Harken Headfoil or Tuff Luff Headfoil?

What are the main twin-groove racing headfoil options available and what are the key features and benefits of Harken headfoil and Tuff Luff headfoil?

A twin-groove headfoil is a must-have system for any club or grand prix race boat. Seamless inside / outside genoa hoists allow you to keep trucking upwind as the wind changes. 

Upffront.com has brought together the two undisputed market leaders in this field: Tuff Luff headfoil and Harken headfoil, to allow you to select the right product for your needs.

Tuff Luff Headfoil - the original

The benchmark is the original Tuff Luff system which still provides a good value, high quality and reliable product. Tuff Luff was designed to insure a fast, trouble-free sail set; because if sails go up and come down quickly, they last longer and the crew spends less time on the foredeck.

Key features:

• Installed in a few minutes
• Adaptable up to wire up to 16mm or rod up to dash 60
• lightweight, aerodynamic
• One piece - no jams
• Non corrosive
• Mainteance free
• The double grooves provide a smooth track for both sails

Enter Harken Carbo Racing Foils 

Then Harken entered the market offering a significant weight saving over the original Tuff Luff headfoil. They achieved this by using more advanced materials to make the foil. They used engineering resins to create strong, lightweight head foils which offered significant advancements over weaker PVC materials. They also improved impact resistance to reduce foil damage, especially in cold weather.

Re-enter Tuff Luff Aero!

In response, however, Tuff Luff Aero was launched with an updated, more efficient design and better materials to apparently regain the top slot in terms of weight advantage. The new foil is 9% lower profile and made from a polycarbonate material which is lighter and stronger and less prone to impact damage than its predecesor. With an ultrafine surface finish, friction has been reduced and an upgraded stainless steel, snag-free feeder allows spinnaker sheets to pass smoothly.

Where next?

Current movements at a Grandprix level are to fabric sleeves around the headstay instead of solid foils but so far, this is considered too "niche" for the main manufacturers.

So, Which one to go for: Harken headfoil or Tuff Luff headfoil?

For club racers, the original Tuff Luff headfoil is a tried and tested, competitive solution which will not let you down. However, for a performance race campaign its a close call between the Harken Carbo Foil or the new Tuff Luff Aero, which claims a marginal advantage. 

If you have personal expereince of either system we would be keen to hear your feedback.

If you have any questions about Harken headfoil or Tuff Luff headfoil, please feel free to email us at [email protected], or click the link below to see our full range:

HEAD FOILS