I have the 950 SK8 (pronounced "skate" btw) on the stock setup. Am 75kg and beginner winger but advanced kitefoiler. Have had quite a few kite foils on it with my pocketboard and it is an awesome foil. It is pretty quick and turns/carves so nicely, it just kind of locks in if you do it right and almost accelerates in the turn holding the carve, kinda like a fighter jet banking hard while engaging afterburners lol. At the same time it is still super loose, so you can "unlock" it out of it course instantly to change direction again, it rolls so nicely. Hard to explain the "locked in carve" and still being so playful, but basically it is quick, maneuverable, stable, and super playful all at once, all while letting you be in full control at all times. Breaching wingtips also no issue, it stabilizes instantly. Last week finally got a decent session in on the wing - it absolutely shines there, same maneuverability and endless glide, I had so much time in my gybes to focus on the wing/switching hands, was great. Once locked in on course there again it accelerates and screams upwind. Even while riding toeside I was bypassing others and getting better upwind angles, as a complete wing-beginner. This was on the Strike V3 5m in around 19-22 knots on an 85L board. Can't wait to get good enough at winging to take it out in some rolling swell, I'm sure it will be amazing there. Looking forward to your further reviews and comparisons of the other sizes - once I get good enough on the wing I might get a 750 to complement my set up for windier days with bigger waves.

@charlesosterlund7303

11 ай бұрын

Exactly- like the analogy of the fighter jet… I also say S-K-8 because some who have English as a second language will not understand it translates to “skate”. Keep ripping-

Even the 750 is a blast !! Fast and a lot of lift ❤ surprisingly

@charlesosterlund7303

11 ай бұрын

Will be getting 950/1050 next.... Lets see if we get around to getting smaller sizes on island... I am curious as the 850 really surprised me overall as in my mind I was thinking 940 though this feels more stable and better lift than a "larger foil"....

Great vid Charles! Im demoing the 950 & mixing the tails up. Next is XXS & C195 then monobloc 180. Tried XS/195 & XXS-D/W210. XXS felt better with crazy gilde on the 210. Proned & Wing. Very effecient foil, so smooth & carvy.I'm waiting to test the 850, @ 68 - 70kg. Come from the 1080. Please let me know your thoughts on 950 after you test it🤙Would like your perspective between the 2 & what is lost & gained.. Cheers

@charlesosterlund7303

11 ай бұрын

Will do! It seems like we are a month out from getting ours here... Still need to do 850 prone test (might be able to do this in next 2 weeks as we have some swells coming in...) Yanik would have been a good tester as well for the 850 prone as he used the 940... I was always using the 1200 seven seas for prone and enjoying that.. Super easy take off, good pump ability and can handle mush to formal waves... 850 should be great in good waves but mush will be interesting.... In terms of mono blocs been riding stock though I know it will definetly have an impact on performance which is why for riders who want to fine tune to a certain purpose should consider what tail they use without a doubt... Even though the standard is a pretty good ride overall- tuning your tail will upgrade and tailor the ride to you!

I have the SK8 850, it's a killer 😋 fast, stable and so radical in the turns. The only downside for me, 63 years old 🧐 is the take off, very cardio depending on the conditions, but that's the price to pay to enjoy yourself afterwards. hurry to try the SK8 950 to see the difference.Thanks for the video 🤘

@lbcabarete

11 ай бұрын

I am waiting on it to be available and arrive. We have 3-5 weeks delay to get gear on island! Anyways, soon enough....

Thanks Charles, I've been riding just today using 1050cm2 in 7-15 wind (11kts average) 60l board and 5.5 V2 (my weight is 70kg) and hold on pretty well even in jumps. Looking forward your light wind reviews to see how low you will be able to go 😄🤙 P.S: Thank you for the gear advice choices in the previous videos

@charlesosterlund7303

11 ай бұрын

!!! Super to know the range you are pushing. For us we have yet to have super light winds so have not tested in sub-optimal 8-12 knots wind though soon. In a month will get the 950/1050 as well so will be able to test a good part of the range. Overall though the SK8 range seems to be an amazing foil range to go with overall. Wouldn't recommend gear without first putting myself in others shoes and also not testing myself fully! Stay tuned to see me struggle with the light wind testing :D

@youdigsurf

11 ай бұрын

@@charlesosterlund7303 very interested about the 950 1050 comparaison and prone foiling

@bohdanafanasyev3642

11 ай бұрын

@@charlesosterlund7303 Epic looking forward for your feedback!

@lbcabarete

11 ай бұрын

@@youdigsurf once we get it we will test it!

@lbcabarete

11 ай бұрын

@@bohdanafanasyev3642 soon soon! (3-5 weeks)

I've been reading all the discussions about the foils- pro and cons, but was not able to figure out which foil to pick up. So: I started riding this year (decent strapless kitesurfer, kite foil, windsurf/windsurf foil, 67 kg, biggest wing strike V2 5.5), started with a Phantom 1280 and I can ride with it in winds > 12 knots. My wife took over the 1280 so I'm now looking for a new foil. Of course something faster and "glidier". My home spot is Lake Garda, so no waves. Trying to decide between the SK8 1050 and eagle 1090 (or even 1290?) as a biggest foil. Of what I've read, the seven seas seem to be in between (phantom and eagle/sk8), but I'd rather skip that step. I only ride strapless and my level is jibes and tacks. Maybe I have to mention I tried the sk8 midseason when I was learning the tacks and I was shocked how difficult it felt compared to the phantom 1280. Might have been the wrong pumping technique etc., but rather high stalling speed and I really needed 14-15 knots to get on that foil.

@charlesosterlund7303

5 ай бұрын

Hello! Great details and I’ll try to give some idea. The eagle is really only if you want to pump downwind. The sk8 is more all around and the 1050 is its largest size for now though an even larger wing coming out. I am roughly your size and can ride my 850 in winds down till 12 knots though the 950 is just a little easier to get going in comparable conditions. Once on foil though I can feel the difference is maneuvering and prefer smaller. I would say if your level improved the 950/1050 could work also depending on what you pair it with. Also important to know where you put foil. If to far back it will be tough as well as to far forward you must find your sweat spot! I ride 3.5-4 range on fone track system. I believe the sk8 is more all around and could be your last foil as no upgrades really to it just size changes. Hope this helps. Phantom is a good option as well though sk8 is my go to now!

@kountchev1

5 ай бұрын

@@charlesosterlund7303thank you so much, this really helps!!!!!

Thanks Charles, I just bought a months ago two sizes of sevenseas (upgrade from phantom), so what I supposed to do now? It's really annoying to be sold a product and then another better one is released 😤

@charlesosterlund7303

11 ай бұрын

Depending on your level and the spot / purpose the seven seas might be a better option let’s say the 1400 for lighter wind days and the 1000 for stronger that’s (super combo)… I don’t know if the 1050 compares to a 1200 or a 1400 sevenseas. What I would do is use the sevenseas until you decide you want a change. I still have my 1200 sevenseas and will keep until the day I pass it on or just keep indefinetly. The situation you are in happens all the time when things are changing and evolving…. Just like with iPhones and Macs… I buy the latest one and then use it for 3-5 years and then get the latest again… they are still great machines wether a “newer upgraded” model comes out…. Year after year. Curious to see what’s the “v2” of the sk8….

@Olegisrael1234

11 ай бұрын

You are indeed right, I have exactly the combo you mentioned 1400+1000 sevenseas, I'm just very competitive and the example with the iphone is less good because I've also use iphone for several years because there really isn't a significant technological leap, and here with the wing we're at a very advanced stage, it's like with kites in 2000 every month new system, it's just annoying that's all and full of money that is hidden from the family, now they get less vacations, instead only low cost camping haha

@lbcabarete

11 ай бұрын

@@Olegisrael1234 hahah about the family! Get them winging as well maybe a solution! You will be good on the seven seas 1000 though in future if you manage to sell them you can change to SK8....

What is your opinion about HM CARBON MAST 14 vs CARBON MAST 16? Do you think HM CARBON MAST 14 gives you noticeable more speed, and is it equally stiff as CARBON MAST 16...thanks

@charlesosterlund7303

6 ай бұрын

14mm 80 and 16mm 80… definitely a difference. 14 is faster and more efficient. If you have the option of going carbon and care about performance put down the extra 30% and get the best. Both feel rigid though you could say overall the 14mm is sharper and more responsive…. Slight though it’s there. The HM Carbon and thinner profile both complement the performance superiority. If you are just tacking and don’t care performance the 16 will be just fine. If your riding waves and freestyle go 14mm.

@danielnovakov6615

6 ай бұрын

Thanks a lot for the comprehensive answer...solved my dilemma!!!@@charlesosterlund7303

So , with a 5.5 wing i may only need 13kts for the sk8 950 to het going and 18kts for the phantom s 940 (a lot). Did i get it? I speak spanish, so thats the reason why i am asking, thanks for posting the video!

@lbcabarete

3 ай бұрын

Saludos Matias, ahora despues de montar el foil SK8 por un bien tiempo realizo algunas cosas. La 850 funciona bien para mi con mi tabla de 44L en vientes 12 knots+ solo debia ajusta la posición del foil. Solo en viento de 20-30 nudos pienso que tener un 650 o 750 seria interesante.

@matiasbessi3386

3 ай бұрын

Gracias!

@charlesosterlund7303

3 ай бұрын

@@matiasbessi3386 es un foil excelente- recomendado

Great video! Thanks!! Sk8 850 has more lift than Phantom S940? Even for80kg??? Wish I had more glide in my 940. shall I upgrade to sk8 850 or 950? Does the sk8 1050 works as lughtwind option?

@charlesosterlund7303

9 ай бұрын

I have found the 850 to be more efficient than the 940s. The 950 I just received though have not tested and will. Also soon will have the 1050… If you tried the 940s and want more lift and efficiency go 950 most likely as mentioned the 850 and 940s were close though they were close not far far different but the 950 for sure is more lifty than both.

@charlesosterlund7303

9 ай бұрын

Videos to come soon after testing.

@jensomatdreitausend9610

4 ай бұрын

hi charles, thanks a lot for your answer. Some time went by - Do you have new insights about the bigger sk8s now? I can absolutely follow your points. I (83kg) was able to ride a Lift 120 (750qcm) down to 16kts; but getting up again was nearly impossible for me. So 850 or 950 is still the question for me. If you had to choose only two foils from the f-one range (btw: nice idea for a vid ;-) and you wanteted to go out at 8kts plus which ones would you pick - sk850/950 + eagle 1090 /1290 or a SevenSeas as a add-on??? Please let me know.

What about mast position using the sk8??

@charlesosterlund7303

7 ай бұрын

Every board brand will vary though on Fone I have found 3.5? To be a sweet spot for maneuverability, lift and pump-ability.

@rommelporcino

7 ай бұрын

@@charlesosterlund7303I also use a f-one board and that position (3.5) is spot on (840xxxs195) I’ll try today a sk8 650…

The 500 and 600 are monoblock 🎉

@charlesosterlund7303

11 ай бұрын

The entire range has mono block stabilizers though not the entire foil is one piece (from what I know) in future it might be this way though... Let's see "The SK8 comes in six sizes, ranging from 550cm² to 1050cm². The 550, 650 and 750cm² are recommended with the Monobloc Tail XXXS Carving 160. The 850cm² will be at its best when paired with the Monobloc Tail XXXS Carving 180, and the 950cm² and 1050cm² with the Monobloc Tail XXS Carving 200."

Debating if to go for 950 or 850. Intermediate 80kg coming from seven seas 1200. Mainly riding in 20-30mph.

@charlesosterlund7303

7 ай бұрын

I am 170LBs roughly riding 33-44 board in conditions of 10-12 knots up to… 18-24 knots. So far… after treating 850 vs 950 the 850 is truly a beast. If you could ride the 850 I’d consider that one just fast and agile compared to 950. 950 is great don’t get me wrong though I like the speed and drive from the 850 and I believe if we had stronger conditions even the 750…

@raniboy7

7 ай бұрын

@@charlesosterlund7303 thanks ! I ride an 85ltr board so sounds like 850 would work

@raniboy7

7 ай бұрын

Is it much harder to get on foil with 850 versus 950

@charlesosterlund7303

7 ай бұрын

@@raniboy7 I would say very slightly. If you ride in a place with decent winds you won’t feel it but yes you need to ride it slightly faster than the 950. Either way both are great but for true performance I feel 850 and below are the ones. 950/1050 for larger riders and almost more of an intermediate version.

@charlesosterlund7303

7 ай бұрын

@@raniboy7 just seeing this…. Yes this also helps with getting foiling. Small foil and small board needs more technique. Larger volume helps ride smaller foils in a way… still maybe need to generate some speed and pump with feet to pop up foil.