Looking for some advice on a used foil

[giers]

I found this used foil on Craiglist. it appears to be have been updated/modified a few times. Can someone tell me if I should stay away from this one or at least what they think?

"I have a used Sky Ski Hydrofoil for sale in good condition as shown in the pics. 2002 with shock tower (SS pro ST model)....I still have all the original documentation including the training video. The shock tower provides a very soft landing and is the best option for those with a bad back. Reason for selling: I have upgraded to a Sky Ski LE38 and no longer need this ski. Original aluminum top board was replaced with a flame graphics board in 2008 and the new board has been riden 4 times. Ski is equipped with Cinch Footstays and a new Cinch belt. The front foil was upgraded in 06 to the "X" wing. Risse shock on the tower was replaced in 07. The foil cover and stand are not included in the asking price but can be sold with the ski for a reasonable offer. This ski rides great, and test rides are available at Norfork lake for serious buyers only. Additional pics are available upon request. "

Here is the link to the actual ad.

http://littlerock.craigslist.org/spo/2595285829.html

Thanks in advance.

[skyski_tige]

One of the issues with this ski is that the T-bar assembly is made of cast aluminum. The newer technology is either one piece or two piece milled aluminum. The shock tower is the very old style and this ski will be very heavy compared to some of the newer technology. It does have a new board and the 'cinch' products included. I would definitely get a foil cover.

The newer technology is going to be more expensive but depends on how far you think you will go. If you are only going to jump with the ski, this one might be good for you. If you are going to flip and get some big air, the cast tbar might break on you.

I personally have the evolution tower and like it alot better than the shock tower.

See the site below and do some price comparison. You can see what is available.

http://www.foilforum.com/forums/foru...For-Sale-Trade

[Bakes5]

Pass on that one. Don't get anything less than a 38" T bar or you will just be selling it a yr later and getting one.

[giers]

Thanks for the advice and the website. I had no idea there was so many options. Can you give me a sense of what I should be looking for?

[bkstroop]

I agree with most of the feedback given already. The price is high for an older cast foil. If you feel like you're the type of person who will progress in the sport then you'll be wanting to upgrade it fairly quickly (a season or two). There is a positive side of that foil though if you can get it at a lower price. That's a fine setup to learn on and has a newer board and cinch products. When you're ready to upgrade simply find an upgraded t-bar and wings and you'll have a sweet set up. Most people ditch the shock towers....me included. You can post up in the foil forum classifieds for a trade. I traded a LE shock tower for a brand new rock tower with thicker seat pad, swivels, and new belt.

There's some truth to Bakes about the longer bars but don't feel like you "must" have a 38er. Istarted off on an old AC stealth, then on to a pro ST, and finally on a LE 38. I used to ride a buds LEX occasionally and was always impressed with it. I rode my 38 for about 4 years before the LEX finally swayed me away from my 38. Although shorter the LEX has less drag, quicker response, and with the right wings about the same height. When I ride a 38 now It feels like I went from a sports car to an rv in terms of handling. To each his own though......both are great!

Disclaimer******* idid say ABOUT the same height. I have to hit all the marks on my LEX to get close to the 38's. A good friend and great rider once said to me "you can be lazier on the 38 and still get great height." not so on the shorter bars.

Brian

[lancehon]

I would suggest the 38le with evolution tower. we love ours. its very forgiving and smooth riding. make sure to get cinch foot straps on any board you get. and a foil cover. keeps the boat nicer if you don't have a tower rack. or if you really want to get crazy spring for the 40" foil.

[bkstroop]

Look for anything newer that has some upgraded parts. Learn on it then upgrade as your riding progresses. Unless money is no object there's no need for you to drop 4k on a LE38 as a beginner. I can perform the same tricks on a sky ski pro as i can on a LEX or LE38. I'll just be a lot higher on the latter. I've never met anyone who dropped the cash on a high end foil without knowing they had a passion for foiling........but we've all ended up with one.

I've been teaching a newbie on my buds LE38 and the only difference between him and others we've coached on SS pro's is that when he gets out of control he shoots a lot higher outta the water.........and we laugh harder as well.

Lot's of great starter foils out there reasonably priced.