Tech-Talk #5: How to pick your perfect stabilizer
HOW TO PICK YOUR PERFECT STABILIZER
The importance of the stabilizer is often overlooked, or at least not given proper attention.
The truth is that simply by varying from one size or shape of stabilizer to another, the quality of your session can change dramatically, for better or worse.
Let’s start with a little explanation of what our stabilizers do for us.
How a stabilizer works
The stabilizer, as its name implies, is a small lifting surface located behind the main lifting surface (the front wing) meant to provide stability and control to the hydrofoil.
A stabilizer is needed to keep the hydrofoil in longitudinal balance, by generating a force at a distance such that the sum of the pitch moments on the center of gravity is zero.
Typically, on a hydrofoil the stabilizer has an inverted profile compared to the front wing (thus generating a downforce) and a slightly negative angle of incidence, to accentuate stability and overall foil lift.
This is not a fixed rule, but it is the most common type of configuration, promoted by Sabfoil when we started prototyping and then marketing our gear back in the now distant 2015.
When choosing a stabilizer, two main factors should always be considered:
SHAPE & PROFILE
SIZE & SURFACE
Check all Sabfoil stabilizers at this link
Sabfoil expert's words
We will go into more detail, but not to leave you too much on your toes, Mr. Jimmy Mazzanti, the brand's sales manager (follow him on Instagram!), gives you a few tips right away for choosing your stab in the Sabfoil range.
" How to choose the stabilizer...
Well, the greater the surface area of the front wing, the greater its lifting power, and therefore the greater the surface area of the stabilizer you will need to balance your foil.
This simple rule helps you choose the size.
But how to choose the shape?
Sabfoil has three main lines of stabilizers, plus the Red Devil with a special connection dedicated to racing.
The Flat series stabilizers give you maximum maneuverability and a more "skate" feeling (S325/S370/S425).
Those in the Gullwing line, on the contrary, give more drive, greater directionality, and stability (S380/S430/S480).
Finally, the Reverse series is a compromise between the two, with excellent stability combined with great maneuverability (S355/S375/S395).
It all depends on what you want from your stabilizer. Whether you prefer power, control, or maneuverability.
Let's say the Flat is a motocross bike, the Gullwing a street bike, and the Reverse a supermotard. "
At a glance, this is a simple graph to help your choice.
Let’s now try to go into more detail about all of these.
Shape and profile, the hearth of your stab
Without any doubt, the first thing you ask yourself when looking for a new stabilizer is what kind of behavior you want to achieve from your foil.
Jimmy has already given the quick answer, but let's try to analyze the “why” by comparing three stabilizers of different lines with similar wingspans and surfaces: S370 Flat, S380 Gullwing, and S375 Reverse.
We immediately notice how the shape and curvature of the stabilizers are completely different, and this is the main factor that differentiates their behavior.
As you can see, the Flat does not have the slightest curvature and merely balances the lift of the front wing, providing very high maneuverability and smoothness. This type of stabilizer is particularly suitable for freestyle and surfing, where freedom of maneuver is a fundamental part of the discipline.
The Gullwing line, on the other hand, is just the opposite, with a generous curvature and an inverted winglet, allowing it to maintain unparalleled drive while riding, promoting control and comfort even at high speeds. This is not to say that this stabilizer is not also functional for wave or freestyle, but simply that you lose some of the maneuverability that you might seek during very tight turns, or that "skate" feel that Jimmy also suggested.
Finally, we have the Reverse line, which, in our opinion, is the most balanced and recommended for anyone looking for a versatile stabilizer suitable for any occasion. It boasts a significant curvature, but there are no winglets at the tips; this promotes a very good drive, but you won't have that feeling of being pinned down in one direction, leaving you with great maneuverability, particularly while carving.
There are also some other minor differences between these lines, designed to accentuate their strengths. Let's check the datasheet to better understand.
Click here for the detailed comparison
The Flat series has a slightly higher chord and a low average AR, to ensure maneuverability and not to stall while carving and making tight turns. The thickness is also slightly increased to enhance lifting power and because high speeds are not looked for with this less stable line.
The Gullwing and Reverse series, on the other hand, both feature a lower thickness to reduce drag and a smaller chord (resulting in higher AR) to increase efficiency, in particular at high speeds.
You just need to find your perfect balance!
Size and surface, find the perfect balance
The correct size of your stabilizer depends on several aspects, first of all, the size of your front wing.
In addition to this, it is affected by the length of the fuselage, in particular by the position of the mast slot, which greatly influences the behavior of the front wing and stabilizer, and therefore also their balance. This directly influences the moments of force generated by the foil and it is the reason why while windsurfing you probably use smaller front-wings and stabilizers, while in surfing and winging you need larger surfaces.
This would also be true in kiting, where very short fuselages are used, but the incredible power of the kite itself allows you to go at such high speeds that you don't need it.... and this is another fundamental parameter, the cruising speed. The faster you go, the greater the lifting power of your wing surfaces... the greater the wing surface, the greater this effect... this is why relatively large stabilizers are used in kiting compared to the size of the front wing.
But let's get to the point... how do you choose the size of your Sabfoil stabilizer?
As you will have understood by now, there is no global answer, as it depends on your setup, the discipline you practice, and many other minor factors. However, we offer you a generic baseline compatibility with which you will never find yourself with the wrong stabilizer for your foil:
All this does not quite apply to the Pump foil. In fact, in this case, given the particular propulsion movement, a stabilizer as small as possible is needed to facilitate the movement. The shape is also very important in this case, as it is necessary to "move" a volume of water as efficiently as possible, and therefore the Flat line is the most suitable one. Our recommended stabs in this particular field are S325 and S370 Flat depending on your preference and the front wing you use, but we suggest you not to go higher than that in size.
Please consider that these are general suggestions we give you based on our experience and feedback received over the years from our athletes. We suggest you explore our recommended foil sets on the site to get an even better idea and always consider that you may have personal preferences different from those listed in the table above.
Shims, an additional personal touch
Choosing the correct stabilizer is critical and brings great benefits. Despite this, sometimes even the best stabilizer for you does not meet your needs 100%.
That’s why there are specific shims to make small technical adjustments to your setup!
In fact, your stabilizer already has a particular angle of incidence (negative) given by the fuselage. This negative angle promotes the stabilizing effect, but sometimes, depending on your personal choice of components, the length of the fuselage, and your position relative to the hydrofoil, defined by where you place your feet on the board and the position of the mast on the rails, this may not be enough.
This is where the shims come in, to change this angle of incidence, making it even more negative.
The more negative the angle of incidence, the greater the stabilizing effect. A second beneficial effect you will notice is a greater lift of your hydrofoil.
Clearly, the trade-off is an increase in drag during navigation, which partially reduces the hydrofoil's top speed.
Of course, it is easier to use shims than to change your riding habits, whether it is your favorite components or your posture on the board.
And that’s perfectly okay, we made them for that!
At first, we suggest you try adding a -1 degree shim, and proceed with your adjustments from there. You just place the shim between the stabilizer and the fuselage, and you’re done, very easy!
If this is not enough, we suggest you also try changing the mast position on the board rails.
For sure you’ll find your ideal configuration!
Conclusion
Hopefully, this deep dive into the world of stabilizers has clarified some of your doubts or given you the desire to try something different.
A beginner will probably want to start with large surface front wings and have maximum control, so he or she will probably opt for a Gullwing stabilizer. But the same line in a smaller size may be the ideal product for an experienced rider looking for maximum control at high speeds.
For some the Flat line is the only viable choice in wave-riding because they want to feel that extreme sliding sensation and have the tightest turning radius… for others, the top is the reverse line because it allows them exceptional control in carving while maintaining excellent maneuverability.
There is no wrong or right stabilizer, but surely there is the perfect one for you.
As always, if you enjoy this format, please continue to follow us every week, and invite all your friends to join in these discussions. You will support us and help them discover interesting new stuff!
Keep staying tuned!