Armstrong Foils MA MK II Mid-Aspect Front Foil Wing 8 Sizes, 490cm - 1390cm

Armstrong Foils MA MK II Mid-Aspect Front Foil Wing 8 Sizes, 490cm - 1390cm

It’s been described like riding the freshest Japanese powder on a bluebird day, or a hot knife through butter – a foiling experience like no other. The evolution of the Mid Aspect front foil takes your flow to the next level by combining ultra forgiving pitch stability, an incredibly broad speed range, and seamless rail to rail carving. Whether it’s winging or surfing, the MA Mk II is the dream carving machine.

Please note:
MA Mk II 490-1190 will be shipping on June 13th
MA Mk II 1390 will be shipping on June 30th

Who Is the MA MkII For?

The MA MkII is ideal for:

• Intermediate to Advanced Riders: Looking to progress in winging or surf foiling with a foil that offers stability and performance.
   

• Riders Transitioning from HA Foils: Seeking a more forgiving foil with improved tunability in high energy water without compromising on speed and glide.

• This is not your first foil unless you have a very good base level of action sports.
   

Versatile Foilers: Engaging in multiple disciplines such as prone, wing, and tow foiling, requiring a foil that adapts seamlessly.

Massive Speed Range. A newly evolved foil section gives you lower takeoff speeds (on par with HA foils) and top speeds rivaling the original MA – making it ideal for everything from prone to powered wing foilingMA-MkII.

Ultra Forgiving Yet Incredibly Precise. From your first carve to your boldest line, the MA MkII offers rock-solid pitch stability and seamless rail-to-rail control, boosting confidence in both powered and critical conditionsMA-MkII.

NICKS Overall Impression

I found the MA foils very impressive, with a well-balanced blend of glide, control, and ease of use. Compared to previous generations, they offer enhanced performance through increased glide and speed without sacrificing user-friendliness.
Until now, I’ve had to make sacrifices on windier days with short-period swells—deciding whether to ride an MA for maximum speed, pop in airs and rippability, or go for an HA for long smooth glides and connecting bumps.

My three-foil quiver at 85kg and my experience: MA590, 790, 990.
My two-foil quiver would be: MA690 & 890.

NOW THIS HAS BEEN SOLVED FOR ME.
My advice after several test sessions:

1. Lift and Takeoff

• They generate smooth lift without requiring aggressive pumping.

• They get going a lot easier than the current MA line and don’t lurch out of the water like the HA foils can at times.

• There is no aggressive lift to control—it puts you, as a rider, in complete control.

These qualities make them very good for surf foil, Foil Drive, tow boogie, wake/tow foil, and intermediate wingers who need control on takeoff.

2. Turning and Carving

• Very smooth in the roll axis—they roll naturally and feel intuitive.

• Particularly easy to transition between turns.

• Great for S-turns and carving, even at low speed.

• Tips can easily breach without affecting the foil.

3. Glide and Pump

• Glide is efficient—a standout feature versus previous-generation MA foils.

• They don’t have quite the same low-speed pump recovery as the HA foils, but it’s still super impressive.

• For me, in surf foil/SUP foil/tow foil, if I size up and use a slightly bigger tail like the new 170, it’s equivalent to sizing down in HA with the Dart 120 tail. I’m still dialing this in, but that’s my initial feedback.

While HA foils retain more energy between pumps, they can feel twitchy—the MA foils are easier to keep going during flat sections.

4. Stability and Control

• The MA foils feel “locked in” pitch-wise but loose to turn—like a performance surfboard in good waves.

• Very comfortable even at higher speeds. I towed the MA490—it’s quick but stable. It’s loose to turn, so advanced skills are needed; otherwise, size up.

• Less twitchy than the HA range in turbulent water or confused swell, making them easier to manage.

• “A hot knife through butter” is the phrase that comes to mind.

5. Comparison to HA Series

• MA series is easier to ride and more forgiving.

• HA series has more glide but is less responsive in turns.

• MA is a great in-between for riders who want performance with less technical demand.

For me, HA foils still have a place: in patchy wind, clean water, long glides on swells, and for all who aren’t riding shorebreak or high-energy zones.
The MA will be my new choice for winds above 18 knots, where the sea state is under 6 seconds period and over 70cm high.

6. Target User

These foils are ideal for:

• Intermediate riders looking to progress

• Advanced riders who want flowy, carvy riding

• Anyone who wants performance without the high technical demand of HA foils

7. What Size Should I Get?

WING

• Go up one size from your most-used HA.

  • Example: I ride the HA680 alot, so the MA790 as one option feels good and lets me ride into the 30-knot range.  To rip harder and boost higher then the MA690 would be right for me if I kept a HA780 or 880 for lighter winds.

• If you’re downsizing from an S1 1550 or V2 1550, something around the MA990 will be a good option.

• If you struggle to pump up to foil or pre-gybe, the MA1190 with a smaller tail is a solid recommendation to give speed an improve your carving.

• Avoid downsizing the front foil to compensate with a large stab foil—instead, go up two sizes in the front foil and drop down in stab size.

  • Example: If you run an HA680 with a 180 Speed and haven’t used a smaller tail or pre-tacked, consider MA890 with 130 tail.

• If you are coming off a MA foil like a MA1225 and you like this but want more glide go one size down EG MA1190.  If you have progressed past this, can comfortably gybe, can ride in 20 knots or more and getting into tacks drop two sizes. 

• If you find the old MA1000 to slow and lacks glide but can easily get it to foil then you should be fine on the new MA790.  But if the MA1000 is your only foil then I would suggest to only drop one size to a MA890 to have a better range in less wind.

SUP

• Same recommendations as for wing.   For me I've been using the MA1190 in tiny waves and loving it.  This should be very good for parawing as well in sizes 1190 and bigger.

FOIL DRIVE

• Don’t be shy to go two sizes up from the lowest size in HA you can currently use.

• Larger sizes still turn well—e.g., MA990 will turn as well or better than HA780, with far better pump at lower speeds.

• If you’re in chest-high or bigger waves, one size up may be sufficient.

• Adjust the tail size to suit your riding ability and stability.

SURF FOIL

• Same logic as Foil Drive.

WAKE

• MA990 is the magic size for an 80kg rider—can ride first wake and pump to second.

• Base your size up or down depending on your weight and desired style.

TOW

• For my 85kg weight:

  • MA590 for overhead surf.

  • MA690 if under head-high.

  • On a tow boogie or smaller surf and the aim is to connect waves: MA790, 890, 990 are ideal

  • I haven't towed any big surf yet on these but after towing behind and ski in flat water the MA490 is pretty small and does move very fast.  Wear an impact vest and helmet if towing big waves with this!

MA MkII vs. HA Foil Range

The MA MkII offers a more forgiving and versatile experience, making it suitable for a wider range of riders and conditions, whereas the HA range is tailored for advanced riders seeking maximum glide and efficiency.

CHORD LENGTH  (Talking about width from the leading edge to the trailing edge)

Rock solid stability.

FOIL SECTION  (Talking about shape when looking front on)

An amazing speed range.

NARROW SPAN  (Talking about tip to tip length)

Seamless roll feel.

CONSTRUCTION

Performance and durability.

Inclusions

Express Worldwide Shipping on Armstrong Foils:

Australia Free Express Shipping on Armstrong wings, wind wings and boards as part of a full kit or combo package. We are happy to change mast size, fuse size, rear wing on any kit.  Armstrong Boards can be shipped on a case by case basis please contact Nick for a quote. If you are wanting a custom kit or have any questions contact nick@undergroundsurf.co.nz or call Nick on +64212891660 for a tailored quote. 

Rest of World.  Exclusive to Armstrong product only.  Free shipping on all foils and wind wings minimum spend $750NZD.  You can ONLY have Armstrong products in your cart. Minimum Spend $750NZD for free shipping. Boards are NOT free shipping unless as part of a full foil combo. Single Boards can be shipped but only on a case-by-case basis. Allow 7-21 Days for shipping depending on where you live.  If you want a custom kit or have any questions, contact nick@undergroundsurf.co.nz or call Nick at +64212891660 for a tailored quote.

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Learn to foil: We'll take you from zero to HERO with our private foil lessons! Start on a massive 8'6" foil board being towed behind a jetski, as your skills develop we'll give you smaller boards to try. Two lessons are refundable with the purchase of any complete Armstrong foil combo (or one lesson refunded with the purchase of any wing & mast combo). Call or email nick@undergroundsurf.co.nz on +64212891660 to book your lesson today. We also have full demo range including A Wind Wings, Boards and Foils.