I have the youth iQFoil, which means the mast is aluminum. I was quite happy with it until I noticed the area where the back barrel nut goes had structural cracks. I contacted the shop from where I bought it and they told me Starboard is aware of the issue, are working on the second alu version, and that as soon as they have the new mast they will replace it for free. In the mean time, this shop lend me a mast (amazing customer service).

I was told I could get the alu replacement for free or the carbon iQFoil mast at a discounted price (400 USD off) so I would pay 1400 USD for the carbon mast. Is it worth to spend that much money to upgrade to the carbon mast?

Talking to a kid who is into iQFoil racing he told me that U-19 were bending/breaking the alu mast so the class decided to use carbon masts for the U-19 class and the racers are getting the mast for free (at least that is what I was told). This guy also told me that when the alu mast bends, sometimes it sucks the windward rail into the water. I have noticed that effect with my foil but I never new what caused it (what he says is the actual cause of the effect is to be determined).

Anyways, any input is appreciated (especially from people who tried both SB masts).

That is an awful lot just for a carbon mast, can get a complete all carbon AFS foil for $50-300 more!, shipping and VAT not included, if buying from US no VAT.

WillyWind said..

Sandman1221 said..
That is an awful lot just for a carbon mast, can get a complete all carbon AFS foil for $50-300 more!, shipping and VAT not included, if buying from US no VAT.

I believe 1400 is the price for race/freerace carbon masts for most brands (Phantom, Loke, etc). Even the "T bar"(mast and fuse) from AFS is 1700 USD. but that is besides the point because I am not selling all my foil gear to switch brands (at least not for a while). But I agree with you, that is a lot of money for a mast.

Is the Cedrus mast an option?

Most people who foil will end up on carbon masts, so If you can get a deal on one from the brand you want to use it makes sense to me.

Yes it's worth the price ..especially if it's discounted

WillyWind said..
Time make things even trickier, I noticed that the iQFoil carbon mast is also called c400. That one costs 1800 usd. The c300 is a step below (similar or the same as the original carbon mast prior to the iQFoil) and that one is 400 usd cheaper. decisions, decisions.

Tempted to tell you that if you don't want the IQ, sell it to me. I'd like one but not paying the usd1900 (I'd buy a Phantom X instead). Have the cheaper one and good thing I'm very light cause even I can feel it flex.

Paducah said..

WillyWind said..
Time make things even trickier, I noticed that the iQFoil carbon mast is also called c400. That one costs 1800 usd. The c300 is a step below (similar or the same as the original carbon mast prior to the iQFoil) and that one is 400 usd cheaper. decisions, decisions.

Tempted to tell you that if you don't want the IQ, sell it to me. I'd like one but not paying the usd1900 (I'd buy a Phantom X instead). Have the cheaper one and good thing I'm very light cause even I can feel it flex.

Yes, you want the 400 mast. I think the Phantom X and R are very different - not just length. Fairly certain that they aren't even made in the same factory or country. That is my understanding. Would like to see some test results between the X & R.

Thanks for all the replies. I think I will go with the c400. starboad finally updated its website with more info about the masts (and the rest of the lineup)

starboardfoils.com/pages/2022-wind-foils-overview

I bought the iQFoil/c400 mast. I'll will let you know what I think about it when I test it.

I received the carbon mast. I posted some measurements on the "how stiff is your mast" thread.

I think impregnated carbon works out around $140 NZD per kg in bulk.
A solid carbon mast around 14mm and up in thickness would be pretty indestructable if built with mostly unidirectional, woven skin and some double bias or 45 deg woven cloth for twist resistance. Triaxial is another option but I think a bit pricy for more than a cosmetic skin layer. However the core doesn't contribute as much to bend resistance as the outer layers, it's why cedrus can get away with their dual beam construction.
The cost is going to come from a whole host of other things, for example mast holes if drilled with hardened steel bits, will have very short bit life.
Managing refrigeration of prepreg.
Lease space for all the tooling.
The autoclave and electricity to run it.
Reusable quality moulds that will withstand the autoclave temperatures.(I've heard stainless steel is used by at least one manufacturer.) That's some industrial HP CNC routing time and a chunk of expense on the steel alone!
Marketing so you know how cool the stuff is.
Markup so retailers can drive to and work in a flash vehicle.

Me, I'm just designing and manufacturing wings for mostly myself so far. It's a vast step from amazing wing performance from limited production moulds to commercial brand-name sales. However I like threads like this because I might make my own mast yet. For wings I 3D print the model, take moulds from it and then lay carbon and compressible foam cores inside. I think for a mast I would 3D print a single use mould in pieces. Similar layup to my wings but more biaxial, more uni. I'd likely go for something like this: cosmetic carbon skin, uni, biax,uni,biax, uni, hard wood core,uni,biax,uni,biax,uni, cosmetic carbon skin. A side has to be thick enough to resist buckling. for high span wings, you need the biax or you will get massive twist and point failures from concentrated loadings on fibres not orientated to resist the loading.