{"product_id":"afs-fuselink-fuselage","title":"AFS Fuselink Fuselage","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/afs\"\u003eAFS\u003c\/a\u003e Fuselink Fuselage is the backbone of your foil setup — the aluminium tube that connects your mast to your front wing and stabiliser in the \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/foils\"\u003eAFS foils\u003c\/a\u003e Fuselink system. Available in Standard (680 mm) and Short (650 mm), it gives you a genuine choice of geometry that changes how your foil feels underfoot, not just on paper.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBuilt from high-resistance aluminium with a 3-point M8 bolt mounting pattern, it's a solid, dependable fuse for everyday riding — robust enough to take a battering in our rocky, tidal UK waters and affordable enough that you can run one for each discipline without breaking the bank.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eStandard (680 mm)\u003c\/strong\u003e suits riders who want a versatile, settled ride across winging, kite foiling, SUP foiling and downwind. It's the natural starting point for anyone building their first Fuselink setup, and pairs well with larger front wings like the Flyer and Evo where smoothness and pitch stability matter most.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eShort (650 mm)\u003c\/strong\u003e is the choice for more experienced riders who want the foil to feel alive. The 30 mm reduction moves the mast 25 mm closer to the front wing, tightening turn radius and sharpening roll response — ideal for wave riding, surf foiling and pumping-focused sessions with the Enduro.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eAvailable in Standard (680 mm) and Short (650 mm) lengths\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eHigh-resistance aluminium construction — durable and repairable\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eProprietary Fuselink front wing connection — no Tuttle, no deep power box\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e3-point M8 bolt mast mount for maximum rigidity under load\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eShort variant: mast position 25 mm closer to front wing for increased agility\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eTwo stabiliser positions on both lengths — tune for glide or maneuverability\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eStreamlined profile for efficient water flow and reduced drag\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eCompatible with all AFS Fuselink front wings and stabilisers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eOn the Foil\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFuselage length is one of the most impactful tuning choices you can make. A longer fuse puts more distance between your front wing and stabiliser, which damps pitch oscillations and gives you a more forgiving, planted feel — great for learning transitions or riding in chop. Go shorter and the foil responds faster to your weight shifts, turns tighter and pumps with more snap. The 30 mm difference between Standard and Short might sound marginal, but on the water it's immediately noticeable: the Short fuse rewards deliberate, aggressive riding while the Standard lets you relax and flow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe dual stabiliser positions on both lengths add another layer of tuning — running the stab further back increases pitch stability and glide, while the forward position tightens pitch response for jumping and fast pumping.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCompatibility \u0026amp; Setup\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis fuselage uses AFS's proprietary \u003cstrong\u003eFuselink connection\u003c\/strong\u003e at the front wing end and is \u003cstrong\u003enot compatible with Tuttle, deep power box or any other industry-standard mast\/wing format\u003c\/strong\u003e. It is designed exclusively for AFS Fuselink masts (Evolution and Advanced mast ranges) and AFS Fuselink front wings. All current AFS stabilisers are compatible. If you're running an older AFS Performer mast, see the \u003cstrong\u003eAFS Switch Fuselage\u003c\/strong\u003e instead.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eConstruction\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Fuselink Fuselage uses a high-resistance aluminium alloy — the material choice that prioritises toughness, repairability and value. At 960 g it's heavier than the carbon version but offers the peace of mind of a material that dents rather than cracks, and is straightforward to replace or repair if something goes wrong. For riders who push hard in rocky spots or are still dialling in their foiling, aluminium makes sense.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eSpec Table\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n  \u003cthead\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eVariant\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eLength\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWeight\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBest For\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003c\/thead\u003e\n  \u003ctbody\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStandard\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e680 mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e~960 g\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAll-round, freeride, learning, larger wings\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eShort\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e650 mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e~960 g\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWaves, surf foil, pumping, Enduro range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePairs Well With\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBuild out your setup with the full \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/afs\"\u003eAFS range\u003c\/a\u003e, explore our full selection of \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/wing-foil-foils\"\u003ewing foil foils\u003c\/a\u003e, or find the right platform in our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/wing-foil-boards\"\u003ewing foil boards\u003c\/a\u003e collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy We Stock It\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt Northern Watersports we ride this stuff ourselves in the Dee Estuary and along the Wirral coast — tidal runs, chop, the occasional rock strike. The AFS Fuselink Fuselage earns its place because it works, it's properly supported and the Standard\/Short choice is genuinely meaningful. We stock both lengths so you can make the right call for your riding, not just the one size that happened to arrive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFAQs\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat is the difference between the Standard and Short Fuselink Fuselage?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Standard is 680 mm long and the Short is 650 mm — a 30 mm difference that meaningfully changes how the foil handles. On the Standard, the mast sits 25 mm further from the front wing, giving a more settled, stable pitch feel and a wider turning radius. On the Short, the mast moves closer to the wing, sharpening roll response, tightening turns and making the foil feel more reactive. The Short also has two stabiliser positions with 30 mm or 60 mm shorter stab distance for faster pumping and more explosive jumps.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eShould I choose aluminium or carbon for my fuselage?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAluminium (this fuselage) is heavier at around 960 g but more affordable, tougher in a crash and easier to repair or replace. The AFS Fuselink Advanced Carbon Fuselage saves around 360 g and delivers noticeably more stiffness under load, which translates to crisper response and less energy lost through flex — meaningful for fast pumping and high-aspect riding. If budget allows and you're riding regularly, carbon is worth it. If you're new to foiling or ride in gnarly conditions with regular impacts, aluminium is the sensible starting point.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIs the Fuselink Fuselage compatible with my existing foil setup?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Fuselink Fuselage uses AFS's proprietary Fuselink connection system — it is not compatible with Tuttle boxes, deep power boxes, or other brands' mast or wing fittings. It works exclusively with AFS Fuselink masts (Evolution and Advanced ranges) and AFS Fuselink front wings. If you have an older AFS Performer mast, you need the AFS Switch Fuselage, which bridges the Performer mast mount to the Fuselink front wing connection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat does fuselage length actually affect on the water?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFuselage length primarily affects two things: pitch stability and turn radius. A longer fuselage increases the lever arm between front wing and stabiliser, which damps pitch movements and makes the foil feel more forgiving — ideal for learning, rougher water and larger wings. A shorter fuselage reduces that lever arm, making pitch response quicker and turns tighter. It also affects pumping efficiency: a shorter fuse combined with the forward stabiliser position gives the foil more snap on the pump cycle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhen should I upgrade from the aluminium to a carbon fuselage?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnce you're foiling consistently and starting to notice the limits of your gear, it's worth considering the upgrade. The carbon fuse becomes meaningful when you're pumping for distance, riding in light winds where every gram counts, or when you want the sharpest possible feedback from your foil. Many riders run aluminium to learn and switch to carbon once they're riding 80% of sessions without falling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow do I care for an aluminium fuselage to prevent corrosion?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRinse thoroughly with fresh water after every session — salt creeping into the mast joint and wing pockets is the main culprit. Remove the front wing and stab periodically and check the bolt threads and connection surfaces. Apply a thin layer of anti-seize or corrosion inhibitor (such as Lanolin or Teflon-based products) to all threads and mating faces before reassembly. Store dry and don't leave bolts in damp conditions for extended periods. With basic care, an aluminium fuselage will last for years of UK saltwater riding.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"AFS","offers":[{"title":"Standard","offer_id":58283864097155,"sku":null,"price":389.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Short","offer_id":58283864129923,"sku":null,"price":379.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0696\/9576\/6814\/files\/Evo-fuselage.png?v=1781816697","url":"https:\/\/www.northernwatersports.co.uk\/products\/afs-fuselink-fuselage","provider":"Northern Watersports","version":"1.0","type":"link"}