Lots of discussion on that in another thread. People claiming to have
just as much fun by planing just as early on smaller, more
user-friendly gear.

My personal rationale for Formula gear is that it allows me
high-performance sailing in very light conditions. Not just ooching
onto a plane and being restricted to 10 degrees upwind and 20 degrees
downwind of a beam reach, but fully powered up, hiked out, balanced
sailing at performance dinghy angles at higher speeds. I always
suspected it, but my GPS just gave me confirmation - easily maintained
speeds of well over twice true wind speed in conditions that wouldn't
even allow you to launch a kite. To me, that's fun. And it fits in your
van and doesn't need a crew and doesn't bankrupt you (unlike a 49er or
Aussie 18).

My personal rationale for smaller (in my case, slalom) gear is that
there's nothing like that kick-in-the-pants you get when going
mach-speed in 25+ knots of breeze.

They are two very different kinds of sailing. I wouldn't want to do
without either. The former is more attainable, so that's where I get
most of my water time. Both, to me, are enhanced by competition, which
elevates the experience to a whole new level of reward for me - both
because it motivates me in my everyday sailing to push the envelope,
and because of the thrill of competing. The thing here is that it's
performance sailing - it's not about cruising back and forth well
within my comfort zone. And it's not about artistic expression. At
least not for me. That's just me, though; YMMV - and it should, as
fortunately we're all individuals with our own unique makeups, buttons,
and preferences.

No matter how you slice it though - anyone telling people that sailing
formula gear is 'boring' has not truly experienced it on its terms.
That doesn't mean that everyone will enjoy it. It also doesn't mean
that it's an experience that's for everyone. But to make wholesale
recommendations pro or con formula gear sort of misses the point.

If you're into performance sailing (as opposed to cruising), then
Formula gear will be the right choice to cover your light-to-medium
wind range over Free Formula or big freeride kit anytime. If you're
into cruising, the reverse might be true (unless you're an accomplished
enough sailor that you can achieve relaxed cruising on highly tuned
kit). And if you're into sailing as artistic expression (i.e.,
freestyle), then of course any kind of performance kit (whether it be
formula or slalom gear) would not be advised.

Andreas

From:	JimmySchmittsLovesChocolateMilk
Subject:	Re: Why Formula gear?
Date:	Fri, 14 Jan 2005 16:31:54 -0500

> (unless you're an accomplished
> enough sailor that you can achieve relaxed cruising on highly tuned
> kit). >

> Andreas
>

This talk of formula gear being hard to handle and rig has me wondering,
what is sailing on a small board really like?
I am relatively new to windsurfing, and have few/no sailing buddies around
here. All I own is an early formula board ('00 *brd f155)
I don't find it hard to sail on, or difficult to manage, but, .. its all
I know, (well that and my log of a mid 80's mistral that was stolen)
I have sailed a bic techno twice, but never for more than a few minutes,
so, I don't have any experience on other equipment,
Is sailing other equipment that much different?

Dave

From:	Craig (gsogh) Goudie
Subject:	Re: Why Formula gear?
Date:	Fri, 14 Jan 2005 16:23:11 -0700

Oh baby is it ever different! Once you get in good wind with a
little wave or bump board, you are gonna love it. I know I do,
but it doesn't keep me from riding the big stuff if that's all the
wind there is. I now own a Hyper 133 and an 8.5 and I'm
looking for a 9.5, but I'd rather be on a 3.2 and a 70 Ltr HiTech.

But, I am a wind whore, maybe I need a 10.5

-Craig

JimmySchmittsLovesChocolateMilk wrote:

> [snip]
>
> This talk of formula gear being hard to handle and rig has me wondering,
> what is sailing on a small board really like?
> I am relatively new to windsurfing, and have few/no sailing buddies around
> here. All I own is an early formula board ('00 *brd f155)
> I don't find it hard to sail on, or difficult to manage, but, .. its all
> I know, (well that and my log of a mid 80's mistral that was stolen)
> I have sailed a bic techno twice, but never for more than a few minutes,
> so, I don't have any experience on other equipment,
> Is sailing other equipment that much different?
>
> Dave

--
Craig (Go Short or Go Home!) Goudie
Sailing the high desert lakes of Utah on my:
RRD 298, RRD TT and Cross M 8'2" with
Sailworks/Naish Sails and Rec Composites Fins
Sailing the Gorge on my: 9'1" RRD Freeride,
8'3" Logosz Squish, 8'0" Hitech IBM with
Sailworks/Northwave Sails and Curtis Fins

From:	Andrew
Subject:	Re: Why Formula gear?
Date:	Fri, 14 Jan 2005 18:35:52 -0500

> Is sailing other equipment that much different?
>
>
> Dave
>

Dave,

What difference between driving large track and porshe? You have to try
it to understand.

--
Andrew
replay to: windyandy-at-comcast-dot-net

From:	jeff feehan
Subject:	Re: Why Formula gear?
Date:	Mon, 17 Jan 2005 10:49:59 -0500

i only sailed it once a few years ago, but i think the f155
is considered a fairly user friendly formula board. some others
might be harder to sail. i owned a starboard 175, which was very
easy to sail, and now have an x-186, which is also pretty easy
to sail.

it sound like you are ready to give small boards a try. a vacation
to somewhere windy this spring would be great for you. just
being able to sail with other windsurfers would really advance your
sailing.

i think you would love a week at margarita....

JimmySchmittsLovesChocolateMilk wrote:
>
> This talk of formula gear being hard to handle and rig has me wondering,
> what is sailing on a small board really like?
> I am relatively new to windsurfing, and have few/no sailing buddies around
> here. All I own is an early formula board ('00 *brd f155)
> I don't find it hard to sail on, or difficult to manage, but, .. its all
> I know, (well that and my log of a mid 80's mistral that was stolen)
> I have sailed a bic techno twice, but never for more than a few minutes,
> so, I don't have any experience on other equipment,
> Is sailing other equipment that much different?
>
>
> Dave
>
>
>

From:	JimmySchmittsLovesChocolateMilk
Subject:	Re: Why Formula gear?
Date:	Mon, 17 Jan 2005 11:53:47 -0500

"jeff feehan" wrote in message
news:6hRGd.7338$ad7.5816@fe10.lga...
>i only sailed it once a few years ago, but i think the f155
> is considered a fairly user friendly formula board. some others
> might be harder to sail. i owned a starboard 175, which was very
> easy to sail, and now have an x-186, which is also pretty easy
> to sail.
>
> it sound like you are ready to give small boards a try. a vacation
> to somewhere windy this spring would be great for you. just
> being able to sail with other windsurfers would really advance your
> sailing.
>
> i think you would love a week at margarita....

Visisions of aruba / bonaire / margarita have been dancing in my head, cost
though continues to sit on them and squish the ever living out of those
ideas.
But I just got news from a friend who wsurfs that I may be able to get out
to Hatteras with a couple of buddies near the end of April, hopefully that
will fit the bill. I'd really like to get a feel for what you guys are
talking about.
I've never been anywhere on a windsurfing vacation / trip before, so this
will be fun.
any chance I will need / be able to use my board out there?
I'm sure I'll be able to find rentals or buy an inexpensive small board out
there if neccesary.

Dave

>
>
>
> JimmySchmittsLovesChocolateMilk wrote:
>>
>> This talk of formula gear being hard to handle and rig has me wondering,
>> what is sailing on a small board really like?
>> I am relatively new to windsurfing, and have few/no sailing buddies
>> around here. All I own is an early formula board ('00 *brd f155)
>> I don't find it hard to sail on, or difficult to manage, but, .. its
>> all I know, (well that and my log of a mid 80's mistral that was stolen)
>> I have sailed a bic techno twice, but never for more than a few minutes,
>> so, I don't have any experience on other equipment,
>> Is sailing other equipment that much different?
>>
>>
>> Dave
>>
>>

From:	sailquik (Roger Jackson)
Subject:	Re: Why Formula gear?
Date:	Mon, 17 Jan 2005 18:43:55 GMT

Hi Dave,
Yes, bring your wide formula board. Weather here in Hatteras in late April can
range from very cold to very warm, and the wind can be nukin' for small boards
one day and perfect for large Formula gear the next.
The "rule" for visits to Hatteras in the spring and fall is "bring everything"
and you will probably use nearly all of it.
You will need a big weed fin for your Formula board as the Pamlico Sound is
pretty shallow. Right now 46-50 cm weed fins work most of the time, but larger
and more vertical fins
won't as the sandbars are too shallow.
If you do not have a large weed fin, there are lots of them available here in
Hatteras, designed specifically for the conditions here in Hatteras.
And, yes, you can rent just about any sort of board (other than true Formula
race boards) here on the island.
Hope this helps,
Roger

JimmySchmittsLovesChocolateMilk wrote:

> "jeff feehan" wrote in message
> news:6hRGd.7338$ad7.5816@fe10.lga...
> >i only sailed it once a few years ago, but i think the f155
> > is considered a fairly user friendly formula board. some others
> > might be harder to sail. i owned a starboard 175, which was very
> > easy to sail, and now have an x-186, which is also pretty easy
> > to sail.
> >
> > it sound like you are ready to give small boards a try. a vacation
> > to somewhere windy this spring would be great for you. just
> > being able to sail with other windsurfers would really advance your
> > sailing.
> >
> > i think you would love a week at margarita....
>
> Visisions of aruba / bonaire / margarita have been dancing in my head, cost
> though continues to sit on them and squish the ever living out of those
> ideas.
> But I just got news from a friend who wsurfs that I may be able to get out
> to Hatteras with a couple of buddies near the end of April, hopefully that
> will fit the bill. I'd really like to get a feel for what you guys are
> talking about.
> I've never been anywhere on a windsurfing vacation / trip before, so this
> will be fun.
> any chance I will need / be able to use my board out there?
> I'm sure I'll be able to find rentals or buy an inexpensive small board out
> there if neccesary.
>
> Dave
>
> >
> >
> >
> > JimmySchmittsLovesChocolateMilk wrote:
> >>
> >> This talk of formula gear being hard to handle and rig has me wondering,
> >> what is sailing on a small board really like?
> >> I am relatively new to windsurfing, and have few/no sailing buddies
> >> around here. All I own is an early formula board ('00 *brd f155)
> >> I don't find it hard to sail on, or difficult to manage, but, .. its
> >> all I know, (well that and my log of a mid 80's mistral that was stolen)
> >> I have sailed a bic techno twice, but never for more than a few minutes,
> >> so, I don't have any experience on other equipment,
> >> Is sailing other equipment that much different?
> >>
> >>
> >> Dave
> >>
> >>

From:	JimmySchmittsLovesChocolateMilk
Subject:	Re: Why Formula gear?
Date:	Mon, 17 Jan 2005 15:22:34 -0500

Roger,
I didn't realize that you were from at Hatteras. Thanks for info on fins,
right now I have 55 and a 58 but was keeping my eye out for used tuttle weed
fin. Are you connected with any local shops? If you are around there in
the end of April allow me to buy you a brown pop for all the rigging advise
you've given me in the past.

Dave

"sailquik (Roger Jackson)" wrote in message
news:41EC06C1.BF971165@mindspring.com...
> Hi Dave,
> Yes, bring your wide formula board. Weather here in Hatteras in late April
> can
> range from very cold to very warm, and the wind can be nukin' for small
> boards
> one day and perfect for large Formula gear the next.
> The "rule" for visits to Hatteras in the spring and fall is "bring
> everything"
> and you will probably use nearly all of it.
> You will need a big weed fin for your Formula board as the Pamlico Sound
> is
> pretty shallow. Right now 46-50 cm weed fins work most of the time, but
> larger
> and more vertical fins
> won't as the sandbars are too shallow.
> If you do not have a large weed fin, there are lots of them available here
> in
> Hatteras, designed specifically for the conditions here in Hatteras.
> And, yes, you can rent just about any sort of board (other than true
> Formula
> race boards) here on the island.
> Hope this helps,
> Roger
>
>
> JimmySchmittsLovesChocolateMilk wrote:
>
>> "jeff feehan" wrote in message
>> news:6hRGd.7338$ad7.5816@fe10.lga...
>> >i only sailed it once a few years ago, but i think the f155
>> > is considered a fairly user friendly formula board. some others
>> > might be harder to sail. i owned a starboard 175, which was very
>> > easy to sail, and now have an x-186, which is also pretty easy
>> > to sail.
>> >
>> > it sound like you are ready to give small boards a try. a vacation
>> > to somewhere windy this spring would be great for you. just
>> > being able to sail with other windsurfers would really advance your
>> > sailing.
>> >
>> > i think you would love a week at margarita....
>>
>> Visisions of aruba / bonaire / margarita have been dancing in my head,
>> cost
>> though continues to sit on them and squish the ever living out of those
>> ideas.
>> But I just got news from a friend who wsurfs that I may be able to get
>> out
>> to Hatteras with a couple of buddies near the end of April, hopefully
>> that
>> will fit the bill. I'd really like to get a feel for what you guys are
>> talking about.
>> I've never been anywhere on a windsurfing vacation / trip before, so
>> this
>> will be fun.
>> any chance I will need / be able to use my board out there?
>> I'm sure I'll be able to find rentals or buy an inexpensive small board
>> out
>> there if neccesary.
>>
>> Dave
>>
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > JimmySchmittsLovesChocolateMilk wrote:
>> >>
>> >> This talk of formula gear being hard to handle and rig has me
>> >> wondering,
>> >> what is sailing on a small board really like?
>> >> I am relatively new to windsurfing, and have few/no sailing buddies
>> >> around here. All I own is an early formula board ('00 *brd f155)
>> >> I don't find it hard to sail on, or difficult to manage, but, ..
>> >> its
>> >> all I know, (well that and my log of a mid 80's mistral that was
>> >> stolen)
>> >> I have sailed a bic techno twice, but never for more than a few
>> >> minutes,
>> >> so, I don't have any experience on other equipment,
>> >> Is sailing other equipment that much different?
>> >>
>> >>
>> >> Dave
>> >>
>> >>
>

From:	sailquik (Roger Jackson)
Subject:	Re: Why Formula gear?
Date:	Mon, 17 Jan 2005 22:52:11 GMT

Hi Dave,
I should be around here in late April, it all depends on where my consulting job
takes me.
I'm amused by your "allow me to buy you a brown pop" offer.
I hope this refers to a fizzy golden liquid in a brown (usually, but it comes in
clear and green bottles as well) bottle, and not something else.
Root beer would be a close 2nd guess.
I kinda know and work with all the shops here, so if you don't see me, ask them
if they have.
You'll know me by the big white 4X4 Mitsubishi box truck.
Hope to see you in April!
Roger

JimmySchmittsLovesChocolateMilk wrote:

> Roger,
> I didn't realize that you were from at Hatteras. Thanks for info on fins,
> right now I have 55 and a 58 but was keeping my eye out for used tuttle weed
> fin. Are you connected with any local shops? If you are around there in
> the end of April allow me to buy you a brown pop for all the rigging advise
> you've given me in the past.
>
> Dave
>
> "sailquik (Roger Jackson)" wrote in message
> news:41EC06C1.BF971165@mindspring.com...
> > Hi Dave,
> > Yes, bring your wide formula board. Weather here in Hatteras in late April
> > can
> > range from very cold to very warm, and the wind can be nukin' for small
> > boards
> > one day and perfect for large Formula gear the next.
> > The "rule" for visits to Hatteras in the spring and fall is "bring
> > everything"
> > and you will probably use nearly all of it.
> > You will need a big weed fin for your Formula board as the Pamlico Sound
> > is
> > pretty shallow. Right now 46-50 cm weed fins work most of the time, but
> > larger
> > and more vertical fins
> > won't as the sandbars are too shallow.
> > If you do not have a large weed fin, there are lots of them available here
> > in
> > Hatteras, designed specifically for the conditions here in Hatteras.
> > And, yes, you can rent just about any sort of board (other than true
> > Formula
> > race boards) here on the island.
> > Hope this helps,
> > Roger
> >
> >
> > JimmySchmittsLovesChocolateMilk wrote:
> >
> >> "jeff feehan" wrote in message
> >> news:6hRGd.7338$ad7.5816@fe10.lga...
> >> >i only sailed it once a few years ago, but i think the f155
> >> > is considered a fairly user friendly formula board. some others
> >> > might be harder to sail. i owned a starboard 175, which was very
> >> > easy to sail, and now have an x-186, which is also pretty easy
> >> > to sail.
> >> >
> >> > it sound like you are ready to give small boards a try. a vacation
> >> > to somewhere windy this spring would be great for you. just
> >> > being able to sail with other windsurfers would really advance your
> >> > sailing.
> >> >
> >> > i think you would love a week at margarita....
> >>
> >> Visisions of aruba / bonaire / margarita have been dancing in my head,
> >> cost
> >> though continues to sit on them and squish the ever living out of those
> >> ideas.
> >> But I just got news from a friend who wsurfs that I may be able to get
> >> out
> >> to Hatteras with a couple of buddies near the end of April, hopefully
> >> that
> >> will fit the bill. I'd really like to get a feel for what you guys are
> >> talking about.
> >> I've never been anywhere on a windsurfing vacation / trip before, so
> >> this
> >> will be fun.
> >> any chance I will need / be able to use my board out there?
> >> I'm sure I'll be able to find rentals or buy an inexpensive small board
> >> out
> >> there if neccesary.
> >>
> >> Dave
> >>
> >> >
> >> >
> >> >
> >> > JimmySchmittsLovesChocolateMilk wrote:
> >> >>
> >> >> This talk of formula gear being hard to handle and rig has me
> >> >> wondering,
> >> >> what is sailing on a small board really like?
> >> >> I am relatively new to windsurfing, and have few/no sailing buddies
> >> >> around here. All I own is an early formula board ('00 *brd f155)
> >> >> I don't find it hard to sail on, or difficult to manage, but, ..
> >> >> its
> >> >> all I know, (well that and my log of a mid 80's mistral that was
> >> >> stolen)
> >> >> I have sailed a bic techno twice, but never for more than a few
> >> >> minutes,
> >> >> so, I don't have any experience on other equipment,
> >> >> Is sailing other equipment that much different?
> >> >>
> >> >>
> >> >> Dave
> >> >>
> >> >>
> >

From:	JimmySchmittsLovesChocolateMilk
Subject:	Re: Why Formula gear?
Date:	Mon, 17 Jan 2005 22:05:44 -0500

> I hope this refers to a fizzy golden liquid in a brown (usually, but it
> comes in
> clear and green bottles as well) bottle,

you bet, that's a brown pop, or, if you prefer a barley sandwich, ect
ect ect.
either way, there is one with your name on it.

Dave

From:	Peter B
Subject:	Re: Why Formula gear?
Date:	Sat, 15 Jan 2005 19:08:15 +0100

"JimmySchmittsLovesChocolateMilk" wrote in message
news:r8CdnUBtV9RA2nXcRVn-pg@comcast.com...

> This talk of formula gear being hard to handle and rig has me wondering,
> what is sailing on a small board really like?

A big board is something you stand on but, corny as it sounds, a small board
is an extension of your body.

Pete

From:	info at pixeldelusion.com
Subject:	Re: Why Formula gear?
Date:	17 Jan 2005 07:25:15 -0800

I ride my formula gear when the wind is light, when it picks up there
nothing like rideing small gear and doing jumps and tricks.

Windsurfing gear is like set of golf clubs, right gear for the right
conditions. Light -Formula "aka 1 wood"
30 to 35+mph 75Liter wave board "aka 9iron"
Everyone know small gear is fun to ride in big wind, but formula gear
is fun to ride in light wind also. Reguardless the Formula gear just
lets me increase my TOW by 40 to 50 percent in my area. The wind does
not blow as much as it does in the gorge or corpus here in Louisiana. I
take what I can get and it deals me mostly formula days. I will admit
my small gear feels like a part of my body after sailing the big
formula gear. On the other hand the formula gear makes me a more better
sailor by teaching me sail handling and board trim.

D.Hughes

Peter B wrote:
> "JimmySchmittsLovesChocolateMilk" wrote in message
> news:r8CdnUBtV9RA2nXcRVn-pg@comcast.com...
>
> > This talk of formula gear being hard to handle and rig has me
wondering,
> > what is sailing on a small board really like?
>
> A big board is something you stand on but, corny as it sounds, a
small board
> is an extension of your body.
>
> Pete