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Grantmac said..
The Starlite version probably lasts more than 2 years too, unlike the IQ boards I've heard about.

If I was the OP I'd look at the newer RF91 in AST.

No AST in 91 wide for 2020/21 model. AST is available in 2019 model. They only make the 91 in carbon. That said, I agree that they are decent boards for the money.

And I was serious that you will see the market flooded with used IQ boards very soon.

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ZeroVix said..
I think he will jump in an disclose his budget. My understanding was his frustration that a free ride board (sub 85 cm) can be purchased at a comfortable price, then jumps up a lot for anything above 85 cm. Most free ride foil boards are around 1.5-2.0k USD and boards above 85cm (not including Slingshot) are 2.5-3.5k USD. Is that justified? In the USA there are few options above 85cm for race foil and larger sails (what he wants). The Exocet RF 91 Carbon is 2,399 USD, Fanatic Falcon Foil 2,569 USD, Starboard IQ Foil 95 2,759 USD and then most jump above 2.9k USD. North Pacific and Roberts make free ride board for 2.5/2.6k USD, but a true wide board will run you more by both companies. I don't know too many custom shops in the USA that are making those type of boards. Roberts is in Vancouver, Canada - North Pacific in the Hood River and maybe Tilo in Miami might make some custom boards. Not many around. Also, if you are planning to sell a custom board in the future, the resale value isn't good. Just something to think about.

Tillo does both custom and production. I think at least a couple of us on here are riding his custom stuff.
Production freeride foil convert $1999US 91cm 140l liquidsurfandsail.com/tillo-convertible/
Production formula foil convert $1999US 100cm 190l liquidsurfandsail.com/tillo-formula-f/

Big issue in the US 1) as you point out, you can count the number of custom builders on your two thumbs and a pinkie 2) the transport crunch with anything from Asia and 3) the lack of distribution on a lot of brands here. Another issue is most of the 90+ stuff are race boards e.g. Falcon so there's a lot more carbon used which ups the price. A lot of the less expensive boards are wood or glass laminates. Their material costs are simply less. The price difference between a starlite and carbon Starboard foilboard is $1k or more.

Agreed on getting a better definition on his parameters. Otherwise, we're debating how many angels can windfoil on the head of a pin.

I have the ExocetRF 81 version 2, I highly recommend it for freerace, I've used it with sails 4.1 - 7.8, I'm 88kg , it works with wave or camber race and foil sails. I find their volume concept is interesting and works well, board flies very early, handles open ocean to flat water foiling.
Deck is totally flat and this works better than rounded rails or domed volume boards. I can't imagine needing more width unless you are focused exclusively on racing, if so the starboard IG is the board, unless you are in the PWA that allows open class boards.
I'm using this with the AFS95 foil, works great! Price is fair for carbon board at $2100.
www.exocet-original.com/rf-foil-carbon-c2x33092216
* On RF 71 and RF 81, we have distinguished the notion of felt volume and real volume. Indeed, if the real volume brings the buoyancy necessary for an early start, a great comfort when stopped and during transitions despite the short length, the volume felt once in flight is completely different. In this phase, the board seems much more lively, free, less cumbersome than the real volume might suggest. The feeling is present but to a lesser extent on the RF 91 and RF 100, which explains why we have kept the real volume.
Felt Volume 168 Liters - Real Volume 182 Liters - Deep Tuttle Foil Box RF 81cm x 210 cm81 cm weight 8.8kg sail range 4,0 - 8,5 m2
windfoilfan.glissattitude.com/devices/board/exocet-rf-71-carbon-2020,
also there is a review of the RF81 at the same website.

windfoilfan.glissattitude.com/devices/board/exocet-rf-81-carbone-2020

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chuckmaui said..
I have the ExocetRF 81 version 2, I highly recommend it for freerace, I've used it with sails 4.1 - 7.8, I'm 88kg , it works with wave or camber race and foil sails. I find their volume concept is interesting and works well, board flies very early, handles open ocean to flat water foiling.
Deck is totally flat and this works better than rounded rails or domed volume boards. I can't imagine needing more width unless you are focused exclusively on racing, if so the starboard IG is the board, unless you are in the PWA that allows open class boards.
I'm using this with the AFS95 foil, works great! Price is fair for carbon board at $2100.
www.exocet-original.com/rf-foil-carbon-c2x33092216
* On RF 71 and RF 81, we have distinguished the notion of felt volume and real volume. Indeed, if the real volume brings the buoyancy necessary for an early start, a great comfort when stopped and during transitions despite the short length, the volume felt once in flight is completely different. In this phase, the board seems much more lively, free, less cumbersome than the real volume might suggest. The feeling is present but to a lesser extent on the RF 91 and RF 100, which explains why we have kept the real volume.
Felt Volume 168 Liters - Real Volume 182 Liters - Deep Tuttle Foil Box RF 81cm x 210 cm81 cm weight 8.8kg sail range 4,0 - 8,5 m2
windfoilfan.glissattitude.com/devices/board/exocet-rf-71-carbon-2020,
also there is a review of the RF81 at the same website.

I also have the RF v.2 in both 71 & 91. Haven't tested the 91 yet as its high wind season here, but LOVE the 71. Easy to launch, easy to control at speed, construction is top notch.

I also had the RF 81 v.1 in AST. Great beginner board with long soft railed nose, could literally bounce it off the water and not pearl and very durable but a bit heavy.

Exocet does not get the credit they deserve IMHO. I've had many of their fin boards in the past and am loving their foil designs.