AFS UHM Carbon Masts

The AFS UHM Carbon Masts sit at the top of AFS's hydrofoil mast lineup, built entirely from Ultra High Modulus (UHM) carbon fiber. AFS, a French foiling brand active since 2009, engineers these masts for use across wing foiling, kite foiling, surf foiling, SUP foiling, and downwind paddling. UHM carbon offers roughly twice the rigidity of standard carbon fiber, which allows AFS to reduce the mast's profile thickness while maintaining structural integrity. The result is a thinner cross-section that cuts through water with less drag than thicker alternatives.

This generation of UHM masts features a reduced chord compared to the earlier Performer UHM line — down from 120 mm to 115 mm on the 85 cm version, for example. The slimmer profile contributes to improved glide at speed. Each mast ships with a top plate integrated directly into the mast body, hardware, and a protective cover, backed by a three-year manufacturer warranty.

• Material: Multi-layer Ultra High Modulus (UHM) carbon fiber
• Available sizes: 75 cm, 80 cm, 85 cm
• Chord (80 cm): 115 mm
• Chord (85 cm): 115 mm
• Thickness (80 cm): 13.8 mm (±0.1 mm)
• Thickness (85 cm): 13.5 mm (±0.1 mm)
• Weight (80 cm): 2.0 kg
• Weight (85 cm): 2.0 kg
• Torsional stiffness vs. HM mast: +40%
• Flex stiffness vs. HM mast: +26%
• Board compatibility: US double-rail mounting system
• Included: Mast, hardware, protective cover
• Warranty: 3 years

AFS positions the UHM mast squarely at experienced and expert-level riders. The thin profile and high stiffness reward precise inputs and deliver efficient energy transfer through turns and pumping, but they offer less forgiveness than a thicker, softer mast. Riders who have already logged significant time on foil and are looking to reduce drag, improve glide, or push into higher speed ranges will get the most from this mast.

The range of available lengths supports different discipline preferences. The shorter 75 cm length suits prone surf foiling and dockstart sessions where a lower ride height improves control in the wave face. The 80 cm works well for wing foiling, downwind runs, and wake foiling, while the 85 cm provides the additional clearance that taller riders or choppy-water wing foilers often prefer. All three lengths are compatible with any board using the standard US double-rail track system.

AFS structures its carbon mast range across three tiers: HR (High Rigidity), HM (High Modulus), and UHM (Ultra High Modulus). All three use carbon construction and share the same stiffness targets, but the higher-grade carbon in each successive tier allows for a thinner profile — meaning less hydrodynamic drag at a given stiffness. The HR mast is aimed at beginners and intermediates, the HM at advancing riders, and the UHM at those prioritizing outright performance.

The UHM mast replaced the earlier Performer UHM as AFS's flagship option, gaining a narrower chord and thinner section in the process. For riders who want an even slimmer profile, AFS also offers the UHM Skinny Carbon Mast, which drops the chord further to 100 mm on the 75 cm length. Compared to competing high-modulus masts from brands like Axis and Armstrong, the AFS UHM occupies a similar premium tier, with its reduced-chord design being a distinguishing feature in the segment.