Welcome to our Buyers Guide to help you make the right decisions when selecting second-hand foiling equipment. Can you save money, or is it a false economy? Our team are all seasoned and passionate watermen, and our lead designer, Sam Reynolds, also runs Maui Kite Repair . His experience with numerous flawed mainstream products led us to launch Five-O.
We know that water sports can be expensive, and that the marine environment, our foiling progression, and parking lot ‘oopsies’ can all take their toll on our gear. We also know that foiling is an addiction like no other watersport; we are all chasing new sensations, progression, and are hooked on being participants in this sport during a period of incredible development.
There is an inevitability that the rider who wants the latest and greatest, just because it’s available now, will need to sell their gear. Sounds like a great deal, right?
Yes and no. Firstly, there are some important considerations about YOURSELF to answer:
This is generally a pretty good bet. A visual inspection of the board for cracks and delamination is a solid indicator of the overall condition. If you can tolerate a bit of gravel rash or a slightly peeling deckpad, there are some great deals to be had.
If you are practical and want to take on a project, look for boards with light cosmetic damage and avoid those with issues around the rails, foil box, or plugs. A punctured deck is a much easier fix than a spongy rail.
A good way to check for water ingress to the EPS core is to find the manufacturer’s published weight and ask the seller to weigh the board. Avoid boards that have gained more than 10% weight.
Look for boards that you know to stand the test of time, have recently been superceded by a new model and even better, is find find a board built with an XPS core, which cannot absorb water if damaged.
Like boards, foils are a solid product, and deals can be picked up on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or eBay if you are diligent.
It is pretty easy to repair damaged foils with a little know-how and the right tools, but bear in mind that this can work both ways—you could equally be buying a foil that was previously damaged and repaired for sale.
Things to look out for:
Foils are modular, and another big consideration is how committed the brand is to its connection system. If your foil brand changes the connection system, you might be able to get some great deals as many foilers upgrade to the new system or change brands.
If you are careful, and perhaps willing to do the work yourself, second-hand foils can be a great upgrade.
Wings and parawings are a textile product, much like clothing or wetsuits, and are inherently subject to deterioration, stretch, tears, and worn seams.
While many brands have recently shifted to heavier and more reinforced canopy materials, leading to wings retaining their performance for longer, we still recommend caution when buying second-hand wings.
It is unfortunate that the material choices in mainstream wing canopies make them a consumable item. This is, in part, why we chose to use a material that was far more resistant to stretch or “bagging out.”
The polyester “ripstop” fabric that most wing wings and many parawings are made from relies on a hard coating to reduce water absorption (this is the ‘crispy new wing’ feeling), but over time this coating breaks down, allowing the textile to soak up water and become heavy.
Our advice for selecting wings is to look for a wing that is built and designed to last, with materials that are not just lightweight and high-performing but also offer a long-term and more sustainable future. To put it bluntly, buy a new wing that will last multiple seasons without losing its shape.
Ultimately, navigating the world of used wingfoil gear requires a balance of excitement and pragmatism. While boards and foils often offer great value for the practical buyer, a critical eye is essential to spot hidden damage, especially with wings. By being honest about your riding goals, repair skills, and prioritizing quality construction, you can make informed choices that extend your time on the water. At Five-O, our commitment remains to creating durable, high-performance equipment that resists the wear and tear of both time and the marine environment, ensuring your investment pays off for many seasons to come.
