The New Armstrong Mk II Carbon, Performance Mk II, and Performance X Carbon Masts Review
Armstrong has taken a major step forward in foil mast technology with the complete redesign of their carbon mast range. The new lineup — featuring the accessible Carbon Mk II, the ultra-stiff Performance Mk II, and the groundbreaking Performance X — brings measurable improvements in stiffness-to-weight ratio, hydrodynamic efficiency, and rider feel. Built with refined carbon layups, optimized cross-sections, and size-specific tuning, these masts deliver everything from rock-solid stability for everyday riding to next-level glide and responsiveness for advanced foilers pushing their limits in all disciplines.
All three masts maintain full compatibility with existing Armstrong fuselages and wings, include premium titanium hardware and protective covers, and feature size-specific tuning for optimal performance across rider weights and foil setups.
These masts deliver big upgrades in stiffness, glide, feel, and overall efficiency across wing, surf, kite, and downwind foiling.
What Makes the New Armstrong Masts Stand Out?
Armstrong Carbon Mk II Mast (15.8mm section)
The perfect entry point into carbon foiling. This is Armstrong’s original carbon mast, fully re-engineered with an improved layup that delivers dependable stiffness at an accessible price. The thicker 15.8mm section prioritizes stability and control, creating a smooth, forgiving, and confidence-inspiring ride.
Key upgrades include earlier takeoff speeds, increased lift, and a familiar feel for riders stepping up from alloy. The refined construction (drawing from Performance mast testing) uses premium carbon while keeping costs down. It’s built for everyday riding across disciplines — stable, predictable, and durable enough for daily use, travel, and repeated setups. Set at 0° across all sizes, it offers a trustworthy platform for beginners to intermediates looking for that first big carbon upgrade.
Armstrong Performance Mk II Carbon Mast (14mm thickness, refined chord)
Armstrong’s stiffest all-around mast and the new benchmark for riders who want direct, uncompromising performance. Thinner than the previous Performance mast (now 14mm) yet significantly stiffer: 30% more bending stiffness and 20% more torsional stiffness than the Mk I.
This translates to sharper feedback, rock-solid stability at speed, and the ability to push harder through aggressive turns, freestyle, or powered riding without flex. The reworked section shape and efficient profile, combined with optimized carbon placement and topological refinements at the mast top and fuselage connection, remove unnecessary material while boosting rigidity.
Each length is tuned with specific angles (0.5° on 725/795mm, 1° on 865/935mm) and a refined taper for balanced control and low drag. Ideal for intermediate to advanced riders across all disciplines who demand maximum response and confidence.
Armstrong Performance X Carbon Mast (11.8mm ultra-thin)
The efficiency king — designed for riders who prioritize maximum glide, minimal drag, and refined turning feel. Nearly 20% thinner than the previous Performance mast (11.8mm thickness, 106.8mm chord) yet still 10% stiffer overall thanks to ultra-high modulus carbon and advanced engineering.
On the water, it feels noticeably cleaner, faster, and more slippery. The reduced thickness and shorter chord deliver a looser, more agile response in turns, better projection, and effortless pumping. Riders report it feels like riding a bigger foil at the low end and a smaller one at high speeds, with excellent range even in light wind. Enhanced torsional stiffness and optimized connections make it incredibly responsive while maintaining durability.
Perfect for downwind runs, fast winging, surf foiling, and clean carving. It rewards finesse and delivers that “holy crap” efficiency jump right away.
Watch the full review with Aidan Nicholas, Gordon Harrison, Laitham Kellum, and Billy Bosch from Good Breeze Kiteboarding along with fresh riding footage of the new Armstrong masts.
The video gives raw, straight-off-the-water first impressions, size comparisons, upgrades explained, and on-water action in light wind and waves. You’ll see exactly how these masts transform sessions with cleaner feel, quicker turns, better glide, and that massive efficiency jump — especially on the Performance X.
Rider Insights from Good Breeze Team
Billy Bosch calls the Performance X ridiculous right away — cleaner, faster, bigger range, tighter turns. You can literally feel how much thinner it is and the special materials shine through. Great for anyone who can step up to it.
Aidan Nicholas breaks down the tech: The Mk II Carbon now matches previous Performance stiffness at a thicker 15.8mm. Performance Mk II is thinner yet massively stiffer (30% bending / 20% torsional). Performance X drops to 11.8mm with huge efficiency gains — feels like you’re riding a bigger foil at low end and a smaller one at top speed. More pump, better projection, and effortless turns.
Gordon Harrison & Laitham Kellum praise the Performance X for quicker left-to-right turns thanks to the shorter chord, more torsional stiffness, extra drift/surfiness, and loose playful feel. One-two pump magic even in light wind. No wiggle, super responsive on smaller boards and new wings.
Shop Now at Kiteboarding Closeouts! Limited stock available – elevate your foiling game today.
Common Questions About the New Armstrong Masts
What’s the main difference between the three? The Mk II Carbon is the accessible entry-level carbon mast with a thicker 15.8mm section for maximum stability and a smooth, forgiving ride. It offers dependable stiffness at a great price while feeling familiar for riders coming from alloy.
The Performance Mk II is the stiffest all-around option in the lineup. At 14mm thick, it delivers 30% more bending stiffness and 20% more torsional stiffness than the previous Mk I, giving direct, rock-solid response for aggressive riding.
The Performance X is the efficiency specialist with an ultra-thin 11.8mm section (nearly 20% thinner) and shorter 106.8mm chord. It still achieves 10% more overall stiffness than the old Performance mast thanks to ultra-high modulus carbon, resulting in noticeably cleaner glide, lower drag, and a looser, more playful feel in turns.
Who is each best for?
- Mk II Carbon: Ideal for beginners to intermediates stepping up from alloy, or anyone wanting reliable, confidence-inspiring carbon performance for everyday sessions across disciplines without breaking the bank. It prioritizes stability and durability for daily use and travel.
- Performance Mk II: Best for intermediate to advanced riders who demand maximum stiffness and direct control. Perfect for powered riding, freestyle, big wings, or riders who like to push hard in all conditions.
- Performance X: Suited for advanced riders prioritizing glide, speed, and refined carving. Excellent for downwind foiling, light-wind winging, surf foiling, and anyone who wants that slippery, efficient “next-level” feel while maintaining impressive stiffness.
How do they compare to the old lineup? All three masts represent clear upgrades. The Mk II Carbon now matches or exceeds the stiffness of the previous Performance mast at a thicker, more stable 15.8mm section and lower price point.
The Performance Mk II is thinner yet significantly stiffer and more refined than the Mk I.
The Performance X introduces an entirely new tier of performance — dramatically lower drag, better pump and projection, and a more agile turning feel that riders describe as “ridiculous” right away. Overall, the new lineup offers better efficiency, more size-specific tuning, and improved connections across the board.
Are they compatible with existing Armstrong foils? Yes — 100% backward compatible with all current Armstrong fuselages and wings. Each mast comes with premium titanium hardware, a protective cover, tools, and all necessary fasteners so you can swap them in immediately.
Shipping begins mid-May with limited initial stock. These are moving fast at Kiteboarding Closeouts — check the links below and secure yours before they sell out!
