Video summary

Appletree RADIX / Foil Festival

Main summary

Key takeaways

Technology

Technology / Product overview: Apple Tree “Radix / Red X” foil system

New “Red X system”

  • A new “Red X system” has been developed with Core.
  • It was first shown as a sneak peek at AWSI (September), and is now presented in a more usable, production-ready form integrated into boards.

Single-slot mast design

  • Uses a slotted (single-slot) mast rather than traditional plate connections.
  • Claimed benefits:
    • Improved water flow / water profile
    • Less drag
    • Higher stiffness and better power transfer than plate connections

Tuttle-box-like connection concept

  • The connection is described as having stiffness characteristics similar to a Tuttle box (often associated with racing).
  • It also emphasizes ease of use and adjustability through a twin-track concept tied to water flow + stiffness.

Ease of use / installation procedure

  • The mast is described as quick to remove/install:
    • Uses quarter-turn operations to attach/detach (instead of more screws on plate systems).
  • A fit/tech detail for proper installation:
    • The mast head is slightly larger than the mast hole to create carbon pre-tension.
    • That pre-tension/clamping force is intended to help the system “act as one.”

Fit/alignment check

  • To confirm proper alignment:
    • Look inside to ensure a D-shape doesn’t twist.
    • If it twists, the suggested routine is to reverse slightly and then twist back.

Compatibility / future expansion

  • Currently demonstrated using a Cedrus mast adapter, enabling:
    • Testing with different foil setups
    • Participating brands to create their own masts
  • Future plan:
    • Converters are being designed to make adoption easier.
    • Apple Tree expects other brands to join, especially because “nobody really likes the plates.”

Availability timeline and development status

  • Boards with the system are expected by the end of the season.
    • Some “development partner” brands are expected to start experimenting earlier.
  • Production status
    • First production boxes are on the way to other brands.
    • Real-life testing is underway to validate longevity/strength.
  • Optional “developer” setup
    • For eager testers, a setup with a converter + Cedrus mast is available, but framed as mainly development-stage.

Board focus (Apple Tree) for near future: Radix line + para winging

Upcoming discipline: para winging

  • The speaker highlights para winging as the next key focus area.

Radix “mid-length V2” coming next week

  • A Radix “mid-length V2” is coming next week.
  • Size labeled as 57 L, with a size range:
    • 47, 57, 67, 77, 87, 97, 107 L

Intended use cases

  • Larger sizes:
    • Include sub-foiling demos (example: a 96 prototype usable for demos).
  • Smaller sizes:
    • Can be ridden prone, and demos/proning are mentioned.

Design changes in the Radix / V2

Hydrodynamics & release improvements

  • Profile/shape updates aimed at better hydrodynamics and release:
    • More rounded rails (less flat spot)
    • Ability to increase rocker faster for improved water flow and release

Handling characteristics

  • Mentions adding more V
  • Claims a balance between:
    • “Hard edge” behavior
    • Release/rebound performance
  • Emphasis on improved behavior for shorter mid-lengths

Para winging stability improvements

  • Design aims to counter forward pull from para wings:
    • More front volume
    • Deeper recess on deck
  • Addresses prior feedback:
    • The earlier V1 “nose dive” complaint is addressed by shifting volume forward.

Dimensions vs old version

  • Slight changes relative to the older model:
    • Slightly narrower and slightly longer (described as “only a touch”)
    • Includes a specific mention of an inside bevel pulled in more

Stability claim

  • Despite expectations, the board is described as more stable in water:
    • The speaker notes easy control and gliding even when the board is half-sunk while standing on 87 or 77.

Notes about demonstrations/testing at the event

  • The booth has multiple boards available for demos:
    • A hollow 77 (demo)
    • A hollow 96 (prototype, usable)
  • Event conditions:
    • Wind/sun are described as good.
    • Testing rides may occur later depending on wind.

Main speakers / sources

  • Wieger Bierma — Founder & CEO of Apple Tree surfboards (primary speaker)
  • Core — collaborator/source referenced for the Red X system development
  • Cedrus — mast system referenced (including a Cedrus mast adapter and hardware setup collaboration)
  • AWSI (September) — event where the system was first shown (referenced as the prior public presentation)

Original video