Ultra High Modulus Carbon | Low Drag Performance
North Sonar HM Carbon Mast
North’s thinnest, stiffest and fastest Sonar mast family for advanced surf, pump, downwind, wing and race foiling.
The North Sonar HM Carbon Mast uses Ultra High Modulus carbon pre-preg to combine a remarkably thin submerged profile with increased bending and torsional stiffness. Compared with North’s standard carbon mast, the HM design is over 15% thinner through the submerged section, reducing drag for greater glide, more efficient pumping, quicker turns and easier access to top-end speed. Each mast length has a discipline-specific chord and profile, from the surf-focused 73cm mast to the race-optimized 105cm.
- 73–105cm sizes
- UHM carbon pre-preg
- Over 15% thinner
- Increased torsional stiffness
- Reduced drag
- Mast cover included
Why Choose the Sonar HM Carbon Mast?
Ultra-Thin Submerged Profile
Reducing mast thickness decreases the frontal area moving through the water. The result is less drag, easier acceleration and noticeably freer glide compared with North’s standard carbon and aluminum masts.
Higher Bending Stiffness
High-modulus carbon limits unwanted mast flex under load. This helps the foil maintain more consistent geometry through powered turns, pumping cycles and high-speed riding.
Higher Torsional Stiffness
Increased resistance to twisting creates faster rail-to-rail response and a more direct connection between rider input and the foil, particularly with larger-span or high-performance front wings.
Discipline-Specific Chords
North adjusts chord length by mast size. Shorter surf-focused masts minimize lateral area for maneuverability, while the wing and race masts retain additional chord where needed for upwind drive and stiffness.
Reduced Ventilation
Careful trailing-edge development significantly reduces mast ventilation in changing sea states, helping the foil remain composed through speed, turbulent water and aggressive turns.
Premium Sonar Upgrade
This is the mast for experienced Sonar riders who already have the right wings and want more speed, glide, efficiency and response from their existing foil system.
Mast Sizes and Specifications
| Size | Mast Length | Minimum Thickness | Minimum Chord | Weight | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UHM73 | 73cm / 28.7" | 13.5mm | 100mm | 1.56kg / 3.44 lb | Prone surf, pump and downwind foiling |
| UHM80 | 80cm / 31.5" | 13.5mm | 108mm | 1.80kg / 3.97 lb | Prone surf, pump, downwind and crossover use |
| UHM85 | 85cm / 33.5" | 13.5mm | 115mm | 1.90kg / 4.19 lb | All disciplines with a focus on wing foiling |
| UHM95 | 95cm / 37.4" | 12.5mm | 115mm | 2.35kg / 5.18 lb | High-speed wing and kite foiling; not for jumping |
| UHM105 | 105cm / 41.3" | 12.5mm | 115mm | 2.40kg / 5.29 lb | Wingfoil and kitefoil racing; not for jumping |
Safety restriction: North specifically states that the HM/UHM95 and HM/UHM105 masts are not designed for jumping.
Which HM Mast Should You Choose?
UHM73: Most Maneuverable
Choose the UHM73 for prone surf, pump and downwind foiling when minimum drag and quick turning response matter more than maximum ride height. Its 100mm chord is the shortest in the range.
- Best for prone surf and compact wave setups
- Lowest published weight in the range
- Quick response and efficient pumping
- More suitable for shallower water
UHM80: Surf and Downwind Crossover
The UHM80 adds useful ride height while retaining a short 108mm chord. It is the best option for riders who move between prone, downwind, pumping and occasional wing-powered sessions.
- More clearance than the UHM73
- Surf-oriented maneuverability
- Efficient pumping and glide
- Versatile for non-wind-powered disciplines
UHM85: Best for Wing Foiling
Choose the UHM85 for the broadest range and the strongest wing-foil focus. Its longer 115mm chord helps generate upwind drive while the 13.5mm profile reduces drag compared with the standard CF85.
- Recommended for most advanced wing foilers
- All-around 85cm ride height
- Efficient upwind performance
- Suitable across multiple foil disciplines
UHM95: High-Speed Open Water
The UHM95 combines additional clearance with a very thin 12.5mm profile. Select it for high-speed wing or kite foiling in deep water when a 105cm race mast would be unnecessarily tall.
- Extra wave and chop clearance
- High-speed freerace performance
- Allows greater banking angles
- Not designed for jumping
UHM105: Race Specialist
The UHM105 is optimized for kitefoil and wingfoil racing. Its 12.5mm submerged profile prioritizes top-end speed, while the tall mast provides maximum leverage and clearance for committed race angles.
- Designed for competitive racing
- Maximum ride height and leverage
- Optimized for speed and upwind drive
- Not designed for jumping
Windance Recommendation
Choose the UHM85 for high-performance wing foiling. Select the UHM73 or UHM80 for surf, pump and downwind use. The UHM95 and UHM105 are specialized high-speed options for experienced riders who do not intend to jump.
Aluminum vs. Standard Carbon vs. HM/UHM
| Mast Family | Published Profile | Ride Character | Why Choose It? |
|---|---|---|---|
| AF Aluminum | 18mm minimum thickness 125mm minimum chord |
Strong, dependable and forgiving, with more weight and drag |
Best Value Choose it for learning, durability and everyday recreational use. |
| CF Carbon | 16mm minimum thickness 115mm minimum chord |
Lighter and more direct than aluminum without the HM price |
Premium All-Rounder Choose it for strong carbon performance without requiring race-level efficiency. |
| HM/UHM Carbon | 12.5–13.5mm minimum thickness 100–115mm minimum chord |
Lowest drag, highest stiffness and quickest performance response |
Maximum Performance Choose it for advanced surf, pump, downwind, wing or racing performance. |
Why upgrade from the CF85? The UHM85 and CF85 both weigh approximately 1.90kg, so the main advantage is not weight reduction. The UHM85’s thinner 13.5mm profile and increased stiffness deliver the meaningful performance gain through reduced drag and more direct response.
Why upgrade from the CF95? The UHM95 is approximately 0.05kg heavier than the CF95, but its submerged profile is 3.5mm thinner. Choose it for hydrodynamic efficiency and stiffness—not because it is lighter.
Compatibility and Included Components
Included
- HM/UHM carbon mast with gasket
- Protective carbon mast cover
- Screw Pack B3
- Two M8 x 25mm cap screws
- Plastic washers for a carbon fuselage
- SS316 washers for an aluminum fuselage
Not Included
- Front wing
- Fuselage
- Stabilizer
- Foil-to-board mounting screws
- Complete foil travel bag
This product is a mast and mast-cover package, not a complete foil.
The HM/UHM mast has an integrated board-mounting plate and does not require the separate AF Board Adaptor used with North’s aluminum mast. The supplied B3 hardware supports connection to compatible Sonar carbon or aluminum fuselages using the appropriate included washers.
Who Should Buy This Mast?
The Sonar HM Carbon Mast is best for intermediate-to-advanced riders who can already feel the limitations of a thicker mast. It provides the greatest benefit when pumping, linking waves, riding fast, using large-span wings or demanding immediate response through turns.
Beginners will generally gain more progression per dollar from the AF aluminum or standard CF carbon mast and a well-selected front-wing quiver. Choose HM/UHM when lower drag and increased stiffness have become meaningful performance priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this HM or UHM carbon?
Windance’s product name uses HM, while North’s current specifications identify the construction as UHM Carbon Pre-Preg. It represents North’s highest-performance Sonar mast family.
Which size is best for wing foiling?
The UHM85 is the recommended all-around wing-foil size. Its chord is tailored to provide upwind drive while maintaining a thin, low-drag submerged profile.
Which size is best for prone foiling?
Choose the UHM73 for minimum drag and maximum maneuverability, or the UHM80 when you want additional ride height for larger waves and crossover use.
Can I jump the UHM95 or UHM105?
No. North specifically states that the 95cm and 105cm HM/UHM masts are not designed for jumping.
Is it much lighter than the standard carbon mast?
Not necessarily. The UHM85 weighs the same as the CF85, while the UHM95 is slightly heavier than the CF95. The principal advantages are the thinner profile, greater stiffness and reduced drag.
Does it fit an aluminum Sonar fuselage?
Yes. The included B3 screw pack provides SS316 washers for use with a compatible North Sonar aluminum fuselage and plastic washers for a compatible carbon fuselage.
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