Ok so I posted about the Manta as below and got 3 or 4 red thumbs, I presume from sellers of the foil fish for suggesting that the fish board isn't really ideal as a foil board, as they've just used an existing skim/surf fish design rather than something made for foils (not enough volume or nose rocker, heavy, etc).
Rather than spam the other thread, I thought I'd start my own to kinda document my own research and it might help others. I'm intending to buy a foil board when the stars align and I have the money, time, and I heal up some war wounds. Maybe as early as the start of next season.
There appears to be a rush of foils entering the market, led by the euros, particularly france, but with the rest of the world catching up. First wave, carbon race foils for a huge price. 2nd wave which is just starting now, Aluminium/Fibreglass or Aluminium/Carbon for much less money, but a couple of extra kilos.
I might buy a 2nd hard carbon model, or a new hybrid, haven't decided.
Foil Fish The first to hit the market here is the Foil Fish, plenty of threads already, for $2000 you can walk into a store here and get a fish board that can be used for surf kiting without the foil, a slow, forgiving, easy alu/fg foil with faster c/f wings available down the line, and even a bag. There are reviews in other threads here.
liquidforcekites.com Manta Manta is a kite foil board, with alu mast & f/g wings, also with faster c/f wings available. Their board has lots of volume, big concaves, big rocker on the nose, and inverted rails. Thekitefoil have just started doing free shipping worldwide Current price I work out at $2200 delivered.
www.thekitefoil.com/#!online-store/cre6/!/manta-2015-hydrofoil-with-Pro-Race-board/p/46563788/category=12087149 Alpinefoil Alpinefoil have just released an aluminium + carbon fibre foil as well, for $1185 that could be worthwhile depending on what board you sourced. Renders look pretty but I haven't seen actual pics yet. Not sure on package price & postage yet.
www.alpinefoil.com/en/pages/kitefoil/kitefoil-alpinefoil-5-0.html Zeeko have just announced a hybrid for around 800 euros. TheKiteFoil used to make their foils up until last year. I'll post on that when more details come up.
