The Armstrong S1 Alloy System

If you’re looking for a high end foil that you can grow with as you progress, the Armstrong S1 Alloy System is one of the best investments you can make. It’s built around a modular, backwards-compatible design that makes upgrading easy—without leaving your old parts behind.

A System You Can Grow With for Years to Come

One of Armstrong’s biggest advantages is consistency. The system has not changed over the years, and it’s still fully compatible with every foil they’ve made.

Many other brands shift designs and leave older parts behind—but Armstrong has stayed true, meaning your investment today won’t be wasted tomorrow.

Affordable Entry into a High Performance Foil System

The S1 system is designed as a stepping stone into the Armstrong lineup of top-tier foils—but at a much more approachable price. You’re not just buying “beginner gear.”

You’re getting into one of the most respected foil brands in the world, with hardware that carries over as you progress to more advanced wings.

Great Entry Level Foils for Beginners

The S1 front wings, paired with the S1 300 stabilizer (tail), are designed to make learning and progressing as smooth as possible. They’re forgiving, stable, and predictable—qualities that matter when you’re just starting out but still hold value as you move into intermediate riding.

Wing size options (sq cm):

• S1 1250 – Best for lighter riders (<140 lbs / 64 kg) or advanced intermediates who want a quicker, more responsive feel.
• S1 1550 – Great for light to mid-weight riders (140–170 lbs / 64–77 kg). Offers an excellent mix of lift and maneuverability.
• S1 1850 – A versatile “middle ground” wing for mid- to heavier riders (170–220 lbs / 77–91 kg). Balanced lift, glide, and stability.
• S1 2450 – Maximum lift and easiest takeoff. Ideal for heavier riders (220+ lbs / 91+ kg), beginners who want maximum stability, or riders looking for effortless low-speed cruising.

The S1 300 tail wing ties it all together with extra pitch stability, helping beginners stay balanced while giving intermediates the confidence to push transitions and turns.

Swap to Mid or High Aspect Foils for Intermediate to Advanced Riders

We can build any Armstrong foil kit with custom components that you decide on. The S1 foil system is appealing because of its affordability, but if you are already an intermediate or advanced rider, consider swapping out the front and rear wings to the MA MK II or HA V2 foils.

MA (mid-aspect) MKII Series: blends glide and maneuverability, ideal as you progress.

• Small sizes (590, 690, 790, 890): Perfect for intermediate to advanced riders in powered conditions - big waves or high winds.
• Large sizes (990, 1190, 1390): Perfect for intermediate riders in average conditions, a great choice for someone just transitioning from their beginner foil.

HA (high-aspect) V2 Series: fast, efficient, and tuned for pumping or downwinders.

• Small sizes (480, 580, 680, 780): Perfect for intermediate to advanced riders in good conditions who prioritize glide.
• Large sizes (880, 980, 1080, 1180): Perfect for intermediate riders in average conditions who prioritize glide. These are the most popular choice for downwind foiling.

Customize the Kit: Mast and Fuselage Options

Mast Lengths

• 58cm Alloy Mast: “Training wheels” option. Great for absolute beginners or shallow reefs. Meant to inspire confidence with the easiest and safest learning experience.
• 72cm Alloy Mast: The most versatile mast length. Great for multi-discipline riding including behind the boat, prone foiling, and a solid beginner option for wing foiling.
• 85cm Alloy Mast: The most popular choice for wind sports. Longer masts give more clearance (fewer breaches) and allow more advanced carving maneuvers.

Fuselage Lengths

• 65cm Fuselage: Shorter fuselage for riders who are stable and confident on foil and want more maneuverability.
• 75cm Fuselage: Best for entry-level riders who want maximum pitch stability (fore and aft). The most popular choice for new foilers.

Stabilizers: For beginners, start with the included S1 300 tail. For intermediate and advanced riders, check out our blog post Armstrong Tail Wing Overview for more in-depth information.

Setting Up and Taking Care of the Armstrong S1 System