If you are going to buy or have already bought a new sail then it is important that you also buy the right windsurfing mast right away. Now you might be wondering "how do I choose the right windsurfing mast?" A very valid question, which is why we have dedicated a special blog to it.
HOW DO I CHOOSE THE RIGHT WINDSURFING MAST?
There are several factors to consider when buying a windsurfing mast. First, it is important to consider whether you need an RDM of SDM mast An RDM mast is a Reduced Diameter Mast. This means that the diameter of the mast thickness is usually evenly distributed throughout the length of the sail. An SDM mast stands for Standard Diameter Mast, this means that at the bottom the mast has a standard diameter but gradually narrows toward the top.
In addition to the diameter of the mast, it is important to look at the carbon percentage of the windsurfing mast.
Many windsurfers think that a higher carbon percentage makes for a stiffer mast. This is not the case. In fact, a higher carbon percentage produces two effects:
- A higher percentage gives a higher dynamic to the mast . This increases the performance in the sail. This leads to improved control, easier planing, better altitude and higher end speed.
- A higher carbon percentage reduces the weight of the mast. A lighter windsurfing mast provides better handling and ultimately a more dynamic feel.
FLEX-CURVE
Every mast and windsurfing brand has its own flex curve, the bending curve. The flex curve focuses on the performance of the sail. Earlier, these fell under the category of constant curve, flextop and hardtop masts. Meanwhile, masts of most windsurfing brands fall under constant curve. Within constant curve is a subdivision between constant curve, constant flexlow curve and constant flex high curve.
Because of the new terms, it is difficult to choose which windsurfing mast best suits your surf set. At Telstar Surf's surf shop we will always advise to combine the sail with the advised mast of that sail brand as much as possible. However, sometimes the price of the matching mast is a problem for windsurfers. This problem can be solved with an alternative WInfsurfmast from Unifiber. The Unifiber brand has affordable masts that (almost) match the brands' masts.
Below is an overview of all sail brands and corresponding bending curves. With this overview you can easily make an alternative choice for a mast
Conclusion mast science
A windsurfing mast is an essential part of your windsurfing equipment. Therefore, it is important to consider which mast is best for you. We will always recommend getting the mast from the same brand as your windsurfing sail. However, sometimes this can be a financial challenge and then it is important to have a good second choice as well. At Telstar Surf we recommend masts from Unifiber. Furthermore, it is important to see which bending curve best suits your windsurfing equipment. For this we use the table above where you can see at a glance which mast curve the different windsurfing brands use.
Notice after reading this blog that you still have questions? Please contact us, at Telstar Surf we are here for advice daily!
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