Hi Guys.

just started sup foiling and have a few questions.

1. i need to replace some of my screws on a naish 2018 foil. would it be worth me while to get stainless torq bolts or switch to titanium?
would hate to go back to philips heads but only as a last resort. does titanium react to aluminium like stainless does in salt water?
2. tef-gel... yes , no, and if yes on usage. how regularly do you use it, and how to clean it off?

having logged only a few sessions I'm focusing on water entry, exit, avoiding others etc and balance/ paddling. not looking to fast track to headbutting my foil just yet.

setup is a fanatic 2020 sup 142lit 6'11" plus naish 2019 xxl front/2018 med rear. ****ty ECS paddle and a recoil leash
im 6'2" and 230 ish lbs
big thanks so far for the youtube vids ive watched on blueplanet channel. Robert and Sam been a big help especially

cheers!

Torx is mandatory. It makes a huge difference with philips, pozi-drive, or even hex heads

With alu foils, it is better to use Titanium bolts than stainless steel. Both for corrosion and durability (stainless steel is quite soft and not very durable if you screw/unscrew it often). But stainless is OK if you store spares and use tef gel. With titanium bolts and tef gel, I did not disassemble my alu foil after use, just rinsed it whole, and did not see corrosion yet.

Extra Tef Gel can be cleaned by mineral solvents (white spirit, solvent F), but as always, try to never use acetone, too toxic.

Select to expand quote

colas said..
Torx is mandatory. It makes a huge difference with philips, pozi-drive, or even hex heads

With alu foils, it is better to use Titanium bolts than stainless steel. Both for corrosion and durability (stainless steel is quite soft and not very durable if you screw/unscrew it often). But stainless is OK if you store spares and use tef gel. With titanium bolts and tef gel, I did not disassemble my alu foil after use, just rinsed it whole, and did not see corrosion yet.

Extra Tef Gel can be cleaned by mineral solvents (white spirit, solvent F), but as always, try to never use acetone, too toxic.

thanks mate, greatly appreciated !