I've been using the 65% 400 rdm's for a couple of years. I bought 2 of them and both are still going strong

since when have sails rigged on anything bigger than 400? one mast to rule them all..

even though i fear starting another 30 page debate about the pros and cons of this gear versus that gear,

i think barn is one of the "aware sailors" in the community. ie, you don't need a massive sail to enjoy windsurfing, and in some disciplines smaller the better.

flame suit being zipped up now.

yep good stuff sbc!

SBC - any reason you did not look in the buy and sell? Just had a quick squiz and there are about 6 or so sellers that would probably suit your needs. With masts around the 75% - 100% carbon content.

IMO don't waste your money on a 30% carbon 400. Buy a decnt 430, and save for a decent 400 or look second hand. It is not just the weight, but the carbon improves the mast response. The mast is the backbone of your sail, and is the key factor in determining your sails performance.

You should run at least 75% carbon, to get most out of your sail. Of course money matters, that's why check out the second hand ones, you already know that masts last a long time.

All masts break!! High percentage carbon ones break, as do low percentage carbon. If you were sailing logo high hookipa, and had to worry about money, then maybe that would influence your purchase, but for flat water freeriding, buy the best mast you can get your hands on.

DunkO,

It really does depend on what you do with the mast regarding its durability. The lower carbon masts may survive a not so severe crunch in the waves, but i don't believe there is any way to guarantee or predict how long it will last, or how many dumpings it will take. the lower carbon mast will change the way the sail feels and performs.

All sails apart from ezzy get shape in their mast buy using the luff curve to load / bend the mast, Ezzy seems to cut the shape in the sail, requiring less bend on the mast which is where there so called bomb proofness comes from. The mast is most likely no different to any one else's, it is just not loaded as much as the other sail brands.

Yes i have sailed ezzy's as well as north, naish, and now gaastra. Ezzy masts are by no means as stressed in the ezzy sail when rigged. You stick an ezzy mast in a north or gaastra, i think you will find it is just as susceptible to breakage as any other. It is the cut of the ezzy sail that saves the mast.

A 70% mast will still allow the sail to perform close to what the designer was trying to achieve, will it last longer - who knows, maybe?

Your warranty will only cover manufacturing defects, not crashing, or misuse.

I've freighted masts with no problems. But that's your call.

Just keep in mind, if you want your sail to perform the best - get at least 75% carbon mast. Personally i think anything else and your wasting your money.

DunkO said...

DAM71 said...

DunkO,

It really does depend on what you do with the mast regarding its durability. The lower carbon masts may survive a not so severe crunch in the waves, but i don't believe there is any way to guarantee or predict how long it will last, or how many dumpings it will take. the lower carbon mast will change the way the sail feels and performs.

All sails apart from ezzy get shape in their mast buy using the luff curve to load / bend the mast, Ezzy seems to cut the shape in the sail, requiring less bend on the mast which is where there so called bomb proofness comes from. The mast is most likely no different to any one else's, it is just not loaded as much as the other sail brands.

Yes i have sailed ezzy's as well as north, naish, and now gaastra. Ezzy masts are by no means as stressed in the ezzy sail when rigged. You stick an ezzy mast in a north or gaastra, i think you will find it is just as susceptible to breakage as any other. It is the cut of the ezzy sail that saves the mast.

A 70% mast will still allow the sail to perform close to what the designer was trying to achieve, will it last longer - who knows, maybe?

thanks for the input,
Yeah i understand no mast can be guaranteed to survive certain wave crunching incidents. the reason i ask is my low carbon x3 rmd lasted several nasty beatings, where my new loft 100% snapped yesterday, bottom and top section!! (could be just one of those nasty beatings). so i was wondering if a compromise say 70% would be more durable.

as it is i'm going to get another loft 100, still good $$, unless i hear of better option.

SBC, these 100% are good value if your only freeriding will perform well.

Yes they are good value..I ended up deciding that if I bought a 55% carbon one 430 + a cheaper 30% 400 I would at least have 2 masts to set my sails on so the 3.3 + 4m would rig better.I did just have a 430 for all and that wasn't giving the best results for control in the stronger stuff.So maybe if Im rich next time one breaks ( & it better not be for a while! [}:)]) I'll try for a higher carbon content one..

What's the pricing on Gun masts? (this is the same company as gun sails right?)

For god sake, let it end ! !

I got myself a Billows mast about 2 years ago from a guy near Newcastle...I think, It's a no-name brand but it did the job before I got some good stuff. It's a constant curve 100% carbon RDM 430 and only cost $300, His website is still on the net but I'm not sure if it's upto date but it might be worth a look. http://www.cyclonic.com.au/
I still use this mast today and it works a treat with my Pryde wave sails, Its heaps lighter then my X6 masts that I use now.