Why ride the INFINITY ACE?
It has been over a year since we launched our ENSIS MANIAC FOIL range. We launched with four series of front wings, but today we wanted to talk about our wingfoiling specific range, the INFINITY ACE, and what makes it so special for wingfoiling.
Let’s start with the foundation. Foiling is really efficient, so any flex or instability adds up and affects your ride on the water. So the magic of the INFINITY ACE starts at its foundation, the MANIAC System.
About the MANIAC System
There is an endless list of considerations that goes into a foil system. For us, the most important qualities are performance, reliability, and durability. Looking past construction, profiles, and all the rest, one of the most impactful decisions is the mast fuselage connection point. With the MANIAC System, we decided to go with a tongue and groove style interlocking mast join, which is then bolted with 2 x M8 bolts, providing a very secure connection point.
The advantages of a tongue and groove style join, particularly for a foiling connection point, are huge. It creates a far more rigid connection compared to systems where the fuselage simply fits over the mast connection.
Example of a Tongue and Groove join
One of the biggest benefits of that added rigidity is tilt stability. When you are riding, especially at speed or when pushing hard through turns, you do not want any unwanted movement or play between the mast and fuselage. A more locked in connection gives the foil a much more direct and stable feel, and that added roll stability is something you can really feel on the water.
Another big advantage is that with a more rigid connection, there is less friction on the carbon fibre surfaces, so your mast connection will stay pristine for far, far longer.
Continuing with the theme of rigidity, that leads us onto the next thing that makes the INFINITY ACE such a fantastic front foil, the ACE part in INFINITY ACE.
About ACE
ACE, which stands for ADVANCED COMPONENT ENGINEERING, is our high performance label. It is where we pull out all the stops to make sure that the product is the best it can be. For the foils in the MANIAC range, it means the foils are made with a carbon monobloc system, and this system has a number of huuuge advantages over modular setups.
Big weight savings. And because the foil is at the end of a long mast, those weight savings are immediately felt.
Reliability. Less moving parts is better for wear and tear.
Rigidity and efficiency. Because the front wing is moulded to the fuse, the wing can be optimally placed and positioned, and again, similar to the mast join, roll stability and rigidity are far higher than modular setups that are only supported by screws and bolts.
And all this is not a bash on modular setups. We even have modular options in the ENSIS range, the PACER and STRIDE foils. They do have their advantages, but the advantages of monobloc make a lot of sense for intermediate foilers who are already up and riding.
What is it like riding the INFINITY ACE
Before we get onto the qualities of the INFINITY ACE foil itself, we just wanted to highlight that what makes the INFINITY great is also the sum total of all the other parts that go along with the ENSIS MANIAC System. The goal when designing the INFINITY wings was simple, but broad. It was to make the best wingfoil foil on the market. So we drew up the desired qualities and worked from there, because wingfoiling is incredibly versatile and asks a foil to do a lot.
The INFINITY ACE has great low end lift, and it is stable. It was important that the foil was easy and intuitive to ride, but we did not want to give up performance, speed, and agility. Through lots of tinkering and changes, we nailed that sweet spot.
The INFINITY ACE is incredibly consistent, and the moment you lean in for a turn, the foil drives you around. You will feel confident to push into more radical carves because the foil’s lift is incredibly consistent. That stability also allows you to push and ride at much higher speeds than you normally would, and speed translates into pop, easier freestyle moves, and higher jumps.
And then there is the glide. The efficiency of the whole system and front wing gives the INFINITY a surprising amount of glide. When you hop into a wave or swell, it easily takes the energy from the water and keeps you going. And once you are in some waves, the foil is amazing to ride in the pocket.
So in the end, who is the INFINITY ACE for? It is for intermediate to advanced wingfoilers, and advanced parawingers. So who is an intermediate wingfoiler? I would say if you are consistently nailing your gybes, playing around, and exploring new moves, you are ready for the INFINITY ACE.
Interested in anything wing or foil?
If you’re into wingfoiling or foiling and want to stay updated on events, demos, or the latest ENSIS gear, follow us on social media or check out our DEMO DAY page for upcoming opportunities. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to level up, our experienced team and worldwide retailers are here to help. Reach out to learn more or find an ENSIS retailer near you!
