Inbound: AK DURABLE SUPPLY CO PHAZER V5 RANGE

The team at AK recently presented the fifth version of their consistently popular and versatile Phazer foilboard. So what’s new in this latest evolution? We dropped a line to Brand Director, Clinton Filen, to find out…

Let’s start broad! What was the vision behind the Phazer V5 line, and how does it build on the previous incarnations?

The original Phazer was developed as a carving and surf-oriented crossover foilboard. The new Phazer (v5) continues to evolve in this space. Its capabilities are largely size-dependent. Generally, the smaller sizes (46L and below) are ideal for surf foiling and are also great for winging and kiting. Medium sizes (55L-90L) are best suited for wing and parawing. The larger sizes (90L-135L) are ideal for beginners, light-wind winging and parawing, as well as SUP crossover use.

Both the Duratech and Active Carbon models feature the new V5 shape. Can you talk us through the reasoning behind the reduced width and the increased length?

We’ve been doing extensive development on longer, narrower shapes (like the AK Nomad) and have gained valuable insights into maintaining stability on slimmer boards while enhancing glide.

With the Phazer, we’ve successfully applied these learnings, achieving improved glide and stability while keeping the board relatively short. This helps minimize swing weight and preserves the playful, “throw-around” feel the Phazer is known for.

The surf-inspired outline is a recurring theme across both boards. How important is that surf-style DNA to the overall design philosophy?

The Phazer is all about surfing and carving. Our goal was to create a shape that captures this surf-focused philosophy – whether you're riding waves, downwinding in open ocean, or even carving turns on flat water.

Talk to us about the difference between those Duratech and Active Carbon constructions. And who’s the ideal rider for each?

Essentially, the Duratech construction is designed for riders who need a more durable board. It features a thicker composite outer skin and avoids the use of carbon, which, while lighter, is more prone to impact damage. If you're learning or expect your board to go through heavier use, Duratech is a solid choice.

The Active Carbon construction is all about combining lightweight performance, maximum responsiveness, and long-term durability. We've continued to fine-tune this construction, constantly refining it to optimize these key attributes.

The Duratech model is positioned as the go-to for heavier riders and light wind conditions – what specific design areas make it more suitable in that respect?

Since the Duratech construction is only available in the larger sizes (110L, 125L, and 140L), these boards are best suited for heavier riders, beginners, or light wind conditions.

Lightweight performance boards often walk a fine line between stiffness and feel. How does the Active Carbon construction balance this out?

We’ve done extensive work on lightweight carbon surfboards, with a strong focus on engineering the flex and response characteristics. A key element we’ve taken from this is the biaxial carbon deck lamination, where the fibers are typically oriented at 45 degrees. This provides excellent flex, a responsive, intuitive feel, and enhanced torsional performance.

The bottom layer uses a more flexible biaxial glass combined with T-stringers to strike a balance between responsiveness and strength. We also reinforce the box area, both top and bottom, with high-density foam and composite materials, ensuring this section remains as rigid as possible.

The new Phazers aren’t the only boards in the new AK board line-up. Talk us through the rest…

The Phazer sits at the center of our product line as our most all-around offering. On the longer, narrower end, we have the Nomad, a more glide-oriented mid-length shape. On the shorter end, the Compact serves as our maneuver-focused freestyle board.

At similar volumes (around 74-76L), the new Phazer is approximately twelve inches shorter than the Nomad and eight inches longer than the Compact, striking a perfect balance between glide and maneuverability.

Go on then… tell us which your favorite board is and why!

I weigh 82kg, and my go-to boards are the 46L Phazer and 55L Nomad. The 46L Phazer is my choice for surf foiling, Foil Drive sessions, and light-wind kiting. The 55L Nomad is my preferred wing board for Cape Town, where conditions are typically windy. When I travel, I choose between the two depending on the destination. I keep my setup minimal: one mast (78 cm), two front wings (Plasma 880 and 1100), and a single mono tail wing that I take everywhere. It’s a simple, versatile setup that covers everything I need.