Also although I purchased it after March 1 I didn’t have to pay the increased price so I don’t believe I am getting the 2018 version. So besides the tradesmen kit which has the larger diameter hose is there a better smaller diameter hose that I should be purchasing?
Luke
First, welcome to the FOG!
Festool has some new features/options that will be available this year for the CT vacs (available April 2nd in N. America, available now in other parts of the world). One of the new features is the new braided sleeve hose. The new hose is smooth inside and out, it doesn't have the ribbed construction that all other shop vac hoses have. The idea is to increase airflow on the inside, and being smooth on the outside it won't snag on things while you work. Also, the new hose is a lot more flexible.
The new hose certainly has some welcome additions. That said you need to decide if its worth spending the money. Another option is to return your CT26 and wait until April to buy the updated CT26 with the new style hose. If you decide to go that route be sure you will be getting the updated model and not the current version with the "old" style hose.
As for cleaning kits, I like the tradesmen. The installer kits feels flimsy to me, and it uses the smaller diameter hose so the suction isn't the best for cleanups. If you decide on the tradesmen, I'd wait until April to get the version with the new style hose. Again, be sure to confirm with your dealer that you will be getting the new hose version.
Good luck, and let us know how it all works out.