Behind the Stabilizer Collection with Designer Craig Tompkins
AK Stabilizer Overview:
- G10 Arc Down 160, 180, 200, and 220cm
- G10 Rhythm 160 and 180cm
- 200cm Monocoque Stabilizer featuring Taperlock
What is the difference between AK’s stabilizers?
The G10 160, 180, 200, and 220 Arc Down stabilizers are our medium aspect tails in the range. These are ideal for highly efficient pump and glide, high speed, and pivoting turns.
The all-new 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 Monocoque stabilizer is a blended carbon rear fuselage and stabilizer for ultimate pump and glide performance. 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 pairs 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? What is the difference when riding?
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.
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 stabilizer having no obtrusive bolts and adjustment points, this stabilizer has less drag and more efficiency when compared to the G10 stabilizers. The Monocoque stabilizer provides direct feedback due to the stiffness of the carbon.
The Rhythm and Arc Down 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 Monocoque cannot be adjusted, so it’s for someone who knows exactly what they want and knows the 200 Arc Down but wants 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.
What discipline was the Rhythm designed for?
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.
What makes the Monocoque Stabilizer more premium, and what is the difference when riding?
The tail on the Monocoque stabilizer is the same profile as the Arc Down stabilizer, but it’s a fully blended carbon rear fuselage and stabilizer version. This makes it much lighter than the comparative Arc Down 200 matched with the 31.5cm aluminum fuselage. The Monocoque stabilizer also has no obtrusive bolts and adjustment points, leading to less drag and ultimately a more efficient stabilizer that provides direct feedback.
The 2 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.
180 Rhythm
Locked in feel, good glide, good control and stability, user friendly with a good surf feel.
MONOCOQUE STABILIZER
STABILIZER: 200CM
REAR FUSELAGE: 31.5CM
For the ultimate pump and glide efficiency, and a smooth ride, the monocoque 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.
