We were able to test the Axis Spitfire 900 front wing extensively over several months. It has a surface area of 1099 cm² and, as the name suggests, a length of 900 mm. The aspect ratio is 7.25, which would classify it as a mid-aspect wing. The intended area of use is foiling in the wave.
It is now available in ten sizes from 1554 cm² to 628 cm².
On land
The name Spitfire is no coincidence. Its shape is actually very similar to the wings of the British fighter aircraft of the same name from the Second World War.
The Spitfire line is only compatible with the black fuselage from Axis. The foil set we tested is equipped with the ultrashort fuselage (643 mm) and an 82 cm long and 19 cm wide aluminium mast. We flew the Axis Spitfire with both a Progressive 400 and a Skinny 359/40 rear wing. In our opinion, the smaller Skinny suits the Spitfire better.
The black fuselage is attached to the mast with two large, solid screws and an extra adapter. Seen from the side, the end of the mast is in the centre of the fuselage so that there is still a little space before the front wing starts.
The Axis Spitfire 900 is mounted to the fuselage with a total of four screws. Its connection between the wing and fuselage fits together perfectly and is hydrodynamically optimised. The rear wing is fastened with two screws, which has also been hydrodynamically optimised. A robust rubber mat is to the mast plate to protect the board from scratches.
The whole foil is extremely rigid, nothing wobbles and everything is firmly screwed together. All components fit together perfectly without bumping or having too much play. You can tell that Axis already has a few years of experience in building foils. Everything is very sophisticated down to the last detail.
A protective bag for the wing is included in the scope of delivery.
At the water
We flew the Axis Spitfire 900 from the Mediterranean across the Baltic Sea to the North Sea and used it for several months. It was only used for wingfoiling.
The Spitfire handles a little differently to its stable brothers HPS or ART. It’s difficult to describe exactly how, but you immediately notice a difference the first few times you ride it. This doesn’t mean that it handles better or worse, it just feels different. Over time, however, you no longer notice it.
The wing comes up early, but without putting uncomfortable pressure on the front foot. For its size, it stays up for a long time even at low speeds. This means that even the thrust of a small Baltic Sea wave is enough to keep the Axis Spitfire 900 afloat.
Pumping
It can be easily pumped over long distances without much effort. It is very stable without any tendency to tip to one side.
Although the Spitfire is very fast and pulls up really well, it doesn’t reach the top speed of an HPS or ART front wing.
The Axis Spitfire 900 reveals its true potential in the waves. It is incredibly manoeuvrable and good-natured at the same time. You can ride extremely tight radii with it. If the tip comes out of the water, this is not immediately acknowledged with a stall, but you usually don’t even notice it.
From a wave height of 1.5 metres, you notice that the Spitfire 900 needs more and more pressure on the front foot, which is legitimate for a foil of this size. Fortunately, the wing is still available in smaller sizes.
The above-mentioned characteristics are of course also beneficial in flat water. Manoeuvres are easy and safe. The Spitfire glides through tacks and jibes with sufficient reserve. When jumping, it offers plenty of pop to get out of the water properly.
Conclusion
The manoeuvrability of the Axis Spitfire 900 is second to none. Tight radii can be manoeuvred with great safety. It also offers sufficient lift.
Riders who prioritise waves can’t really get past the Spitfire. But it is also a real recommendation for flat water areas due to its good-naturedness and variability.
Those who want to get the last bit of speed and performance out of their foil are better off with the ART or HPS.
