Velocicraptor said..
What size and AR foil are people using for jumping?

What tuning gets you the most air (fuse length, foot pressure and shimming)?

I am jumping high aspect (8-10 AR) foils up to 1100 sqcm. 800-900 feels like the sweetspot for me (80kg) as larger sizes can buck pretty hard on landings. Over 1100 starts feeling pretty awkward on landings and its a lot of force on the foil. I tune for a fairly front heavy foot weighting (forward mast, tail shimmed for more lift) and while I think this is ideal for pop, its also just what I prefer for overall freeride. In theory I think a shorter fuse might give more pop, but I haven't experimented with it yet.

I see some people using low/mid aspect foils (6-7 AR) for freestyle, but I would think of these as less pitch sensitive and I think pitch sensitivity is a good thing for pop (maybe less so for landings). Am I wrong?

I'm curious what setup and tuning would result in the best setup for airs and freestyle alone.

I jump but nothing special--no tricks beyond raleys (ralies?). AR 9.8 (Armstrong 925) is my max. Looking forward to jumping the new Armstrong MA foils (AR 7-8). I have a 50 and 60 fuse but prefer the 60 for jumping--it's easier to sustain a fast line with a relatively pitch-stable fuse prior to jumping.

The sponsored groms in my area are generally using MA foils (F-One, Cabrinha, KT (MFC), Naish, GoFoil). I've noticed that a good number of F-One riders (not just team riders) have their back foot only in-strap when jumping, which suggests to me that the mast is positioned such that the rig is balanced with the back foot in front of the strap. And that further suggests to me that there is sufficient lift from the foil upon touchdown to prevent the rig from nose diving.

The groms have it best-we simply can't overcome physics!

I use the Sabfoil 799 (1100cm2, AR 5.8). I love this for jumping as I feel safe with it (rounded tips). It's pretty fast

Big air is more about power from the wing. That is what lifts and keeps lifting. Going high off a wave a bit underpowered with a small wing is a bit scary, as you come straight down really fast with nothing to stop you

Going on the faster end of the speed range of the foil is going to give you a more forward balance point (more front foot pressure), hence easier to pop.

Also remember that HA wings have lower drag in the middle of their speed range, but at faster speeds parastic drag dominates, and that is mainly down to frontal area (reduced by thin foils and reduced wingspan). My W799 is only about a knot slower than the W1000 (980cm2, AR10) at the top end. Thick HA foils have different properties to thin HA foils.

If you want more pitch sensitivity, go for positive shim, shorter fuselage or a small stabiliser. You do need to be able to control the foil as you accelerate though, and this will make it harder.