^^^ as sausage said.
My theory -
time on water vs spending...
20% - strong wind 20-30kts (small gear, which I don't have much of, so when it's honking, say - 35+kts...I tend to sit it out, or 'borrow' mate's gear and hang on!
).
60% - mid wind range 15-20kts (for me - 6.5m sail & floater is my most common setup, could even be more like 80% of the time.) Most of my sailing is flatwater, or chop-hopping, so I go a bigger board than if I were on waves.
20% - light wind <15kts (7.5m+ & big board, my first board which I still have a blast on).
I'd pay more for gear that I can get out the most (new or quality s/h), and get good second-hand gear that doesn't cost too much for the rest.
Small gear is more fun, but if there's little wind, you'll have more fun on the water than sitting at home with a board & sail that won't get you planing.
When (if) things change for me, ie; move to a windier location, or start travelling more, and the ratio changes...so will my spending pattern.
