Hi Everyone,
I am new to windsurfing, I recently got a windsup board, and looking for a sail rig. I am debating on if I should buy a new set or used, I found www.nbwindsurfing.com/shop/Windsurf/Rig-Packages/p/Kona-Spark-Rig-x11381324.htm which sells whole rig for 500$. I also see some used sets on craiglist but they want similar price,400$ The one set has a really old sail, i think 97 north sail volcano 5.7 and looking for 420, or 300 for just the sail and mast, I found a boom for cheaper. Another seller wants 460 for carbon mast and sail and extension for 500( not sure if he means extension is 500, or total with it would be 500 no idea the type of sail just that its 5.5).

I thought used gear would be a little bit cheaper since these sets I am finding are pretty old. Should I go for the new rig.
This is the board I ordered www.aztronsports.com/products/details.html?id=40 pretty much limited to inflatable for my car, my car does not support roofrack, subaru brz.

Thank you,
Chris

Be careful, heard some horrendous stories about second hand stuff on Craigslist, seen some real rubbish bought for lots of money.

Go to your local store or look on market place on Facebook, if you are in OZ look on here obviously in the buy and sell section, have a look at the products on Seabreeze and get an idea of what is good for you.

I would personally say got for a sail around 5m size, get a mast and boom that works with it, go sailing then if you feel like you need more gear keep the mast , boom and sail and get either a larger or smaller sail from there.

Good luck.

Thank you, yeah Ill look some more. Ill probably end up buying the new one, since the used ones around me a pretty old setup for pretty much the same money.

Since you're already looking at NBwindsurfing you might as well give them a call. Britt and Karen know everything worth knowing about the sport and will steer you in a sensible direction given your specific circumstances, board, local conditions and ambitions. You'll undoubtedly spend a little more than you would on craigslist but none of what you spend will be wasted. Tell them hi from Jonny.

Mast quality/stiffness is very important, and we do not change our masts very often so if you were going to get anything new that would be the one thing that it is better not to skimp on. Sail quality is less relevant so if you picked up some used sails on iwindsurf.com for 50-100 you will be able to make them work. The trick is making sure the mast and boom you buy fit the settings of the typical sail you will be using where you live.

For the boom the chinook pro alloy is a great affordable boom new

www.nbwindsurfing.com/shop/Windsurf/Booms/Aluminum-Windsurfing-Booms/p/Chinook-RDG-Pro-1-Alloy-Boom-2020-x26429351.htm

The spark rig would likely be fine for learning but certainly something you would need to sell off once you get better.

Spend on a good mast. Ask people around you what the most common size they use then get that. Probably a 400-430 RDM. I've bought many used in those sizes without an issue.

I'd rather have a used performance sail over a new beginner one.

Extensions can be bought used, so can booms.

Edit: there are much better performing inflatables boards than that one. Also you might find that fitting the rig in your car is also a major problem.
Honestly you might be one of the few people better served by learning to windwing instead.

thank you for the info.
Grantmac, I was looking at the windwings, but after talking to some people they said they sail rig would fit. pretty much max length I can fit in the car is 9 feet. Looks like the mast breaks apart so I think it should be fine.

I got the inflatable just to learn on and later would get a hard board, and just use this one as a paddle board. Thinking the smaller boards might fit with the truck open. Windsurfing spot is pretty close to where I live so dont think a little bit sticking out the back would be an issue.

Thanks

Also windance has lots of used gear. I am sure they could put together a good beginner package, if you call them

www.windance.com/Used-Gear-Used-Windsurf-Sails/

I have a Subaru wagon and can barely fit a 460 mast so you may wish to measure first.

RRD makes a windsurfing rig that fits in a backpack.

Duo makes a semi-inflatable board which would be a much longer term investment.

But a windwing would be easier and cheaper than either to be honest.

Or you can buy a rooftop quiver bag.