OK, I’ll bite…but this is dangerous posting, should the “authorities” be watching (spouses etc). Also feels a little like I need an intervention…
Kite: 2012 start, carafino original to stringy to diy stringy to slingshot hoverglide briefly, now to zeeko spitfire regular, XLW, XXLW…TGTBT package deal. Kite surfboard with through hull holes, to a wakesurfer, and now to my 3rd diy board.
SUP: 2017 start, chakuma v100 (ali baba knock off) to Slingshot (h2, h4, Infinity 84, 76 briefly), to Gofoil (kai, iwa, Maliko200). Numerous DIY wing attempts, homages to GL series. First sessions yesterday on GL 180 and 210 (thanks jondrums). 24" mast now to 27-28". Boards: 9.6 with through hull holes, 7.6 Riviera door with added boxes, 6.10 Demarco which is current main board, 6’ DIY door that is gathering dust, just never quite felt right.
Surf: 2018 start, h2/84 and now gofoil. Boards: DIY 5’ thick pig, now DIY 5’ smaller, have a 4.9 armstrong copy that feels too low volume to paddle, about to try a 4’x20x4 experiment.
Wing: learned on 7.6 sup, now mostly use demarco 6.10, made a copy of 5’ fanatic sky which is a pleasant surprise that it works, but still needs more TOW to be a trusted go-to in significant wave conditions. Started with Ocean Rodeo 5m kite with strings tying up bridle (haha), then Gong 7m, now on ozone was 4m and 7m. Half heartedly looking for a 2.5m after first 40kt+ day. I think I have quit high wind kiting.
PHEW, that’s a lot! I am finding the availability of brands and models is getting confusing and intimidating these days. If I was to advise a friend starting out, I would currently lean towards axis…high quality gear, but not quite at the luxury price point. Maybe the Toyota of the foil world…seems solid and it works and a good overall concept and execution. Or add a zero and go armstrong (lexus).