
Kevin, GlissEvolution team rider, puts the Sabfoil / Moses W799 (1100cm²) - W1000 (987cm²) - W800 (840cm²) foils through their paces for wingfoil:
It's clean, it's beautiful, high-end gear for pure glide.
The range is very wide and can satisfy all types of riders, from beginner to advanced.
I've been riding Sabfoil since November 2021. I'm an advanced rider, 65kg body size.
Current board: Sky wing 4.8, 60L
Current wing: ENSIS Spin 3.1 - 4.1 - 5.1
Sabfoil foils upon unboxing:
At first glance, what stands out are the finishes, which are impeccable. The glossy varnish highlights the elements. There isn't a single flaw; it's truly beautiful equipment.
The Balz Muller M92-W799-S399-F700HS pack (complete foil - 1100cm² front wing) is sold without protective bags. For high-end gear, this is a bit disappointing. Remember to order bags with it, or have something to protect the gear.
I find the mast a bit heavy, but you need a minimum of material for stiffness. It weighs about the same as my old SelectProfoil High Modulus. I've had the second-hand to test the F-One carbon mast in 85 and Takuma in 75 (lighter, but much more flexible).
"I like stiffness, and Sabfoil delivers."
Using my kitchen scale:
- M92 mast = 2350g, M72 mast = 1700g
- 700HS fuselage = 900g, FK647 fuselage = 645g
- W799 (1100cm²) = 960g, W1000 (987cm²) = 1010g, W800 (840cm²) = 685g
- Link to all technical data for my front wings
W799 - W1000 - W800:
- Link to all technical data for my S370 and S399 stabilizers
- Link to a comparative table of the entire Sabfoil range.
Here's a quick calculation for those who want to know their Front Wing's aspect ratio:
Ratio = wingspan² in cm² / surface area in cm²
My take on the Balz Muller pack:
The Sabfoil W799 front wing (1100cm²) is designed for Freestyle. It's the ultimate do-it-all front wing, incredibly versatile, and performs exceptionally well in all conditions.
The "Swiss Army knife" front wing
I'd compare it to F-One's Phantom 1080cm² front wing. This W799 (1100cm²) shares the same DNA: accessibility and performance.
I love it. It lets me get going in light wind from 10-12 knots, and despite its low aspect ratio, it still offers great glide. I can push it above 20 knots in top speed.
The 799mm wingspan offers two key advantages:
You get super responsive handling, making it easy to carve and allowing you to play in the waves without any difficulty.
The handling lets you jump and try a ton of moves.
The Leading Edge profile has thickness in the middle, which gives it power for takeoff and support for pumping.The thickness then gradually reduces. This creates a more slippery profile once you're airborne.
In very small swells, a few strokes of pressure are enough to get going again and stay airborne. On flat water, with my body size, I can also pump with it. The only constraint for this riding style is that you need good cardio and strong thighs.
Despite a low aspect ratio of 79.9²/1100 = 5.8, the 799 has incredible glide.
I also tested it in over 30 knots, and despite my small build, I had no trouble holding it. It has an enormous operating range.
For smaller riders, it can be the ultimate weapon as a single front wing.
The Sabfoil wing range now includes 699 (880cm²), 799 (1100cm²), 899 (1383cm²), and 990 (1747cm²).
This new 2022 "x99-inch range is certainly the most allroundThe brand offers a wide range. This allows every rider to find a front wing suited to their skill level and body size.
Test of the Moses / Sabfoil 92cm mast:
If you like stiffness, this mast is perfect. It doesn't ventilate, regardless of your point of sail. On upwind tacks, the mast's handling is impeccable; it doesn't stall at all. While riding, I feel no twisting sensation, unlike other carbon masts I've tested. It has a great ability to go upwind.
The 92cm mast is perfect for handling chop and swell. You can gain height without the risk of stalling and coming out of the water.
The mast doesn't ventilate at all; it edges without flinching, and for aggressive upwind riding, there's no problem. It doesn't move.
I feel no twisting sensation between the mast and fuselage connection, which allows for direct contact without any looseness. Stiffness is key here, for direct pressure transfer.
There is a direct transfer of pressure between your feet and the foils. The response is therefore immediate in transitions, maneuvers, and edging.
The 92cm Sabfoil mast's weight is a bit of a hindrance for my body size when jumping and in freestyle. The new M83K mast would be more suitable. However, in freeride and race modes, the weight is not an issue, as the glide is excellent.
Here's my recommendation for wing foil mast size selection:
Of course, you need to choose and make a compromise to find the mast best suited to your riding style and your spot.
For race: a 93 to 103 mast
For freeride - downwind: an 83 to 93 mast
For surf foil: a 63 to 73 mast, especially depending on the spot (water depth)
For freestyle: a 73 to 83 mast
The most allround mast from Sabfoil for wingfoil will be the M83K.
Plate placement:
Regarding foil placement relative to the US rails, I think you need a board with very forward rails.
In W799+F700HS configuration, full forward with the Sky wing 4.8
In W1000 W800+FK647 configuration = 1cm back compared to the W799
This ensures balance and prevents you from having too much pressure on your back foot.
My thoughts on the Sabfoil W1000 and W800 wings:
Be warned, with the W1000 and W800, High Aspect Ratio front wings, you are entering another dimension of riding.
These are primarily windsurf slalom wings, but they work perfectly for wingfoil, downwind, freeride, and surf.
The W1000 is built for Race, freeride, and slalom.
I can take off in as little as 10-12 knots, almost like the W799. I find I need to generate a bit more speed by pumping the wing to get going. Once you're flying, the glide is absolutely insane.
The Sabfoil W1110 wing foil wing, the W1000's little sister, just dropped. This wing is a deadly weapon in light wind, especially below 10 knots. While the W1000 and W799 have some overlap in their wind range, they're designed for different riding styles.
The W799 is for Freeride Freestyle, the W1000 for Freeride, Race. The wingspan of the W1000 (1m) makes it more challenging for moves and rotations. Above 90cm wingspan, freestyle is not easy.
The W1000 shines in strong upwind, downwind, race, freeride, and surf conditions. Its generous wingspan provides perfect lateral stability, making it incredibly enjoyable across all points of sail. Like the W800, its glide and speed are its standout features.
Even at low speeds, this W1000 keeps me flying, stalling much later than you'd expect.
"I absolutely love this type of high aspect profile."
The Sabfoil W800The wing is for freeride and surf. It is also for slalom.
I can get flying from 14-15 knots, sometimes even less. Once you're up, nothing stops it. Just like the W1000, it's easy to power through lulls because their HA profiles never slow down. They offer incredible glide. You'll need a bit more speed to take off, but once you're airborne, the glide sensation is fantastic.
When surfing, the speed of these wings ensures you're always in the perfect spot.
I experience zero lateral stability issues, thanks to their wingspan. The W1000 holds and supports me effortlessly at low speeds. As for the W800, it delivers superb lateral comfort.
I pair both of these wings with the 399 stab and the FK647 fuselage.
My take on the S370 and S399 stabilizers:
So far, I haven't experimented with stab shims; the foil's plug-and-play balance works perfectly for me.
The S370 is part of the surf range.
The S399 belongs to the race and freeride range. It offers a slightly better glide than the S370.
The S370 makes the foil feel looser and more playful for carving compared to the S399.
Check out the new 2022 KRAKEN Modular System:
Find all the details here: a unique removable mast system, compatible with both double US plate and Deep Tuttle plate.
These two links offer a wealth of incredibly insightful feedback for both Sabfoil enthusiasts and the curious. Dive in and read to your heart's content.
Sabfoil: Specifications, reviews, and rider feedback on Sabfoil gear
In summary:
Sabfoil delivers high-end gear with an impeccable finish. It's a shame that bags aren't included to protect your investment, so you'll need to order them separately.
The brand offers a truly comprehensive range, designed to meet every demand: for all conditions, all riding styles, all body sizes, and all skill levels.
This is beautiful gear that's both accessible and incredibly high-performing.
"I wholeheartedly recommend it."
Ride on, Kevin
Key Features
| Section | Key takeaway |
|---|---|
| Kevin, a GlissEvolution rider, puts the Sabfoil/Moses W799 (1100cm²), W1000 (987cm²), and W800 (840cm²) foils through their paces for wingfoil. | This is beautiful, clean, high-end gear built for pure glide. |
| Unboxing Sabfoil Foils | The outer packaging is understated, and the gear inside is very well protected. |
| Using my kitchen scale | - M92 mast = 2350g, M72 mast = 1700g - 700HS fuselage = 900g, FK647 fuselage = 645g - W799 (1100cm²) = 960g, W1000 (987cm²) = 1010g, W800 (840cm²) = 685g - Link to all data… |
| My Take on the Balz Muller Pack | The Sabfoil W799 (1100cm²) front wing is designed for Freestyle. This is your go-to, all-round front wing. It delivers performance in every condition. |
| The "Swiss Army Knife" Front Wing | I'd compare it to F-one's Phantom 1080cm² front wing; this W799 (1100cm²) shares the same DNA of accessibility and performance. |
| Testing the Moses/Sabfoil 92cm Mast | If you love stiffness, this mast is perfect. |
| My Guide to Choosing Wingfoil Mast Size | You'll need to choose and compromise to find the mast that best suits your riding style and your spot. |
| Plate Position | Regarding the foil's placement relative to the US box tracks. |
Consider this
Key considerations and limitations noted in this article:
- For freeride and race, weight isn't an issue because the glide is excellent.
- My experience with Sabfoil W1000 and W800 wings: Be aware that with the W1000 and W800, both high aspect ratio front wings, you enter a different dimension of glide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What You Need to Know About Sabfoil Foils When Unboxing
The outer packaging is understated, and the equipment inside is very well protected. At first glance, the impeccable finishes are striking.
With my kitchen scale: what to remember
- M92 mast = 2350g, M72 mast = 1700g - 700HS fuselage = 900g, FK647 fuselage = 645g - W799 (1100cm²) = 960g, W1000 (987cm²) = 1010g, W800 (840cm²) = 685g - Link to all technical data for my W799 - W1000 - W800 front wings: Sabfoil W799 W1000 W800 comparison site - Link to all technical data for my S370 and S399 stabilizers: Sabfoil S370 S399 comparison site - Link to a comparative table of the entire Sabfoil range.
My feeling about the Balz Muller pack: what to remember
The Sabfoil W799 (1100cm²) front wing is designed for freestyle. It's the do-it-all, most versatile front wing, performing well in all conditions.
What should you know about the "Swiss Army knife" front wing?
I'd compare it to F-one's Phantom 1080cm² front wing. This W799 (1100cm²) shares the same DNA of accessibility and performance. I love it; it lets me get going in light wind from 10-12 knots, and despite its relatively low aspect ratio, it still offers excellent glide.
Moses / Sabfoil 92cm mast test: what you need to know
If you appreciate stiffness, this mast is perfect. It doesn't ventilate, regardless of speed.
Here's my guideline for choosing mast size in wingfoil: what to remember
You'll need to choose and compromise to find the mast that best suits your riding style and spot. For race: a mast of 93 to 103. For freeride - downwind: a mast of 83 to 93. For Surf foil: a mast of 63 to 73, especially depending on the spot (water depth). For freestyle: a mast of 73 to 83. The most allround mast from Sabfoil for wingfoil will be the M83K.
Got a question about the gear mentioned here?
The GlissEvolution team rides what they sell. They are available to answer your questions in person at the Pornichet store or by phone.
