Assuming I cant ressurrect the old one I need one at least 1.49 - 1.86 ..or a bit wider range to cover that..in an ideal world I have a 3.3m Id like to cover ( I currently have a home made old rope tie attachment boom which is a pain in the butt![}:)]for that)so 1.32 - 1.9 ish..cheap but durable..

Not that I care but why the red thumb..? The subject doesnt really lend itself to one..?
The hydronamix enduro 140 sounds in the ballpark..anyone know if they are any good? I do bump & jump on a lake that can get quite choppy & windy.I only weigh 65kgs.Maybe will go out in the surf one day but only sightseeing no real surfing..

The best ally booms at a reasonable price are the Chinook or Hydrodynamix. About $370 ish??

Stepping up an extra $200 gets you a better ally boom but at your (light) weight and not in heavy wave use it is not required. I am 95kg and got 3yrs of serious wave use out of a Chinook. In that time I broke 4 masts and trashed god-knows how many sails and the boom was still fine - only bought a new one cos it was shiny and I had a tax return burning a hole in my pocket

Stepping down $100 could get you something almost as good, but it could also be woeful and cause no end of dramas. Also, a big name doesn't necessarily mean a lot when you look at all the problems with the NP X3's in the last few years.

Chinook or Hydro all the way.

I've been using a Loft boom for a good 4 years now and have never had a single issue with it. Price was awesome too when I bought it, $135.00. I think they may now be a bit more expensive by $20.00 or so.

The only purchase in Windsurfing I have regretted is going for the bargain boom. I'm 68kg and had finally got light weight sails and masts and really started progressing fast when my trusty Hawaiian proline wore out after 8 years. Got a good deal on a entry level Gaastra boom and regretted it. Never noticed in the shop but out on the water it was much stiffer but noticeably heavier in transitions. Stiffness is great for keeping you on the plain through gusts and lulls.

I was then fortunate enough to win a spot prize boom - Windsurfing Hawaii Makai. Also a cheapy, nice light weight but pretty floppy particularly on max 195 extension. Nothing like the old pro line.

Conclusion: It's Worth spending a little more.

Now with an extra boom I traded the gaastra for a Naish CT $NZ350. Fits RDM mast without shim . Taper to 28mm tubes is nice for smaller hands, weight and stiffness are great. Tried the Global wave (carbon tail version) and it wasn't worth the difference.

Hope that helps.

NP X6 works well.
X3 now has a strange sandpaper like finish that might be hard on the hands.

kato said...

Have a look at the Ka booms too Sue and they can post http://www.kasail.com/windsurfing/gear/booms.html about the same price as a loft but an Australian company

how are they the same price, on the web site they KA state they are 250+ where the loft are about $150.

i have had one of these dirt cheap lofts for a year now and no problems, more than i can say for a certain big name brand boom that cost 300+. bought several new and all fell apart! price unfortunatly not always a guide.

Mike105 said...


Now with an extra boom I traded the gaastra for a Naish CT $NZ350. Fits RDM mast without shim . Taper to 28mm tubes is nice for smaller hands, weight and stiffness are great. Tried the Global wave (carbon tail version) and it wasn't worth the difference.

Hope that helps.

x2 for the Naish CT, which is a T8 alum.

Just got mine for $320 and it covers my sails from 4.5-7.5.

I've also got a Pryde carbon tail piece that can go into it, to make it a hybrid, but it makes it heavier than the alum tail and doesn't seem any stiffer.

Whats the most reliable type of mast clamp? Are they interchangable? If you buy one brand boom & have trouble can you buy a different brand mast clamp & fit it to the 1st brand?

I don't think they're supposedly interchangeable as they're such an integral part of the boom these days.

Having said that, SHQ just got a new front end for a North boom that's a few years old for me - I don't actually think it's a North front end, but it does work so that's all I care about.

Ellobuddha said...

Ive got two Loft masts, one wave and one slalom. Im 95-100kgs and had some massive get offs and never even looked like hurting them. Broken mast in the surf and booms still strong as ever - if your looking for a great mast for great price then get one of them.

Ring the boys at Windsurfing accessories, they're great to deal with.

Thanks.Ill keep that in mind but Im after a boom.I was enquiring about the boom end that clamps onto the mast.

Rob11 said...

sboardcrazy said...
Thanks.Ill keep that in mind but Im after a boom.I was enquiring about the boom end that clamps onto the mast.

I believe this is the best you can get these days:
http://www.mauisails.com/boom.php?id=46

Thanks Ive saved it to favourites.Ive ordered a slalom Loft boom from windsurfing sales & he threw in a free loft waveboom ( 2nd hand boom grip damaged ) for free so Im stoked.So $180 for 2 booms including freight!Thanks!

sboardcrazy said...

sick_em_rex said...

I've been using a Loft boom for a good 4 years now and have never had a single issue with it. Price was awesome too when I bought it, $135.00. I think they may now be a bit more expensive by $20.00 or so.

This was easier than i thought. Looks like the loft wins.I cant figure out how the outhaul system works though..Do the loops have a cleat out on the boom end..?

I bought two ok them for about that price exactly 3 years ago. I only recently bought an Aeron to replace the longer one (180- 240) because I liked the shape of the Aeron better. You are welcome to it if you can get it from Australind WA to you.

sboardcrazy said...

Krisiz1 said...

sboardcrazy said...

sick_em_rex said...

I've been using a Loft boom for a good 4 years now and have never had a single issue with it. Price was awesome too when I bought it, $135.00. I think they may now be a bit more expensive by $20.00 or so.

This was easier than i thought. Looks like the loft wins.I cant figure out how the outhaul system works though..Do the loops have a cleat out on the boom end..?

I bought two ok them for about that price exactly 3 years ago. I only recently bought an Aeron to replace the longer one (180- 240) because I liked the shape of the Aeron better. You are welcome to it if you can get it from Australind WA to you.

Thanks for the offer! I would have taken you up on it but Ill now have 2 booms to cover from my 3.3m - 6.6m sails..all I need now is a bigger car!

PERFECT! I have one for sale! 2004 Magna. $8500.

wbailey
Recently bought a Loft Slalom boom 170-230 through Windsurfing Sales after breaking a 2 year old Gun Alloy. It had a hard life.

I'm in the same pozzie as Sue, my boom is the same vintage Chinook...actually older coz its got the holes that you have to feed the loops through after they go around the mast and not just wrap around...hard to explain. And mine too are showing multiple hairline cracks on the outside north and south of the rivets and the end of the tubes are bulging the plastic, its going to bust very soon.

I had a look at the Gun booms, same distributor as Loft booms but cheaper again! Looks pretty snazzy too but does the price reflect the quality? These are very affordable booms in comparison to what's out there. What's the general concensus with Gun booms....and masts too while we're at it, attractive prices.

sboardcrazy said...Ive ordered a slalom Loft boom from windsurfing sales & he threw in a free loft waveboom ( 2nd hand boom grip damaged ) for free so Im stoked. So $180 for 2 booms including freight!Thanks!

Sue, you lucky devil. G'orn I need some luck rubbed onto me. You've done well, you should be proud as punch....frikengrumblemumble....no I'm really happy for you.

Tell us how the booms feel in comparison. I can't wait to get a fully clamping type, it looks so easy and rigid.

Well done Sue on a great deal from the Loft dealer. You won't be disappointed. You really got two for the price of one.
They are about the same weight as a carbon but not as stiff which should not be a problem unless you are a demon speed or slalom sailor. Great for recreational use.
Also they are 1/4 the price of a carbon.
One every two years or so sounds like the way to go; don't wait for it to break or you could be in for a long swim (as I had).....or worse. Usually a kind boatie does the right thing.