My apologies first up if it seems like this has been covered but it feels like there is a massive shortfall of info around.....

I really wanted to be able to find all this info myself without annoying you helpful folks on the forums but Google has beaten me and I can't seem to find any extensive reviews that helps people inch towards the "which 2018 SUP foil for me" decision.

Have seen some good personal reviews on here by a man called "Piros" and some extensive input from "Colas" - thanks gents.
- Piros seemed to be leaning towards the Naish Thrust if I read correctly but was awaiting to trial the Slinshot Hoverglide SUP foil.
- Colas seems to have infinite input into foil placement/use etc (but is bound somewhat to the French GongSup brand I believe).
......One of the quotes in a Colas thread was "Curved foils are so 2017".....which was quite a chuckle...
......But got me also thinking "Is flat where it's at" (now)?

Seems to be a lot of places selling but all "copy and pasting" from the seller's website (Globally)
i.e. There are no personal expreiences being provided or saying (something like): "we liked/disliked this because....." or "this suited 'this' type of person/condition" etc....especially outlets selling multiple foil brands

I was edging towards a Naish, and I do hope to get on one behind a boat shortly, but was baffled (shocked!?) to read that Naish recommends their Thrust foil is taken apart and washed after EVERY use. For $1600-$1700 this seems like a lot of hassle and had me looking into the "Cheap China Foils" thread. I do think though it is worth, at this stage, still going with the big boys;
A) For easier/safer learing and progression
B) Support if there is an issue - or just some hands on direction
C) Less chance of there actually being an issue in the first place
D) Re-sale value down the track
NOTE: One gent on the forums had gotten a China brand foil and has been rapped with it. Says it's just like the Takuma foil.....but I don't think he was a foil "virgin"......and longevity of craftsmanship too soon to tell.....

I am most curious about the Slingshot Hoverglide but I can't find any decent reviews. Like the $$$ and the learner mast options
HAS ANYONE TRIED/BEEN USING THESE?

Some are probabl.y more easily transferable too (i.e Have capacity to attach different wing OR versatile enough without having to buy additional wings)

I think I agree with most experienced foil users that going the larger wing offered (eg Large in Naish Thrust or H4 in the Slingshot Hoverglide) is a better option....harder to paddle generally, but much easier to learn (slower speed required to get foil up and, then, more stable once up).....this is all based from online information....

Apologies to raise so many things in the one post i.e.
- Lack or retailers "meaningful" reviews
- Slingshot Hover Glide - reviews/experiences?
- Hoverglide vs Naish Thrust (or other worthy contenders)
- Removing foil after every session to avoid corrosion....seriously!?
- The China Knock off
- Large vs Smaller wing (for newbies)
- Curved vs Flat foils "Curved foils are so 2017"......ha!
- Versatility of use (SUP - Prone - Kite)

By the way, I am 6"1, 73kg (stringbean), very competent surfer/SUP'er/Kiter and have a Starboard Hypernut 7"8 (116L) retro-fit almost ready. Like many new to SUP foil, I plan to use on small crappy days when no people are out and/or unsurfed spots. SUP foil for now, and maybe prone later....

If you made it to here; 10 points! I can imagine there are maybe others wandering some of these thing so I hope this helps more than just me. Maybe you can help with just one or a few points on the summary list......

Thanks (tremendously) in advance.
Steve - Central Coast NSW