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> 10 years ago

General Gps & Speed Waves Foiling Gear Reviews Lost & Found WA NSW QLD SA VIC TAS

xx404

6 posts

xx404

WA, 6 posts

27 Oct 2005 4:36pm

I've just bought a second sail (North Natural 5.4) and it needs a 430 mast and I currently have a 460.

I've been pricing various masts and am wondering whether it's worth paying extra for more carbon and if there's a big difference in the brands. For example, the Neil Pryde's are more expensive, are heavier and have less carbon for the same price as say a Tushingham or Powerex. Are they just a bad deal or are they actually "better"?

I'm currently thinking of getting a Tushingham Freewave 75 since they can be had for $450.

Pugwash

7733 posts

Pugwash

WA, 7733 posts

27 Oct 2005 5:21pm

A lot of masts are made in the same two factories in Italy (just with different brand names added).

In regards to carbon content (I'm not 100% sure on this - someone out there will pull me up if I'm wrong): for standard diameter masts, less carbon content = more strength and slower reaction when hit by a gust of wind. For, reduced diameter masts more carbon content = more strength.

The right mast depends on what diameter and flexibility your sail design is based on. I think North Naturals are designed to rig on 430, IMCS 21 masts. The Tushingham mast should work fine... If worried, take your sail to the shop/person you are thinking of getting the mast from and rig it up!

pole boy

292 posts

pole boy

WA, 292 posts

27 Oct 2005 6:09pm

Pugs pretty much right the only advantage of more carbon in a standard diameter mast is the way it reacts to gusts and its weight. on a 5.4 you don't need a high carbon mast.

also the norths are generally made for a standard diameter mast though an RDM will still work

Big Al

265 posts

Big Al

WA, 265 posts

28 Oct 2005 12:11pm

You can't beat a North sail on a North stick. North Sting35 is pretty much indestructible (and cheap) while an XC55 or any Viper will give you weight savings (both in the mast & the hip pocket).

AB...

Northboy

170 posts

Northboy

WA, 170 posts

28 Oct 2005 1:34pm

I have recently changed from Sting 35% to the Viper 100% for my North range and can only say, The extra bucks were worth it. The sails have really come alive. And everything seems easier to do. The weight saving feels great. This may be one of the secrets of the Pro sailor??? Or am i just getting stronger as i age?

silvec01

645 posts

silvec01

WA, 645 posts

29 Oct 2005 3:36pm

I am a fan of the Neil Pryde X9s. In the smaller sizes I prefer X9-wave. I like the lightness and the reflex rate.

If you dont have a lot of money, or depending on experience, choose a mast with a warrenty that a shop can back up.

Chad

AUS154 Chris

QLD

217 posts

AUS154 Chris

QLD, 217 posts

30 Oct 2005 8:47am

Hi xx404, I recommend using a north mast in a north sail. While other brands might be ok, they might not be great. If you have no real reason not to buy north, get a sting 35 if you crash a lot, or a higher carbon content if you don't , is your best bet. If you're heavy, a higher cc might be better too.

NotWal

QLD

7436 posts

NotWal

QLD, 7436 posts

1 Nov 2005 10:19pm

I once had a 30% mast but I wont do it again. Just too heavy and slow to react. Light masts are MUCH nicer.

NP masts have a curve that verges on flextop. Norths may or may not be similar, I dont know. For want of better knowledge I'd go with a North mast. If you cant get that I'd be inclined to go for the lightest mast I could afford with a 12% bend unless you are planning to go in the waves, then I'd go for the lightest skinny I could afford with a 12% bend.

my 2 bob.

leski

NSW

661 posts

leski

NSW, 661 posts

2 Nov 2005 9:12am

quote:
NP masts have a curve that verges on flextop

I agree and I don't like them (Even rigged on a NP sail they sometimes give a **ty shape to the sail + they break too often)

I have now Techno Limits mast with a drop Shape (which mean they are skinny but you use a normal size base at the bottom). They are awesome, the shape of the sails when rigged on these is great and the response of the sail you get is super dynamic. Great masts!!

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