Someone over on Sa commented that rather than going for the latest gear upgrade, you should get a coach.
Go to one of Rick's or Robbie Daniel's seminars. Maybe hire John Casey for a day.
I've said that a couple of times myself. You do need to know the basics of how to get the cat around the course - but a one week coaching session can take at least three years off your "learning on your own" experience pace. I had three days of help from Robbie Daniels earlier this year and my upwind pace on my a-cat and F18 is dramatically improved.
