Guide: Used Wing Foil, how to choose your gear well.
Checking second-hand Wing Foil gear before buying
In this guide, the GlissEvolution team explains how to properly check second-hand gear before buying it: a second-hand wing, a second-hand wing foil, and a second-hand wing board.
Always inspect a wingfoil pack in person before you buy it second-hand. To avoid disappointment, ask the right questions upfront. Then, carefully check your future second-hand wing, foil, or wing board.
Check out our second-hand wing foil gear
The right questions to ask before buying
What is the year of the second-hand wing? Gear evolves quickly, and we advise against buying equipment that is too old.
How long has it been used (Number of sessions)? The more the gear has been used, the more 'tired' it will be.
What was the usage program and the level of the previous rider? A beginner, or use in a wing foil school, will always be more traumatic for the gear than an experienced rider.
Second-hand Wing foil wing: what to check
On a second-hand wing, look for these signs of wear:
- Creases in the canopy give an idea of its number of sessions. A canopy with few creases that still feels crisp indicates a second-hand wing that has been used little and/or well. Being overpowered prematurely damages the canopy. A wing that remains inflated and flapping on the beach will also show creases.
- Repairs on a second-hand wing: it's better to buy a second-hand wing with a good repair done by a professional than a wing without repair, mottled with a spinnaker at the end of its life.
- The Leading Edge seams also need checking. Visually inspect them to ensure the thread holes aren't enlarged or, worse, that a thread isn't broken.
- The inflatable strut must hold pressure. Inflate the wing and check its pressure after 30 minutes. You can also spray the strut with soapy water to check for any leaks. If bubbles appear, it indicates a leak. If it needs checking or repairing, you can drop off the second-hand wing at the GlissEvolution store for Charly's Workshop to repair it, which will cost you less than a new strut.
What to check on a second-hand Wing Foil
Here are the points to check on a second-hand wing foil:
- The foil hasn't taken a hit. The Front Wing of the foil often touches first, and a crack can quickly appear. Also, check the wing tips, which may have scraped the sand. If the paint is slightly scuffed, it's not serious. If the fiber is damaged, it's more problematic.
- The screw set: if the second-hand wing foil has been well-maintained, the screw set should be clean and should disassemble without force.
What to check on a second-hand Wing Board
A second-hand wing board is checked like any other kite or Surf board. Look for dents on the deck, ensure the grip is well-applied and not peeling, and check for any snags or repairs on the board.
An additional important point is the foil box. It's crucial to check its overall condition and watertightness with the board, as a box repair is expensive. You can also install the foil and check that the box doesn't 'move' in the board.
View the second-hand wing foil section
Source and Limitations
Source: Duotone Wing Foiling maintenance and repair recommendations confirm the importance of checking the strut's watertightness with soapy water, completely drying the wing, and avoiding letting it flap in the wind. Consult the official Duotone guide.
Limitations: This checklist helps identify visible defects, but it cannot guarantee the internal condition of a board, a foil box, or a strut. If in doubt, have the equipment inspected before purchase and verify the exact compatibility of parts with the manufacturer.
Key Features
| Section | Key takeaway |
|---|---|
| Checking second-hand Wing Foil equipment before buying | In this guide, the GlissEvolution team explains how to properly check second-hand equipment before buying it: a second-hand wing, a second-hand wing foil, and a board... |
| The right questions to ask before buying | What year is the second-hand wing? |
| What to check on a second-hand wing foil wing | When inspecting a second-hand wing, look for signs of wear like marbling on the canopy. This gives you an idea of how many sessions it has seen. |
| What to check on a second-hand wing foil | When checking a second-hand wing foil, make sure it hasn't taken any hits. |
| What to check on a second-hand wing board | You check a second-hand wing board just like any other Kite or Surf board. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How to check second-hand wing foil gear before buying it
In this guide, the GlissEvolution team shows you how to properly inspect second-hand gear before you buy it. This includes a second-hand wing, a second-hand wing foil, and a second-hand wing board. You need to examine a second-hand wingfoil pack in person before making a purchase.
What questions should you ask before buying?
What year is the second-hand wing? Gear evolves quickly, so we advise against buying equipment that's too old.
Second-hand wing foil wing: key things to check
On a second-hand wing, signs of wear include marbling on the canopy. This indicates its number of sessions. A lightly marbled and still crisp canopy suggests a second-hand wing that has seen little use or has been well-maintained.
Second-hand wing foil: key things to check
When checking a second-hand wing foil, make sure it hasn't taken any hits. The Front Wing of the foil is often the first to make contact, and a crack can quickly appear.
Second-hand wing board: key things to check
You check a second-hand wing board just like any other Kite or Surf board. Look for dents on the deck, ensure the grip is well-applied and not peeling, and check if the board has any snags or repairs.
Got a question about the gear mentioned here?
The GlissEvolution team rides what they sell. They are available to answer your questions in person at the Pornichet store or by phone.
