Behind the Stabilizer Collection with Designer Craig Tompkins
AK Stabilizer Overview:
- G10 Arc 160, 180, 200, 220cm
- G10 Rhythm 160 & 180cm
- G10 Mustache 200 & 220cm.
- Monocoque Arc 180 & 200cm.
- Monocoque Rhythm 140 & 160cm.
Looking at the stabilizer range, can you run us through it?
The G10 160, 180, 200, and 220 Arc stabilizers are our medium aspect tails in the range. These are ideal for highly efficient pump and glide, high speed, and pivoting turns.
The G10 160 and 180 Rhythm stabilizers are our higher aspect tail wings in the range. These are ideal for speed and glide efficiency. Generating slightly more lift than the Arc Down, the Rhythm stabilizer will allow you to use a smaller size tail for less drag. The thinner profile allows some flex for spring back when pumping.
The all-new G10 Mustache 200 and 220 stabilizers are our range’s lower aspect tail wings, designed for maximum stability and effortless lift. With user-friendliness and simplicity in mind, the G10 Mustache stabilizer prioritizes ease of use above all.
The Monocoque Arc stabilizer is a blended carbon rear fuselage and stabilizer for pump and glide performance, and pivoting turns. It’s the high-efficiency version of the Arc Down stabilizer with no obtrusive bolts and adjustment points, making this tail optimized for performance.
The Monocoque Rhythm stabilizers share the same construction as the Mono Arc, and are tuned for speed and glide efficiency. Compared to the Arc stabilizer, they generate slightly more lift, allowing you to ride smaller tails with less drag. The thinner profile introduces subtle flex for springback when pumping, while Carbon construction ensures strength and stiffness.
The Monocoque stabilizers pair perfectly with the blended front wing for an almost seamless foil from front to back.
Is there a difference in the weights and stiffness between models?
Yes, if you compare an Arc Down or Rhythm stabilizer matched with a 31.5cm aluminum fuselage, it will be substantially heavier than our fully carbon Monocoque stabilizer.
What is the difference when riding?
When riding, the Arc Down stabilizer provides directional stability and ease of use. There is slight flex in the Arc Down, but it’s the perfect balance between flex and stiffness.
The Rhythm stabilizer allows the foil to turn better and faster with a loose and snappy surf feel. The Rhythm stabilizer has more flex when compared to the Arc Down due to its thinner profile, allowing for springback when pumping.
Due to the Monocoque Arc Stabilizer having no obtrusive bolts and adjustment points, this stabilizer has less drag and more efficiency when compared to the G10 stabilizers. The Monocoque Arc Stabilizer provides direct feedback due to the stiffness of the carbon.
The G10 Rhythm, Arc Down, and Mustache stabilizers are much more versatile and user-friendly, as these stabilizers can be adjusted depending on how much lift you want or what discipline you are partaking in. However, the Monocoques cannot be adjusted, so it’s for someone who knows exactly what they want and knows the 180 or 200 Arc and the 140 or 160 Rhythm but want a more efficient version.
Why was the Rhythm stabilizer introduced into the range?
We wanted to offer a higher aspect stabilizer that generates slightly more lift than the Arc Down, allowing you to use a smaller size tail for less drag. The smaller size tail of the Rhythm allows the foil to turn better and faster, giving the foil a loose snappy surf feel.
The Rhythm stabilizer is designed for the more experienced rider across all disciplines. Whether it’s in the surf, on a downwinder, or during a winging session, the Rhythm stabilizer will provide you with a highly efficient tail that provides maximum lift and maneuverability.
Why was the G10 Mustache introduced into the range?
We wanted to offer a lower aspect stabilizer that’s designed for maximum stability and effortless lift. With user-friendliness and simplicity in mind, the G10 Mustache stabilizer prioritizes ease of use above all, making it the perfect choice for someone getting into the sport.
The G10 Mustache is designed for beginner to intermediate riders across all disciplines. The directional stability and easy lift makes the G10 Mustache stabilizer the ideal stabilizer when starting out in surf, downwinding, or wingfoiling.
What makes the Monocoque Stabilizer more premium, and what is the difference when riding?
The tail on the Monocoque stabilizers is the same profile as its G10 alternative, but it’s a fully blended carbon rear fuselage and stabilizer version. This makes it much lighter than the comparative G10 version matched with the 31.5cm aluminum fuselage. The Monocoque stabilizers also have no obtrusive bolts and adjustment points, leading to less drag and ultimately a more efficient stabilizer that provides direct feedback.
The 3 stabilizers can be paired with 3 different rear fuselages; what are the lengths, and what are they best suited for?
Our integrated wings are paired with rear fuselages, available in 26.5, 31.5, and 36.5cm lengths:
26.5cm Rear Fuselage
With its shorter cadence, the 26.5cm rear fuselage offers high maneuverability and more efficient pumping compared to the 36.5cm rear fuselage.
31.5cm Rear Fuselage
The mid-length 31.5cm rear fuselage offers the perfect balance of stability and maneuverability.
36.5cm Rear Fuselage
With the longer effective cadence of the 36.5cm rear fuselage, it provides a more stable platform for general freeride use and progression.
With a symmetrical connection, this fuselage can be flipped from top mount to bottom mount, depending on the specific requirement needed for the stabilizer used.
G10 ARC DOWN STABILIZER
160 / 180 / 200 / 220CM
The G10 160, 180, 200, and 220 arc down stabilizers are ideal for highly efficient pump and glide, high speed, and pivoting turns.
The G10 construction provides strength, stiffness, and durability.
G10 RHYTHM STABILIZER
160 / 180CM
The G10 160 and 180 Rhythm stabilizers are ideal for speed and glide efficiency. Generating slightly more lift than the arc down, the Rhythm stabilizer will allow you to use a smaller size tail for less drag. The thinner profile allows some flex for springback when pumping. The G10 construction provides strength, stiffness, and durability.
160 Rhythm
Foil turns better and faster with a loose snappy surf feel, more glide, less pumping effort and better top speed.
Locked in feel, good glide, good control and stability, user friendly with a good surf feel.
G10 MUSTACHE STABILIZER
Ranging in size from 200 – 220, the trimmable G10 mustache rear wings provide directional stability. The G10 construction provides strength, stiffness, and durability.
MONOCOQUE ARC STABILIZER
Available in:
31.5cm 180cm²
31.5cm 200cm²
For the ultimate pump and glide efficiency, and a smooth ride, the Monocoque Arc Stabilizer will take you further and have you gliding for longer. By integrating the tail and fuselage, the monocoque pairs perfectly with the blended front wing for an almost seamless foil from front to back. Minimizing obtrusive bolts and adjustment points, this tail has been optimized for performance.
MONOCOQUE RHYTHM STABILIZER
Available in:
31.5cm 140cm²
31.5cm 160cm²
For the ultimate pump and glide efficiency, and a smooth ride, the monocoque Rhythm stabilizer will take you further and have you gliding for longer. By integrating the tail and fuselage, the monocoque design pairs perfectly with the blended front wing for an almost seamless foil from front to back. Minimizing obtrusive bolts and adjustment points, this stabilizer has been optimized for performance.
