I use SDMs as that is what I have and they work perfectly well for me and the sails I have.

I still use the SDM's because these are the masts designed for my sails. Some of my friends have swapped to RDM's, but again because these are the ones recommended for the new sails that they bought.

It's been years since I last busted an SDM (and they were the dreaded early X9's from NP) and even though the last month has been brutal for big winds and wave board use here in Vic, I still see no valid reason to swap to RDM's.

shear tip said...

This raises another question: When do you decide to replace a mast?

My most used mast is from about 2000 and still going strong. (watch it snap on Saturday)

Easy question...I replace mine when it breaks...which is generally once or twice per year!

As for SDM vs RDM...I bought a bulk lot of 2nd hand sails off seabreeze...all cammed, so I'll be SDM for a long time yet, although I was told when I bought my last SDM mast that there's less breakages with RDMs...

what Moby said and what Sheartip said.

When they do break they make good rod holders for beach rods. Better than PVC.

RDM's are to skinny (and don't break)

Last mast I broke was aluminium!

SDMs work fine for me and I ain't going to shell out to replace 3 masts unnecessarily.

Shoot yea SDM's but even more people should be using RDM's and there will be even more SDM's on the SH market.Saves me $.To improve my sailing,things i should do..loose 5-10kg[get fitter]...stop smoking.....trade my 5yr old boards on the latest faster models....trade my[av] 4 yr old sails in on the latest faster models....buy carbon booms &rdm mast.OOPS,need to move somewhere where the wind blows more ,first priority.

garyk said...

(and don't break)

Sorry mark but skinny masts do break, but I still like em.

Yes I know I meant not often enough to make rod holders out of them

Mmmm There is consistancy in this forum

This is off topic but I have to get it of my chest.

Each to there own and I understand that things are tight at the moment "BUT"
Its a cheap sport compared to others and if we all ride 90's and early 2000's gear where does that leave our sport in the future. UP S##T CREEK.

We might have to import old gear from some other countries where they give a F because there wont be any half decent gear around here and watch our sport die

Windxtasy said...

Are RDMs just for increased strength when getting pounded by waves or do they improve sail performance?
If you only sail on flat water is there any point in changing to skinny masts?

Of course there is!
Long ago in a galaxy far away, no, hang on. It was right here on planet earth.
It started off that a single piece fibreglass mast was all you needed.
Once everyone had one, what you really needed was a bendy single piece fibreglass mast.
Once everyone had one, what you really needed was a two piece bendy fibreglass mast.
Once everyone had one, what you really needed was a 2 piece, bendy carbon mast.
Once everyone had one, what you really needed was a,... (geez. what can we sell them next? longer? shorter? fatter? thinner? hey that's it),... a 2 piece, bendy carbon skinny mast.

Thus the new sails and other gear is made for the new skinny masts, which will be current until everyone has changed over and then we will all go back to the 'all new' standard diam. masts. I think that's how it works. It's all pretty simple really.
So Ms xstasy, do the right thing by the industry and run out right now and buy a new RDM.
In fact buy 2 or 3 to help stimulate the economy.

Its all about sacrifice.

Most people, smoke, drink, gamble, go out for dinner, buy fancy cars and so on.....

If you really loved windsurfing you would only have to give up one bad habit to buy new kit maybe every 2 or 3 years.

garyk said...

Its all about sacrifice.

Most people, smoke, drink, gamble, go out for dinner, buy fancy cars and so on.....

If you really loved windsurfing you would only have to give up one bad habit to buy new kit maybe every 2 or 3 years.

What a load of crap.
I also don't drink, don't gamble don't smoke.
I am also not rude enough to tell other people their prioities and what they should be sacrificing and spending their money on.

pweedas said...

Windxtasy said...

Are RDMs just for increased strength when getting pounded by waves or do they improve sail performance?
If you only sail on flat water is there any point in changing to skinny masts?

Of course there is!
Long ago in a galaxy far away, no, hang on. It was right here on planet earth.
It started off that a single piece fibreglass mast was all you needed.
Once everyone had one, what you really needed was a bendy single piece fibreglass mast.
Once everyone had one, what you really needed was a two piece bendy fibreglass mast.
Once everyone had one, what you really needed was a 2 piece, bendy carbon mast.
Once everyone had one, what you really needed was a,... (geez. what can we sell them next? longer? shorter? fatter? thinner? hey that's it),... a 2 piece, bendy carbon skinny mast.

Thus the new sails and other gear is made for the new skinny masts, which will be current until everyone has changed over and then we will all go back to the 'all new' standard diam. masts. I think that's how it works. It's all pretty simple really.
So Ms xstasy, do the right thing by the industry and run out right now and buy a new RDM.
In fact buy 2 or 3 to help stimulate the economy.

I've already been through the first four stages...
and could see an advantage to upgrading other than being fashionable
2 pce mast fits in the car and doesn't need tying on the roofrack,
carbon mast is much lighter and easier to waterstart and handle especially for the kids,
what is the advantage in RDM if you are not a wavesailor?

pweedas said...

Windxtasy said...

Are RDMs just for increased strength when getting pounded by waves or do they improve sail performance?
If you only sail on flat water is there any point in changing to skinny masts?

Of course there is!
Long ago in a galaxy far away, no, hang on. It was right here on planet earth.
It started off that a single piece fibreglass mast was all you needed.
Once everyone had one, what you really needed was a bendy single piece fibreglass mast.
Once everyone had one, what you really needed was a two piece bendy fibreglass mast.
Once everyone had one, what you really needed was a 2 piece, bendy carbon mast.
Once everyone had one, what you really needed was a,... (geez. what can we sell them next? longer? shorter? fatter? thinner? hey that's it),... a 2 piece, bendy carbon skinny mast.

Thus the new sails and other gear is made for the new skinny masts, which will be current until everyone has changed over and then we will all go back to the 'all new' standard diam. masts. I think that's how it works. It's all pretty simple really.
So Ms xstasy, do the right thing by the industry and run out right now and buy a new RDM.
In fact buy 2 or 3 to help stimulate the economy.

A bit pessimistic I think.

Skinnies are stronger, period.

However a lot of what you said does apply to some components

dism said...

Drink a few less beers a week, and don't buy as much takeaway (aver several months)= new RDM!

Takeaway for lunch each day is a whole new kit every year

I find if I buy old kit It keeps breaking and I spend more $$$ replacing it all the time. Nothing beats nice crisp gear.