Mast Selector
Related links: New
masts, Used
masts, Metric conversion table
Choosing a mast has become quite a bit easier in the last few
years. You no longer have to choose between flex
top, or constant
curve. All the masts have basically the same curve when
bent (constant curve). Also, virtually all new masts of the
same length now have the same MCS
stiffness. This consistency between manufacturers
has made mast selection vastly simpler. Here are the basic
steps to take when choosing a mast:
- What length will you need? This is determined by the
sails that you would like to use with the mast. Sail
specs vary quite a bit, so it is a good idea to look at the
specs on your exact sail. Sail brochures will help you
determine a range of sails that a particular mast will
fit. Most sails also have an adjustable head strap which
will allow utilizing a longer mast with a shorter sail.
Also, an adjustable mast
extension will allow you to use a shorter mast with a
taller sail. Using a longer mast in a shorter sail may make
the mast too stiff for the sail (the bottom part of a mast is
stiffer than the tip), and extending the mast too far with a
mast extension may make the mast too soft. 8" of
extension is about as much as you should extend a mast.
Here are some typical sizes of masts and the sizes of sails
that they may fit. It is possible to use the masts below
on a larger range of sails, but this would be pushing the
limits, and not recommended.
hh
| Mast Sizes |
Typical sails sizes |
| 370
cm |
2.9 to 4.5 square meter |
| 400
cm |
2.9 to 5.0 square meter |
| 430
cm |
4.0 to 6.0 square meter |
| 460
cm |
5.0 to 7.0 square meter |
| 490
cm |
6.5 to 8.5 square meter |
| 520
cm |
7.0 + |
- Where will you be using the mast? This question is to
determine if you want to have a wave mast, a race mast, or
something in between. A wave mast is designed to
withstand incredible abuse, like crashing surf. A race
mast is designed to be light weight. Between these
extremes would be masts that are not as durable as a wave
mast, but maybe not as light as a race mast. With the
increasing use of carbon
fiber in all types of masts, even wave masts are very
light, and could easily be used in a race sail. Masts
that are going to be used in crashing surf (ocean waves),
should be wave masts.
- How much would you like to spend? Price is mostly
determined by how much carbon fiber is used in the mast.
Carbon fiber is much more expensive than fiberglass. The
more carbon, the lighter, and more expensive the mast.
Carbon content in standard masts vary from about 15% to 70%.
Besides being able to use less material to achieve the same
stiffness, carbon also has the advantage of springing back to
its original shape more quickly than fiberglass (Fiberspar
refers to this as "Reflex Response"). This
makes the mast more lively and
responsive.
- What about skinny masts? Skinny masts are becoming
increasingly popular, especially for wavesailing. In order to achieve a
similar stiffness as a regular mast, the carbon content is
usually more than 85% carbon, making them light, strong, and
responsive.
| Advantages of skinny masts |
Disadvantages of skinny masts |
- Virtually indestructible
- Fits most sails without any problem
- More comfortable to jibe (fits hand better)
- Lighter than many masts.
|
- Expensive
- Modification of mast base necessary
- Thick boom shim necessary
|
Here are the masts that we sell (organized by size): 370
cm, 400
cm, 430
cm, 460
cm, 490
cm, 520
cm
Frequently asked Questions
What is the advantage of carbon fiber in masts?
Windsurfing masts were originally made from fiberglass, then aluminum, but
now nearly all masts contain some percentage of carbon fiber mixed with
fiberglass. Carbon fiber is used to make the masts stronger, lighter, and
more responsive without increasing the cost too dramatically. Today's
masts range form about 20% to 100%carbon fiber construction. Generally
more carbon will make the mast lighter, more responsive and more
expensive.
Masts with 20%-30% carbon are great for entry level and recreational
sailors. They are reasonably light in weight, strong and very
affordable.
Masts with 40%-55% carbon are aimed at wave and bump and jump sailors. These
masts are a bit lighter, still quite strong, and offer more performance for the
advanced sailor. Prices are slightly higher than the low end.
Masts with 60%-75% carbon are geared toward freestyle and freeride
sailors. these masts add carbon and take away fiberglass to produce a much
lighter mast with only a small loss of strength. these masts are also
great for women who desire a lighter rig and don't load the mast as much as a heavier
man would.
Masts with 80%-100% carbon are geared toward high end sailors.
High carbon masts come in two distinct types traditional diameter and reduced
diameter or skinny masts.
High carbon masts in the traditional size are designed for racers that need
the lightest most responsive mast available. they are quite expensive and
sacrifice strength to save weight so they are not recommended for wave
use.
What length of mast should I get?
You should get the size of mast that is appropriate for your sails.
most sail manufactures will suggest a certain length of mast for each sail
size. For example you can rig from 5.5- 3.0 on a 430cm mast the luff
length would be around 450 cm so you'd need a 20 cm extension from your mast
extension. For a 4.2 the luff length could be 400cm this would still fit
on a 430cm mast (by changing the head cap of the sail) but would not be
ideal. A 3.5 would have a luff length of 367cm again it would work but not
great. A much better choice for the 3.5 and 4.2 would be a 400cm mast
rather than the 430. this is because the softest part of the mast is the
tip it will have the mast give allowing the leech of the sail to twist off and
spill when overpowered. The tip will also have the most reflex coming back
to its original shape when underpowered. With the modern sails it is
better to have as short a mast as possible and use a mast extension at the base
to get the right length in order to best enhance the performance of your sail.
What diameter mast should I get?
Masts come in three versions: standard, skinny, and tapered. Modern production sails are designed for use with constant curve and industry-standard lengths and
stiffnesses.
Standard masts are most common. The majority of sails are designed for standard masts as well as booms and mast bases. It is important to use the mast length and stiffness recommended by the sail manufacturer.
Skinny masts are becoming more popular because windsurfers prefer the lighter weight, smaller diameter, and increased durability. Skinny masts are durable because their walls are thicker than standard masts. Skinny masts contain 70 percent or greater carbon content for added strength and responsiveness. Short skinny masts are usually warranted for use in the surf.
Tapered masts offer a hybrid of standard and skinny masts. The mast base is standard sized but then tapers to a skinny above the height of the boom set. Standard-sized booms require a boom shim that adapts the boom to the skinny part of the mast. The problem with tapered masts is that shorter people sometimes set their boom height low enough that the taper of the mast interferes with the correct operation of the boom head. People who set their boom height low should rig their sail on the tapered mast in the windsurfing shop to make sure the combination will work correctly.
If you have any questions that might be
good here, please let us know at windance@windance.com.
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