With the Midlength FG, manufacturer Armstrong has a model in its programme that is somewhere between a downwind board and a pronesurf board. Our test model with 85 litres is therefore the largest version, and the shape is available in five sizes with 45/55/65/75 and 85 litres.
On land
Visually, the ML 85 is reminiscent of a downwind board with its slim outline and tapered nose. In terms of dimensions, however, the shape is slightly shorter - "midlength"! The 85 measures 6'5'' (195.5 cm), the width is 20 3/4 (52.7 cm). At 5.60 kilos, the model is also pleasingly light. The equipment and workmanship make a very good impression. A non-slip pad has been glued to the deck and there is also the option of attaching foot straps. There is a comparatively long box on the underside for mounting the foil, but there is no carrying handle. The rails are heavily bevelled and the underwater hull is characterised by a double concave V. Armstrong has opted for a high-quality carbon sandwich construction, but this results in a hefty price tag of 2199 euros. The board is supplied without straps, but with a very high-quality board bag.
On the water
We tested the Armstrong Midlength FG board with two different foils - with a Duotone Aero Carve 1100 in the swell wave, as well as with the Armstrong S1 1550 in light winds on flat water. Despite the narrow width, getting up and starting is quite easy, as the longitudinal axis is well stabilised by the foil in the water and the board is also quite stable around the transverse axis due to its greater length. The characteristics when starting off are suspiciously reminiscent of a downwind board (HERE is a field report)Even without active pumping, the board cuts through the chop like an arrow and achieves the necessary take-off speed virtually on its own. If you also have a good pumping technique, you can take off very early with the Armstrong Midlength FG - even our 90-kilo tester got flying with a 5.0 wing in almost ten knots of wind. In direct comparison, the wind limit can be pushed a little harder with a pure and usually slightly longer downwind board, but the Midlength FG is a great compromise between still very early take-off and moderate length in the air. Once you've taken off, the concept is extremely comfortable and you don't feel like you're travelling on a huge dugout. This allows you to perform smooth foil manoeuvres and even jumps - provided you fit loops, of course. The behaviour in the event of unintentional touchdowns is also extremely positive, with the rails ensuring that the board is gently steered back into the air.
Armstrong Midlength FG - the conclusion
The Armstrong Midlength FG 85 is a successful compromise between very early takeoff and still good suitability for foil manoeuvres. The concept is also ideal for downwinders in light winds. It's a shame that the concept is only available up to 85 litres, as it is reserved for foilers who already have a little more experience in launching and manoeuvring.
Easy takeoff; weight; good board bag
No carrying handle
Armstrong Midlength FG - technical data
- Test model: Armstrong Midlength FG 85
- Length: 6'5'' (195.5 cm)
- Width: 20 3/4'' (52.7 cm)
- Weight (own measurement, without loops): 5.60 kilos
- Volume: 85 litres
- Available sizes: 5'1''x45 //5'5''x55//5'9''x65// 6'1''x75 // 6'5''x85 litres
- Scope of delivery: Board, Boardbag
- Price: 2199 Euro
- Special features: Boardbag included
