does anyone out there use both or prefer one or the other
what are the pros and cons

__________________
GONE WITH THE WIND

IMHO

Carbon:

pros..

- light
- stiff
- doesn't go sloppy at the joints after months of jumping

cons..

- can be expensive
- replacement bits like head can be expensive
- no warning that it is going to break. They generally just go snap
- some parts seem to go brittle where UV has effected the resin

alloy:

pros..

- cheaper
- can be light, but usually won't be very strong
- lots of second hand bits around to use to fix it

cons..

- generally heavier
- jounts where arms join head go sloppy after jumping many times
- new replacement bits are sometimes pricier than the whole boom
- the tubing is usually a wierd diameter and is extruded (apparently), and this type of tubing is not available in most shops. The stuff you buy from alloy shops is softer than the material used in the boom.
- everything seems to be made by North. Aparently North booms are notorius breakers when used for jumping. I must agree with that coz mine too lasted barely 12 months. If you are a gentle slalom sailor they are probably as good as any.

generally speaking

Hmm ,carbon or alu.

It is not as straight an answer as the above think.
Firstly there are good and bad alu booms, and good and bad carbon booms.
A good alu boom is much stronger than a bad carbon, so don't spend more just cause it's carbon, look at the fittings as well. A boom is only as strong as it's weakest part!!!
When would i use carbon.
Anything over about 7m needs a carbon for the stiffness. Below 7m hving carbon is a luxury.
When would i use alu.
Wave sailing , if i could not justify paying more .







Simon
gowindsurfing.com

Hi Kecksoff,

you guys got all the good stuff at your end of the plannet. The gods need to inject some wind and products into the poor ole QLD