Product sheet updated May 2026
The Armstrong Performance-X Carbon Mast 12 mm is a high-performance foil mast for advanced riders who demand pure glide and speed. It has ultra-high modulus (UHM) carbon construction, an ultra-thin 12 mm profile, and an integrated 0.5° angle. It is compatible with the Armstrong A+ system. It comes with a 0.5° mast shim, a protective bag, and a complete titanium/316L stainless steel screw set.
KEY INFORMATION
ARMSTRONG PERFORMANCE-X CARBON MAST 12 mm
What we like
- Ultra-thin 12 mm profile: its reduced thickness minimizes drag. This unleashes high-speed glide.
- UHM Carbon: high-modulus fibers deliver maximum stiffness at the lowest weight.
- Integrated 0.5° angle: pre-calculated geometry. It comes with a 0.5° mast shim for trim adjustment.
- Premium hardware: 316L stainless steel screws with Rainbow Titanium coating. It also has a titanium barrel nut.
- Armstrong A+ compatible: assembles without an adapter across the entire A+ range.
Available sizes
4 sizes:
72.5 • 79.5 • 86.5 • 93.5 cm
Use
Foil performance • Pure glide • Speed
Level
Advanced to expert riders
Included / Not included
✓ Included: 0.5° mast shim, protective bag, complete titanium/316L stainless steel screw set, Torx T30 key.
✗ Not included: Front Wing, fuselage, stabilizer, board.
Test and review
New Armstrong mast range 2026: test & review (Hydro Gav review)
Armstrong 2026 MK2 Carbon, MK2 Performance, and Performance-X masts tested by Hydro Gav: which one for your riding style?
Updated 20/07/2026 Read the full reviewCOMPARISON: PERFORMANCE-X VS A+ CARBON MAST
| Criterion | Armstrong Performance-X | Armstrong A+ Carbon Mast |
|---|---|---|
| Profile (thickness) | 12 mm, ultra-thin | Standard |
| Construction | UHM (Ultra-High Modulus) carbon. | Intermediate + high modulus carbon. |
| Mast angle | 0.5° integrated (shim included). | Standard geometry |
| Use | Specialist: speed, pure glide. | Allround for all disciplines. |
| Target Audience | Advanced to expert riders | All levels |
| Sizes | 72.5 / 79.5 / 86.5 / 93.5 cm | 45 / 60 / 72 / 85 / 100 cm |
Verdict: The Performance-X is the ultimate choice for riders who demand the absolute maximum from their A+ foil. This is thanks to its ultra-thin profile, UHM carbon construction, and pre-set geometry. For allround versatility and getting started, the A+ Mast remains our top recommendation.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
UHM Carbon and an ultra-thin 12 mm profile
The Performance-X is built from ultra-high modulus (UHM) carbon, a fiber category that offers the best stiffness-to-weight ratio on the market. This construction allows Armstrong to reduce the profile thickness to just 12 mm. It maintains the necessary stiffness to keep control at high speeds. In practical terms: less drag means more speed for the same wing power. It also means a freer feel in maneuvers. This mast is for riders who already have mastery and want to extract the finest sensations from their foil.
Integrated 0.5° geometry and A+ compatibility
The Performance-X directly integrates a 0.5° mast angle. It comes with a 0.5° mast shim for adjustment. This pre-calculated geometry optimizes the hydrodynamic efficiency of the foil without needing additional shims. The chord remains at 106 mm, identical to other Armstrong performance masts. This ensures geometric compatibility with A+ Front Wings and fuselages. The mast assembles without an adapter on all wings, fuselages, and boards in the current A+ Armstrong range.
Hardware and accessories included
The screw set matches the mast's high-performance program. It includes 3 M6 28.5 mm screws and 5 M7 26 mm screws. All are crafted from 316L stainless steel with a Rainbow Titanium coating. It also includes 5 M7 T-nuts, 1 titanium 8 mm barrel nut, and a Torx T30 key. This comprehensive set provides maximum corrosion resistance in saltwater environments. It ensures the longevity you expect from Armstrong standards. The mast is delivered with a padded protective bag for secure transport and storage. It also comes with the 0.5° mast shim for trim adjustment. Everything is included in the pack, ready for assembly.
Which size is right for your riding style?
Four lengths are available. The 72.5 cm mast offers the standard speed/handling compromise. This makes it suitable for most conditions. The 79.5 cm mast provides more clearance in chop. It handles bumps with greater ease. The 86.5 cm and 93.5 cm masts are best reserved for larger water conditions, downwind runs, or long-distance pumping. In these conditions, increased flight height becomes a significant advantage. Weight naturally increases with length: 1,650 g for the 72.5 cm versus 2,100 g for the 93.5 cm. For maximum responsiveness, choose the shortest mast length that suits your riding program.
VIDEOS
TESTS AND REVIEWS
ARMSTRONG PERFORMANCE-X
The Performance-X is Armstrong's flagship: ultra-thin carbon (approximately 11.8 mm). It is for efficiency, glide, downwind, and parawing. Hydro Gav considers it the benchmark when glide and efficiency are paramount. He compares it to the Carbon MK2 and Performance MK2 in his full range review.
Hydro Gav
YouTube Foil Tester
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
| Size | Length | Weight | Profile | Chord |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 72.5 cm | 725 mm | 1 650 g | 12 mm | 106 mm |
| 79.5 cm | 795 mm | 1 915 g | 12 mm | 106 mm |
| 86.5 cm | 865 mm | 2 045 g | 12 mm | 106 mm |
| 93.5 cm | 935 mm | 2 100 g | 12 mm | 106 mm |
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Armstrong Foils |
| Model | Performance-X Carbon Mast 12 mm |
| Type | Performance carbon foil mast |
| System | A+ Armstrong |
| Sizes | 72.5 / 79.5 / 86.5 / 93.5 cm |
| Profile (thickness) | 12 mm |
| Chord | 106 mm |
| Mast angle | 0.5° |
| Construction | UHM (Ultra-High Modulus) carbon. |
| Screw set | 316L stainless steel with Rainbow Titanium coating + titanium barrel nut |
| Included | 0.5° mast shim, protective bag, complete screw set, Torx T30 key |
| Level | Advanced to expert |
FAQ - ARMSTRONG PERFORMANCE-X CARBON MAST
The A+ Carbon Mast is an allround performer. It is for all foil disciplines with a balanced blend of stiffness, robustness, and comfort. In contrast, the Performance-X is a more specialized mast. It features an ultra-thin 12 mm profile, UHM carbon construction, and integrated 0.5° geometry. It is for advanced riders who prioritize pure speed and glide. While it offers faster speeds and a freer feel in maneuvers, it does require a more precise reading of the water.
Yes, if your foil uses the Armstrong A+ system. The Performance-X shares the same 106 mm chord as other Armstrong masts. It uses the standard A+ connection. It assembles without an adapter on all Front Wings, fuselages, and boards in the current A+ range. Simply verify that your setup is indeed A+ (and not the older V1 system).
The 72.5 cm mast offers the standard speed/handling compromise. The 79.5 cm mast provides more clearance in chop. The 86.5 cm and 93.5 cm masts are reserved for more demanding conditions, such as downwind runs or long-distance pumping. In these conditions, increased flight height becomes a significant asset. For maximum responsiveness, prioritize the shortest length that is compatible with your riding program.
The 0.5° mast shim is a wedge. It fits between the mast and the board, allowing you to finely adjust the foil's pitch. Armstrong provides the shim that corresponds to the nominal geometry of the Performance-X. This enables you to restore the pitch for which the mast was calculated or to slightly adjust the pitch based on the board you're using.
Marine-grade 316L stainless steel and the Rainbow Titanium coating represent the most corrosion-resistant materials available for saltwater environments. Armstrong utilizes these materials to maximize the mast's lifespan, particularly at the attachment points. These are subjected to repeated mechanical and chemical stresses. Despite this, always remember to rinse your mast with fresh water after each session.
GlissEvolution brings over 20 years of expertise in watersports. Our passionate advisors rigorously test all equipment on the legendary spots of La Baule and Pornichet. You'll benefit from responsive after-sales support based in France, a 2-year warranty, and free shipping on orders over €150.
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