Foil damage from package

[lavueltalmundo]

Hi guys, I just bought my first foil (aka I know very little about the topic), but the mast came from the box with this dent. Would this matter or should I return it? I would appreciate any advice. Thanks!

[SWO_kite]

All imperfections do make a difference in foil performance.

It's just a question of whether you're okay with it or not? Personally, I would not accept this from a vendor. Perhaps consider reaching out to them to see how they will suggest to remedy the issue. If you don't agree, present a counter offer. Realistically, you could probably still use the foil without issue, but this is an excellent opportunity to get a rebate from the supplier. Just reach out to the vendor and see what they say (don't propose anything until they back to you).

Please report back with any developments.

[tmcfarla]

I doubt it will impact performance much. Hard to tell from picture, but it looks like it is going to be above water most of the time. That said, it shouldn’t come like that, and I’d consider asking for a new mast.

A dent like that may cause whistling when it is below water. Annoying, but nothing terrible, so if you don’t feel like asking for a new mast, it should still ride fine.

[Rob112]

100% return it, you've received damaged goods.

[OzBungy]

Depends on what your actual question is.

Should you expect a replacement? Absolutely. They're obliged to deliver a new product to you in new condition. Aluminium mast lengths cost almost nothing. It should be no problem to them to replace it.

Replacing the damaged mast section might be a problem for you. They might send you a new mast and you have to do the assembly. The top plate can be glued and/or anti-corrosion grease on the screw threads. If you do it wrong you will be much worse off than having a chip out of the mast.

Will it make a difference in riding? Probably not. If it whistles you could rub a little epoxy paste onto it and give it a sand. As your first foil you're probably going to damage some part of it pretty soon. Tidying up scratches and chips is part of foiling.

[Flyingseb]

Another point to consider: what will happen, when you will want to sell it to do an upgrade, or find out you maid a mistake? Its value as a used foil is already lower than without the dent, so you probably could loose money in the future, due to this.
So, if still possible, I would have it changed by a new one.

[apollo4000]

It’s a pain in the arse when you pay good money and find stuff damaged or more often missing. If you can put up with it, return it.

[Dave_5280]

I would ask them to send you a replacement and you will return the damaged one after you receive it and verify it is good. That way you don’t send it in not knowing when or if the replacement will arrive. At least the damaged one is useable if you need it.

Your experience makes me think that the next time I unbox an expensive item, I’m going to shoot a short video of it in case any proof is needed to show it was damaged coming out of the box.

[fluidity]

It reads so much better that way than "Package damage from foil"

[lavueltalmundo]

Thanks guys, maybe they are going to provide a new mast, but will keep you posted on how the store manages the deal. Thanks to all of you for the insight and advice