Time for me to update from my old trainer foil (because I bought it used and it's now falling apart), looking for advice on what brand to go with. Want something that can take a little bit of a beating and won't go obsolete in a year, so I basically have it narrowed down to Armstrong or Axis. I primarily ride flat water, no intention to get into waves any time soon. Can gybe successfully once in a while, and once in a _rare_ while I can do it without touching down. But I just want to progress on transitions, figure out tacks, carve around, 360s, sit on the board, stuff like that. Don't care about jumping at this point, but could see myself getting into some small ones this season or next. Also I live in San Diego -- 13kts is a windy day. So I want to be able to get out in low winds, like <10kts. (Obviously kite and skill are big factors for low-end, but maybe one brand outshines the other in light wind?)
Both Axis and Armstrong are nice and modular. Both seem to be very high quality. I like the lube-free corrosion-proof combination of materials on the Armstrong, and I assume (can someone confirm?) that it's a lighter setup since it's all carbon and titanium. Axis is more affordable (at least when you go with the aluminum mast, which I probably would). The Axis 19mm alu mast is said to be incredibly stiff. On the other hand, Armie cites some mast flexion near the fuse as a good thing, not a drawback.
Unfortunately I cannot demo either of these options before I buy. Would love to hear from anyone who's had the opportunity to ride both. Curious how the weight compares, whether one is more durable than the other, and also interested in a discussion of pros and cons when it comes to mast stiffness vs flexibility.