SPOTLIGHT 97
Smoothly does it
Zeeko alloy Windfoil
Info: http://zeeko-kites.com/gb/all-the-products/403-alloy-winfdoil-2018-3760253112314.html Price: €999
WORDS: WINDSURFING UK PICS: JAMES JAGGER
THERE’S NO DOUBT ABOUT IT: WINDFOILING IS AN EXCITING ASPECT
OF WINDSURFING AND ONE WE’VE BEEN KEEN TO COVER AT
LENGTH. AS WITH ALL AREAS OF THE SPORT PRODUCT DESIGN AND
EQUIPMENT TRENDS CHANGE AND EVOLVE SUPER FAST. ALSO, IT
SHOULD BE NOTED THAT FOILING IS BRINGING COMPANIES IN FROM
OTHER SPORTS, SUCH AS ZEEKO KITES.
Zeeko entered the windfoiling market in
2017 but it’s the tweaked 2018 model
we put under the spotlight here. Made
from anodised alloy – an alloy Zeeko
state is different from other aluminium
foils – it’s an easy on the eye product
straight out of the box. But aesthetics
aren’t only skin deep. The paint Zeeko
use is also extremely hydrodynamic
and shows attention to all details.
There are other interesting features as
well. Both the XLW freeride front wing
and rear stab are produced in G10
form, rather than carbon. The brand
have also come up with the nifty AVS
(anti ventilation skin) system – think
grooves carved into each wing to
disrupt air flow and prevent cavitation
or over foiling. A small underside fin is
also strategically placed to prevent tail
yaw and increase stability whilst
protecting the fuselage should it
connect with seabeds.
From the off Zeeko’s high aspect foil is
an easy to use bit of kit. Taking off
progressively newbie foilers will
appreciate its calm mannerisms.
Experienced riders can kick it high
quicker if they prefer. Perched atop the
90cm mast it flies along effortlessly. The
newly position mast>fuselage works a
treat with being applicable to older style
boards as well as new foil ready/foil
specific sleds.
One particularly nice trait is being able to
change the ride’s feel simply by altering
foot placement – not all foils are this
tunable (physically) when flying. With
outboard feet riders can rail upwind with
the best of them. Should foilers become
unmanageably overpowered, however,
simply place back foot across the centre
line and everything settles right down –
great for anxiously progressing sailors.
Through moves Zeeko’s Windfoil is
manageable and doesn’t push back in
gybes as some much as some.
Conclusion
The overriding sensation of Zeeko’s
Windfoil is a smooth one. Smooth to
lift; smooth when flying and smooth
through transitions. It’s certainly a
product that found favour with us
here at Windsurfing UK. Big props for
Nicolas Caillou’s team also utilising
alternative materials for
manufacturing (G10) and trying to
incorporate new technologies (AVS
system). The Zeeko’s affordability
and multi-compatibility points also
give two further box ticks.
uk
WIND
SURFING