Double Dip: Naish Siren & Excalibur

Naish has had a busy year, releasing some impressive products that signal a step change in their foiling program. It started with the Hatch parawing and the release of their hollow boards, and now to complete the package Naish has rolled out two new models: the Siren and Excalibur.

Both foils are intentionally designed as solid all-rounders, just tailored to different tastes. The Siren is a mid-aspect (AR 8.3-8.5 depending on size) aimed to be a one-foil quiver for all levels, catering more to those who like to carve and enjoy foiling in waves, whilst the Excalibur is a higher aspect (AR 10.2) all-round foil targeting those who want a bit more glide and speed. For this test (test rider weight 78kg, in a mix of fresh and salt water conditions across a range of disciplines) we tested the Siren 1000 and the Excalibur 1344, with a 75cm mast, both the 57cm and 64cm fuselages, and a mix of stabilizers (E155,E175, S180).

First off, it is worth noting that the mast has also been revamped with a tapered design and a reduction in chord as you go down to the bottom. It’s extremely stiff with no flex issues encountered, even on the big 1344cm2 Excalibur. The mast foot connection is the same as previous models, so it is backwards compatible with older fuselages for those invested in the Naish system. On the fuselage, a new 3x M8 bolt clamp system widens the clamping footprint and minimizes the amount of carbon removed through the center of the front wing. This ensures a much stiffer connection (since the mast foot is the same, the new fuselages are also backwards compatible with older masts). To finish off the package the foils are supplied with a nice little tool box to keep all your hardware together after your session – a nice little attention to detail!

Although we tested different sizes, they definitely have two different characteristics and then depending on the fuse and stab combo you can further tune your setup. The shorter 57cm fuse definitely makes both foils more playful in the turns whilst the longer fuse adds a nice bit of stability. The S series stabs have a nice low-end pump and carve whilst the E series adds a bit of speed and efficiency whilst still retaining good turning characteristics.

So how do they ride? Let’s start with the Siren – we loved this foil for prone foiling, parawinging and sup foiling in waves. It has a super smooth takeoff and Naish have focused on the stability of the foil which really comes through. It is super playful and when combined with the 57cm fuse carves on a dime. It keeps a nice consistent pressure through the turns which makes it predictable and leaves it up to you as the rider to see how far you can push it. Despite the lower aspect, the Siren has plenty of pump and makes connecting waves prone or linking bumps pretty effortless (especially when paired with the E series stabilizers). With the Excalibur, Naish seems to have hit the nail on the head with the combination of slightly higher AR for more glide but not too much that the handling takes a hit. Since we had the biggest size, we mostly used this foil for small wave SUP foiling and lightwind parawinging (though it was also great for pump foiling) and despite its size it was still really easy to handle. Whilst it doesn’t have the turning radius of the Siren it still feels comfortable in the turns and no doubt the smaller sizes will turn even better with their lower span. Where the Excalibur really surprises is its low end and efficiency thanks to its high camber foil section. It’s amazing what this foil can be ridden on; where we expected it to stall out, it just kept going on the tiniest of bumps. Even at the bottom end of its range, the foil pumps really comfortably which makes it even more surprising how fast this foil can go. As much as the foil feels comfortable at its low end, it really likes to go fast – yet always has you feeling in control which makes downwinding with it pretty effortless, even in light wind.

Naish have done a great job releasing two foils that tick all the boxes for riders looking for allrounders to suit two different riding styles and tastes. Both foils are great and the choice really comes down to personal taste and rider level. For beginner riders the choice is a bit clearer with the Siren probably being the better choice in the larger sizes with its forgiving nature and easy turning. For intermediate and advanced riders it really depends on your taste. Do you want to push your surfing and carve hard? Then the Siren is the foil for you. Do you want to go fast and ride ocean swells? Then the Excalibur is the right fit.