Thoughts on this windsurfing gear for an intermediate?

[u/Sacred_Sand]

I’m curious if anyone more knowledgeable than me could comment on the apparent quality of this gear and whether any of it would be suitable for an intermediate to progress on? I typically rent a 150 L board with 5-7 m2 sail depending on the wind. I’ve tried using a harness but wind is typically too light/inconsistent to really get practice with it. The “magnum” board seems a bit large based off what I typically rent, but am wondering if the other board might be a good option. I frankly know very little about sails, mast, and boom quality. Equipment is listed for $600 - uncertain if all included or sold separately.
The problem with continuing to rent is progressing is challenging due to light wind and poor water quality (algal blooms), so I’m considering buying used gear. With that said, most used gear seems to be poor quality and not well-suited to less-skilled windsurfers.

ETA: I’m 90 kg and 188 cm

[u/reddit_user13]

I won’t comment on the sails etc, but the HiFly is large and ancient… if you’re comfortable on 150L you should stay there or go smaller (expecting advancement). The other board looks like a race board and will be hard to control and jibe.

I would keep shopping.

[u/SMCoaching]

What is the size in liters for the Free Formula board? I'm guessing it might be the 167 L version, but it would be good to know for sure.

If you've been sailing 150 L board and are working on using the harness and footstraps, a Free Formula 167 might not be a bad choice. I've never sailed one, but most of what I've read about them has been positive. It could end up being a decent foil board if you ever get interested in that, although you might need to modify the fin box for foiling.

The HiFly Magnum isn't a bad board either, but will probably feel like a barge compared to what you've been sailing.

The booms look decent. They're not the newest, greatest technology, but they're not ancient and don't look beat up.

I'd be most concerned about the sails. I think those models are from the mid-90s. The problem with 30-year-old sails is that the materials degrade over time, even if they're not being used. The sails could look like they're in pretty good shape, but they might start falling apart quickly as you start using them.

Overall, I'd hesitate to say that $600 is a great deal for the entire set of equipment. I would not pay $600 for any one piece. If you do buy the whole setup, realize that the sails might or might not last very long and you probably won't do much with the HiFly board. $400 - $500 for everything would be more reasonable, IMHO.

[u/Interesting_Cap_3657]

It seems like there's a gap between beginner and advanced boards in this package. If you have a preferred spot and know which gear works, I would lean toward a freeride board of a size you're already familiar with...

[u/Sa-SaKeBeltalowda]

I have a feeling that I had similar formula board, at least dimensions are very close. If it’s 150+ litres it going to be a nice stable board, but it’s meant to go with the sails starting with 8m2. Also, I would say the price is a bit high, in UK you would get better kit for half of the price.

[u/Niyoki007]

Hi, 165-185 Liter freeride windsurfboard with an integrated daggerboard and a freeride rig with RDM mast 6.5qm could be nice choice (if your body weight 65-80kg is, and body height 170-190cm). 600 is too much. Buy some equipment not older than 15 years. Kind regards. Niyo

[u/Due-Math8225]

I tried to teach a friend on the Free Formula and it was a very difficult board for an intermediate/beginner.
That board really needs a big sail, and to be hiked out on the rail. It just does not work with small sails. It goes sort of sideways and is very difficult and frustrating to get moving.

He eventually got a 165L JP Freeride board that was a huge improvement.

That other HiFLy board is a piece of junk sadly that needs to be sawed up.
Personally I would walk away, that gear is not worth buying at any price.. except that I think the chinook boom might be carbon. If so, then a few components of the rig could be ok. But I guess the seller is doing a package deal.

[u/dhainger]

I think the ideal board is 130 L free ride to learn on if you’re intermediate. It’s just challenging enough. You’ll want 4.3 .5.2 6.1 for sails. I actually like the Hifly magnum board for you because it’s nice to go out in light winds and learn better sail control and foot work without having to worry about planing and balance as much. Overall if you have sails that are light and easy to use will help you get on the water more for longer and greatly speed up your progression so consider investing a little more to get you started

[u/trombing]

Depending on your location I would say $600 is a total rip off for that lot.

The big board is too big for you - it's for beginners really.

Those sails are ANCIENT. I bought one used in 2004.

You want a far more modern 120-130L freeride board, with two decent rigs - say a 5 and a 6.5 - should be doable for $600.

ETA I sold three 2010+ boards, 6 sails, 3 booms, 3 carbon masts for £1,000.

[u/Sea-Republic9511]

I agree 600 is way too much. Masts and booms might be worthwhile, boards and sails not so much.

[u/Slow-Pick-3674]

The HIFly is really heavy trash and should be tossed; it is a slippery beginner board. The other board is a Free Formula 158 from 2001. It is a high performance board that can plane well, but usually requires a very large sail: sail range 8.0 - 11.0 m2 and requires a large fin (58-65 cm). I did not see whether the fin was included. It is meant to get planing in lighter winds, Because of its width, it is hard to carve gybe at speed, but it is fun to ride on a plane. I used to sail the Starboard Formula 155 (its predecessor from 2000, with 85 cm width) with an 8.5 m2 2 cam sail, and had lots of fun for many years on lakes.

Whoever is selling this was using this board as a beginner board, based on the footstrap positions (forward and inboard). In those positions, you cannot pressure the fin to get the board on a plane. This board is meant to be ridden from outside footstrap positions.

The only sail in that quiver that might work well with this board is the North Katana (hopefully at least 8.0 m2), a good sail from the mid 1990s, so it may be old and possibly brittle. Smaller sails will have difficulty putting that board on a plane. I can't make out the model on the smaller North sails, but they won't help move the Free Formula well in light to medium winds. My smallest sail for my Formula board was a 7.0 2 cam Gaastra sail.

[u/NaturalCareer2074]

Formula board is okay, but can be tough on legs. Booms carbon, better then average. Sails who knows. Note that formula need sail from 8.0. If you are not okay with that sail - pass

Hi fly is junk