NSW
1282 posts
Hi Everyone
I'm looking at buying a new mast later this season and I was wondering what it the maximum extention that can safely be used on an X6 mast. I'm trying to plan the length around getting the most range for my intended inventory.
Does anyone have breakage stories from using too long an extension?
WA
8896 posts
It's not so much having to much extension, it's more the case of having to little left in the mast.
VIC
300 posts
I've got a 6.2m NP search which reccomends a 430cm X6 mast with 42cm extension. Depending on what your doing with your masts though I would recommend the X-Combats, they're easier to rig, totally dependable and feel great to sail - well worth the extra money!
NSW
714 posts
It is just as bad to have too much extension in the mast. The taper in the mast can make longer extensions stick.
JB
NSW
1173 posts
i've bent extensions when on maximum setting, so make sure you buy a decent one!! They also have different flex properties to the mast, and you have to match the mast stifness...
QLD
299 posts
I have a 490 and 460 x6. The best extension by far is mxt np put out this year ( see gear reviews) Be careful not to put to much of the older style extensions in to far as they jam very quickly due to the reduced diameter. You are best to get the right size for the rig. I found the NP gear works best with the masts as you get correct mearsurements for your sails. When you are in the shop get another brand and set them both at 10cm. Then sit them level on the uni join and see how much difference there is. You'll be surprised.
NSW
1282 posts
Thanks for that guys. I'll definitly go with the NP extension to remain compatible. That X-tension thing looks interesting, Whipping boy. Back when I used to race in the last 80's we had an extension that capped over the top of your mast and added about 40cm's to the length. With today's loose leech race sails, maybe this would work again as that portion of the mast would be under pure compression. At least if it broke you only replace a short piece rather than a whole top section. It also means that your boom remains in the reinforced area...
