What masts do you have in your mast quiver?

Need to choose a 2nd mast for my sails 4.7 (Gun McWave 07), (soon to be also 5.2,5.7 loft lip 08) and 6.5 gaastra matrix 04

Currently have a 460RDM, looking at prob a 400 or maybe a 430

4.7 = 413 (rec. 18-20 400rdm),
5.2 = 425 (rec. 400/19 rdm other 430),
5.7 = 442 (rec. 430/21 rdm other 460)
to 460-odd luffs
ALL WITH VARIO TOPS

Do I get a 400 and rig the 4.7 and 5.2 on it, and rig the 5.7 and 6.5 on the 460?

This right or get the 430?

Trying to minimise masts and cover all my sails but buying 100% RDM Loft masts so want good performance so well matched to sails too, if poss. (even how mine isn't equal yet, but no point spending money on crap gear for your hobby)

If your existing RDM was an Ezzy, you could buy a 400 and make a 430 out of a 400 bottom and a 460 top

dism said...

Will that North RDM extension fit on all RDMs?

Yes.
All RDM (and all SDM) masts are the same diameter at the bottom - it's just in the middle that you get the incompatibility probs! (i.e. trying to mix and match tops and bottoms from different brands and models) -And with wave sails I don't think there should be any problem using one of these extender gizmos.

I use a 50cm North Platinum SDM extender for big sails and it's lasted 2 years so far...but this rdm one will really help me with smaller sails - 2 masts should cover the whole range, 4.0 to 8.5!!!


(Yes, I consider 8.5 small)

puffin said...

While it's expensive at the outset, having one mast of each not only allows you to keep more sails rigged at one time (helpful on days the wind is up and down) but of course the sails will trim better. And if you take care of them your masts will live through several sets of sails.

Not sure if thats the way to go unless you sold your BHP shares $44 and Rio Tinto at $130 and now you can buy back at a half or one quarter your sale price.

In relation to the original question. I mainly use Neil Pryde sails so have an X6 460 mast. My biggest sail is a North Warp 7.8. It rigs on this mast along with an RS6 7.2. I also have an older Neil Pryde Race Pro 460 mast which rigs fine with my older Pryde sails, a 6.6 RX2, 5.9 VX2 and even a hand me down 5.2 VX.

I have an older 460 mast which I chopped 30 cms off the base and use it for my smaller sails, Sailworks Revo 2s 5.0 and 4.4. I hardly ever use that gear as we generally get fairly light winds in Sydney. My wife uses this mast with a 3.7.

Seems like Ezzy has the most flexible mast and sail system.

Krusty said...

Unless money is really tight dont waste your time using incorrect masts, just bight the bullet and get the correct ones! Vario heads should not ever, ever be used! They force a sail onto the stiffest part of a mast causing it to not perform correctly. I would rather use a larger sail with the correct mast downhauled a bit more over a smaller sail with 30cm of mast sticking out the top.

i totally agree, I use Pryde gear. I bought 3 used X9 (370, 400, 430) years ago and they're still going strong. I also bought new X6 460, 490. Fingers crossed this gives me ideal matching masts for many years to come. I would recommend building a quiver of good masts even if you have to do it over a period. My sails have great range and performance and masts can make the difference of holding back or enhancing sail performance.

Yup, love the loft sails (well everything i've read and seen), built as well as Ezzy but can go fast and wind wind range from looking around

So Loft RDM 100% in 400 or 430? Anyone?

Wetwilly - like your extenda idea to get a 7.5-9ish sail on a 460, instead of going back to the old SDM 490 (then maybe when skills up I can upgrade if this is letting me down)

dism said...

Yup, love the loft sails (well everything i've read and seen), built as well as Ezzy but can go fast and wind wind range from looking around

So Loft RDM 100% in 400 or 430? Anyone?

Wetwilly - like your extenda idea to get a 7.5-9ish sail on a 460, instead of going back to the old SDM 490 (then maybe when skills up I can upgrade if this is letting me down)

Get the 400 rdm

dism said...

choco said...



Get the 400 rdm

Cheers Choco, is this because:
Better bigger gap between masts?
Or
That'll suit sails better

Thanks for the tips all

Nebs - your prob right, esp. since you own both. Built better then most but?

The 400 will suit the sails better

MavericK040 said...

Just to throw another spanner in the works,

Unless you really really need a 100% carbon mast, ide steer away from one and go with something around 75-90% carbon.

only slightly more heavy but much stronger and will last you long time

Sorry if you already know , but 100% carbon masts are prone to breakage at the worst time , just ask bender!

ive only had 3 masts in my time and one was a 100%, sure it was nice good response and all that jazz but lo and behold one day i was rigging up and pop no more mast
no warning no cracks just dead...

now i have a Powerex 430 PrePreg RDM 85% carbon mast and it is the shiz! i love it.

Rdms all the way!

Was the mast that broke an RDM?