Mistral is one of the best-known manufacturers in the water sports sector, with its roots in windsurfing. In addition to SUPs, windsurfing and surfboards, Mistral now also has its own range of wingfoils. The Sultan Foil we tested is available with front wing sizes of 880/1100/1300/1383/1747 and 2100 cm2 - we tested the 1383 cm2 size. The foils are manufactured in cooperation with Sabfoil, a brand specialising in foils.
On land:
The Mistral Sultan Foil is available as a set with a 240 cm2 backwing, a 70 centimetre fuselage and the 83 carbon mast for 2299 euros. The components appear to fit very precisely and the screw connections are solid. However, why Mistral relies on Allen screws and only uses Torx screws for the backwing remains the brand's secret. The shape of the front wing is best described as "medium aspect", with a moderate span of just under 90 centimetres. It takes a little longer to mount the mast on the board as the screws cannot be inserted. However, for an extra charge of around 80 euros, the mast can be upgraded with the Sabfoil Kraken - a quick-release system in which the mast can be removed by loosening just one screw and the mounting plate remains on the board ( HERE there's the info).
The foil set comes with a bag, Teflon gel for the screws and the appropriate tools. For a product in this price range, it would have been nice to have individual covers for the wings to better protect the mounted foil.
On the water:
Although the Mistral Sultan 1383 Foil is not the kind of foil that takes off at what feels like walking speed, it does get up to speed reasonably well and offers a harmonious lift that makes take-off very predictable. On the straights, the foil flies nice and stable around the transverse axis ("nose up, nose down"), a characteristic that forgives the occasional misstep and suits wingfoil intermediates and cracks alike. We were surprised by the speed potential of the foil: with a well-powered 5-wing, the Mistral Sultan accelerated to almost 38 km/h - a very good value for a foil of this size. And the best thing is that even in this speed range, the foil remains easy to ride, the current is stable and you never have to worry about unforeseen bumps.
The easy handling continues seamlessly in manoeuvres. The radii during turns, jibes or foil tricks are variable and smooth, and even minor riding errors are generously forgiven and not immediately acknowledged with a stall. The foil is stable even at lower speeds, but the Sultan Foil is not an absolute lift miracle that will keep you flying at what feels like five km/h at the end of a manoeuvre.
Those who jump and trick ambitiously will probably prefer a smaller front wing, but the tested 1383 Sultan Foil also offers a lot of potential in this respect. This is due on the one hand to the speed level mentioned, and on the other hand to the very good control during the approach to the jump. Another positive aspect is that the current builds up again immediately after landings, which means you can make jumps where you only set down briefly once and then continue flying straight away.
The test also clearly showed that some high-aspect foils can do even more in terms of glide with their more elongated wing shape. However, the Mistral foil still flies passably well when riding small swells and, all in all, offers a great combination of glide and nice turning characteristics, which do not allow extreme hooks, but smooth turns with medium radii.
Mistral Sultan Foil - the conclusion:
The Mistral Sultan 1383 Foil is expensive, but also really good. It scores points with a large target group, above all due to its balance: the foil offers harmonious lift, good control and above-average speed and manoeuvring potential. This makes it suitable for less experienced wingfoilers as well as for sporty freeriding, practising manoeuvres and even for first freestyle tricks. Only those who expect maximum early take-off in light winds and minimum stall speed in manoeuvres will not be 100 percent happy.
Control, speed, range of use
Allen/Torx screw mix
