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AXIS has teamed up with Maui based shaper, Francesco Maffei, better knows as “Frank Foilboards” to bring his custom MAKO downwind design to a production market. What started as a smaller local operation, Frank Foilboards has exploded into the scene as one of the premier downwind board designs. The MAKO is a design rooted in the demands of the infamous Maliko downwind run on the north shore of Maui. Requiring boards to paddle fast, pop up quickly, and handle intense conditions, the Maliko run is a true test of both rider and equipment performance. The MAKO provides top end performance for experienced foilers, while simultaneously providing a stable and efficient platform for beginner or intermediate riders to start or progress their downwind journey.
This collaboration between AXIS and Frank Foilboards is the closest thing to a full custom, carbon design you can buy off the rack. In an ultra-light full carbon construction, with high density reinforcements under the pad, the MAKO is one of the lightest production boards on the market. With all the features you would expect from a premier custom board including vents, extra-long fin boxes, corduroy deck pad, and a premium dual-zipper board bag, the MAKO is a complete package ready to send your local downwind run.
One of the key stand out design elements of the MAKO is the pronounced rocker line through the board. With a moderate nose rocker and extreme tail rocker, the MAKO will feel shorter and more agile than the dimensions lead. This rocker combined with a more centered volume distribution gives the board a unique pop on the paddle up, almost like the board has springs underneath the front foot pushing the board vertically into the air. Riders who are on foils with a lower stall speed, or foils that like a very vertical pop will be able to take advantage of the shorter boards in the lineup, as the MAKO will take off almost immediately. Riders who are using ultra high aspect foils with a higher stall speed may prefer the longer versions to gain more horizontal speed during the initial pop up. This unique vertical take off characteristic may take riders a few sessions to adapt, but once it is dialed in the MAKO offers one of the easiest paddle ups in the game right now.
On foil the MAKO rides about 6-8” shorter than the advertised dimension. With the pulled in outline and extra tail rocker, even the 8’4 length board can slip into the steepest bump pockets without catching the tail or hitting the water. The stiffness and connectivity of the board translates every bit of foil feedback right into the deck and rider, providing a very surfy feeling out of a competitive race downwind design. Even at a narrow 16.75” width the 8’4 is more stable than other boards that are over 1” wider. The long parallel rails provide great tracking and stability for those first couple paddles.
Aligned with the general direction of modern foil design, the MAKO has forward positioned, extra long boxes that will allow for appropriate placement of almost any foil. Larger foils will be pushed towards the very back of the box, where smaller race designs will have sufficient space towards the front.
Overall, the MAKO is a top tier option for riders who want premium custom board quality and features from a production design. This featherweight can lower the entry difficulty for new riders, providing a gateway for intermediate riders to progress their skills, and performing at a top level for expert downwind foilers. With a variety of sizes, AXIS & Frank Foilboards have created an outstanding design that will have something for everyone.
