Stab in the dark: which AXIS stabiliser is right for you?

Few things can transform your foil as easily, or as inexpensively, as changing your stabiliser. But with such a range to choose from, which AXIS stab is right for you: Progressive, Skinny or Surf Skinny? It might seem complicated, but answering a few simple questions about your riding will put you on the correct path. In brief:

Progressive

The Progressive range features a huge range of sizes to suit all riding levels, weights and disciplines. With a deeper chord and increased profile thickness, they display amazing pitch stability and control: an amazing choice for the lower-AR front wings like the Spitfire and PNG v2, and in enough sizes to work for beginner dock starters through to wingers and prone or SUP surfers. Without a doubt the best choice for beginner to intermediate foilers.

Skinny

The Skinny was designed for maximum efficiency in pump and glide, and is especially suited to pairing with higher-AR front wings like the Fireball or ART v2. With a massively reduced chord and a faster profile than the Progressive, the Skinny is at its best in fast, gliding sports rather than aggressive turning. The best choice for downwind (whether that is parawing, SUP, wing or foil assist), fast wind sports and pumping, aimed at intermediate to advanced riders who have mastered staying high on the mast and have fine pitch control.

Surf Skinny

The Surf Skinny is the latest addition to the range, designed to enhance the roll-turn characteristics of the foil. With a decreased span and a slightly increased chord compared to the Skinny, the hook in the tips reduces yaw movement when rolled, yet the stab still provides better efficiency and glide than the Progressive. Any rider with a surf background will appreciate the way these wings turn: initiating with the front foot, equal foot pressure through the transition, then loading up the back foot at the exit. Never has a foil felt more intuitive to turn. Especially well suited to the Surge, only the best riders will discover the limit of the turn with these stabs. The best choice for all wave and carving styles; the 320 and 340 provide enough pitch control for intermediates, and the 280 and 300 are outstanding for advanced to pro riders.

The short version

• Learning, or on a Spitfire or PNG v2: Progressive.
• Downwind, pumping, fast wind sports, on a Fireball or ART v2: Skinny.
• Waves and carving, on a Surge: Surf Skinny.

For a deeper dive into the range and how stabilisers affect your riding, here is the low-down on video:

Have your say

We know what we ride and we know what our team rides, but we do not always know what you ride. Make your opinion count and help us shape your future ride: our two-minute rider survey is pure gold for the R&D team.