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I wonder if you could take a jigsaw and file to it to reshape it when you want a faster foil....
I thought the same thing initially, but a massive long thread on KF kind of changed my mind. This is basically how the free market works and is inevitable.
A few years ago Chinese carbon fiber bicycle frames became widely available online - my cycling mates call them "Chinarellos" - and there was this massive fuss about how they would destroy the bicycle industry. Fast forward 2-3 years and you might see the odd guy riding one - usually the guy who wanted to build up his own bike in the first place), but most people can't be bothered to do the digging around finding the supplier, making payment via Western Union, dealing with customs and import duties themselves and ultimately not having a shop/Brand to go to when they break it. A massive fuss over nothing as it turns out.
My thoughts are that cheaper Chinese foils may entice a more kiters to give foiling a crack , and result in a net increase of second hand equipment foils available to others. This is a good thing. Today, a kiter wanting a new hydrofoil is require to spend $1500 - $2,000k on a piece of kit that requires 10-50 hours of time (success not guaranteed) to be able to used at a basic level. Its a massive committment in time and money for families like me. But, give the masses an "affordable" foil and you multiple that pool of potential foilersx 10, many of whom will upgrade to a higher end product over time. I suggest this greater population might even result in net increase in sales for the Big Brands if you take a 5 year view.
In conclusion, does a Chinese entry level aluminium foil take business away from Liquid Force, Fone, Naish, Levitaz, Banga, Enata or Mikes Lab ? I doubt it in the long run, I reckon it just create more customers for them.
sometimes increasing Supply = increased Demand.
I could not find this on Alibaba. Could you please share the link?
Thank you.
Nester
Not so sure about the overpriced, try and build one yourself the carbon fibre itself is pretty expensive and don't underestimate the labour required to make moulds etc..
So I got my board and foil today. It's a beginner set up which I'm happy to use and abuse.
Board quailty is about (8.5/10) board doesn't have any concave underneath but that should worry me as a begginer.
foils (7/10).
The issue I have is they put no holes in the mast to attach the base plate - and some real poor finishing (or postage damage).
Well after much dremoling, I finally got it into the base plate... super tight fit, but now there is a bit of play so I'll need to fasten it with some screws.
What will I'll be the best way to sink the screws into the mast?
It it was a complete pain getting it together took a lot of work and red rolling of holes...
also relatevily (not sure as to what but feels like it's a sold 7-10kg)
Also feel free to comment if I should have the base forward or back?
**Start with the foil at the rear most point. Move it forwards cm by cm until you have a nice balanced foot pressure when riding. Ride long tacks and assess leg fatigue. Move the foil the opposite direction to which leg is burning (note: Do runs on both tacks just to check its not your technique on one side)
Mark that point. Presto! Perfect alignment. Will probably take several sessions to get it dialled in to the mm.
** Note this applies to riders that can consistently ride the foil. If you have never used a foil before. Start with it at the back and only start moving it forwards once you can ride on the surface consistently.
I think the base and mast are only supplied seperate for shipping, you will need to bond it together. Alloy masts and plates can be seperate but not carbon, too much load in this area. Someone posted in a thread on kiteforum that he asked the factory to assemble and bond this area for him.
I was thinking about it last night... I'll just dump a heap of epoxy in it and secure that way.
Positioning the base plate was a real pain only one plate went in "easily" the rest I had to beat in place took a good while to do... sure I probably could of machined the metal plates down a fraction (which I did on two but t was still a pain).
On that note, it either wobbled forward or wobbled back. I thought forward felt better but rear was perpendicular to the base plate so I've set it 'back' so it's perpendicular to the base plate(y) not sure how much it matters but it's done haha.
Has this foil been in the water? How did it go?
I ended up getting the Slingshot Hover Glide.....good balance of reputable quality but not too expensive. I've no doubt the GoFoil is delightful....but for my first one and $800 more it was just not in the budget.
Only had 2 sessions though so a fair laearing curve ahead still.....
Hey guys,
Just my 2 cents.
I'm sure it depends on the supplier in china (so do your research) but i have a mate that purchased two Chinese foils. Yes he saved the dollars but unfortunately he wont be able to foil on them. Both of the front wings have neutral foil so wont provide lift from the profile. Also when fully assembled they do wobbly quite significantly. One of them looked identical to the Naish surf foil from above, but had a profile that was 10 mm thick with neutral foil.
He intends to SUP foil which he wont be able to do on them but they may work as a kite foil.
If you do plan on purchasing from China and not supporting some Australian businesses (yes i understand not all profits stay in Australia) then please research thoroughly so you don't get burnt too and end up spending more then what you would if you bought in Aus. I also understand there is a price point for everyone too so don't interpret this as an attack.
Cheers,
Ryan
Funny......the china made foil is actually the real takuma foil......its the exact same foil with out the logo......and yes the real takuma foil is made in china too.....and comes with a red logo......
I have kited about 200+ hours on this foil.......and yes it is awesome!
There are 3 mast lengths for this foil....small, medium and large.......the medium size mast is the best for wave riding....the small mast is only for learning......
Very good foil.....yes it is slow...but with slow means....very stable....and it matches the speed of the waves.......people who say its slow....are kiters who have ridden much faster.....foils.......fast is NOT good when you are learning......
Slow is good for learning.....and even if you think this is a slow foil....there is still the need for an impact vest...to protect the ribs when you hit the water hard......the takuma is just the right speed to learn
If you ride down the line on a wave...this foil actually speeds up alot.......no idea why.....but the foil does have one speed for kiting around in the flats.....but when you jump on a wave....and start really riding the energy of the wave......somehow...the speed kinda kicks in a whole different level.....why.......? No idea......but this is from hours and hours of riding down the line....
I worked in China for awhile so have some experience with Alibaba. It's a lot less dodgy now than it used to be, but you still have to be really sceptical of everything and everyone.
As Brohan says, you can search for hydrofoil and get heaps of results. If you go to Alibaba and select 'suppliers' on the left side of the search box, that will help you cut out some of the middlemen. Everyone on the site claims to be a factory but most are just re-sellers. You can go to the company's site and sort of work out whether they're a producer or not. There are a few types of foils most are selling. Once you've decided roughly what you want you and registered on the site, you can open a Request For Quotation (RFQ). You'll then get heaps of replies and offers. Several companies will sell you one piece and ship to Australia for around $100USD. When it comes time to pay, I STRONGLY advise against using Western Union or T/T (bank transfer). PayPal or escrow are much better. I'm considering an order so if anyone is interested in a group purchase reply here or send me a PM.
Good tips. Also request they send you a photo of what you're buying. Their sites post multiple models, then when you inquire, there is only one ... which may not be included in the ones posted. I got my Ch-akuma and was very happy with the deal. But I probably wouldn't have risked it without a first hand report of someone blazing the trail before me.
pretty sexy carbon foil there. :-) I am not an expert on these, but doesn't appear to be any of the obvious flaws that we've seen in other photos in this thread. Assume it's a copy/clone of a current foil ... how does it compare against them?
Sure would be nice to have a first hand report to know it's legit. You could ask them for a reference / testimonial from a happy customer maybe? (ideally with contact info so you can verify) Kinda doubt they'll give you this info, but may be worth a try.
[and a general note on alibaba/aliexpress: with how many horror stories there are out there with problem sellers, the legit ones would be smart to post these themselves....eg I'd be happy to provide a reference on the one that worked for me; I suspect ali would not put in place a feedback system for the entire site, as the illegitimate sellers would be put out of business]
