LOCO FLY AIR / BLADE HYDROFOIL PACKAGE TEST REVIEW
Verdict
Loco’s Fly Air / Blade combo package removes a lot of hassle for people choosing, and learning to use a SUP foil set up. The Blade foil has a linear, steady lift and maintains a manageable top speed. A competent paddler should be flying from scratch in about 3 or 4 sessions. The Fly Air board is super stable and very rigid packing a lot of volume into its truncated form. It’s an ideal partner for bumpy, slopey UK beach breaks.
Overview
The Fly Air / Blade package stows neatly into a flat pack that will easily fit under the stairs or in any car boot. The board packs folded – not rolled – and swiftly inflates. 15psi was ample for our 65-85kg test pilots but it will take 25psi at a max. for heavyweights.
The Fly Air is built stiff. Double-layered core, carbon reinforced rails and an integrated carbon foil mount maintain structural integrity. The deck is unfussy with plenty of free space to move around on. A pronounced kick-pad with centre arch cleverly placed rear of the foil mount helps you know exactly where your foot is on take-off. The inflation valve is thoughtfully placed at the nose to accommodate this.
Brand Claim
The Loco Blade Hybrid Hydrofoil Package represents the best value option on the market. Designed with ease of use and progression in mind, you get an aluminium fuselage and two masts while the stab and front wing are full carbon fibre. The 70cm mast will see you through the initial stages whereas the 90cm mast will make for quicker plaining in wing mode.
The 2021 Fly Air range consists of two key sizes a 5’7” and 6’3”. Both have generous widths and are 6” thick for better stiffness and feedback at lower PSI’s. Branded in the same stand out colours as the rest of our iSUP range.
Performance
The foil market is vast and changing rapidly. Choosing the right kit can be as off-putting as learning the technique to a newcomer. Loco’s Fly Air / Blade combo helps simplify both processes. The large, friendly front foil wing suits a good range of rider sizes in the conditions you’ll want to learn in. Lift is predictable and linear and in-flight the foil feels forgiving and will soon reward with some long glides.
The Fly Air board is an ideal partner – compact, stiff and stable, especially with the Blade underneath. You have the option of adding a centre dagger board for first steps with a wing too. The combination of price, easy storage / transport and simple learning curve make the Fly Air / Blade package a low commitment way to quickly get into foiling. If you’ve wanted to join the movement but felt put off till now, you should check it out.
LOCO FLY AIR / BLADE HYDROFOIL PACKAGE TEST REVIEW
Vital Stats
Price: £1199
Length: 5’7
Width: 30”
Fin: 2 x US centre foil mount, 1 x US centre dagger board mount