The Freefoil V3 AST is playful with a usable feel. The Freefoil doesn’t feel over engineered and it delivers exactly what it suggests. Its volume, strap positions, foil box position all encourage instant play. Paired carefully with an equally usable foil and smaller rig the Freefoil will deliver foiling freedom.
Out of the box, you immediately notice the Freefoil’s distinctly flatter deck, both rail to rail and nose to tail. There is some nose rocker upfront, but it is very slight. Angular shades of blue cover the deck with white detailing and deck pads. The Freefoil holds quite distinct sharp boxy rails in the tail that run forward to the front strap, aiding release and shedding water; they then tuck under and soften as they progress up to the nose. The Freefoil is actually one of the widest on test, but this width sits in line with the mast track before tapering into a more conventional nose shape and also tapering in at the hips and tail of the Freefoil. Its strap positions are set inboard with some options for adjustment. Its foil box placement is directly in line with the rear strap, so lift and power from the foil are going to be on tap with the back foot in the strap. Its outline with a shorter nose in front of the track, strap positions, and foil box positions all indicate that the ideal setup would be with a medium to lower aspect foil and smaller rigs, all of which will give a more playful and looser ride to suit the Freefoil. On the underside and looking at the bright white hull of the Freefoil, it’s uncomplicated, with no cutouts in the tail. Upfront, a single concave sits under the nose, which swiftly blends into a subtle vee double concave, shallowing out into a vee at the foil box. Available in two constructions, carbon delivers lightness and stiffness, while AST (Advanced Sandwich Technology) offers a balance between price and quality.
“The Freefoil embodies the spirit of windfoiling without any constraints – effortlessly taking off and enjoying the sensation of flight with minimal effort.”
Instantly stepping on the Freefoil while non-foiling and floating out to the wind line, its subtly tapered tail and boxy volume distribution give a more playful feeling underfoot. Getting going and generating speed, the Freefoil sits high, with its boxy rails placing you very much on top of the board with an upright body position rather than out on the rail. Its inboard straps are easy to find. Upon putting the back foot in the strap, you are instantly rewarded with lift as its foil box is placed directly in line with the rear strap, so it doesn’t require any teasing out of the water from the rider. Foiling along with the Freefoil is easily managed; its short and non-intrusive nose encourages a more playful ride suited to smaller rigs, while large overpowered rigs would disturb the balance between the foil, board, and the rider. Its thick and predominantly rear volume distribution make touchdowns manageable, while if the back foot is in the strap, then regaining flight is a simple affair and overrides the Freefoil’s lack of tail cutouts. Through the gybes, the Freefoil’s playful nature is really apparent; it seeks rider input to guide it around the radius of your choice. The back foot doesn’t need to reach so far to guide the foil and manage the lift as its tapered tail assists you here. The Freefoil isn’t going to provide full power speeds, or aggressive angles upwind, or suit a higher aspect race foil, but give it a suitable freeride foil of medium to low aspect, and you will be rewarded with a delightfully playful combo.
EXOCET FREEFOIL V3 AST 132 TEST REVIEW 2024
Price: £1279
Volume (Quoted): 132L
Length: 210cm
Width: 86cm
Bottom Shape: Single Concave to Vee Double Concave to Vee
Weight (Naked): 10kg
Sail Range (Quoted): 4.0-8.0m
Sizes Available: 112, 132
Starboard Foil Freeride 85 Wood 160L
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