AntsC said..
Has anyone used or had experience with Powerex or Sunshine gear (particularly masts)?

Powerex absolutely fantastic, all Sunshine gear the total opposite.

bowsa said..
Powerex used to be very reliable. Made in the US.

Now made in China and can't comment on the new batch

Sunshine - rubbish

+1

Hi AntsC, a “Little” word of advice on masts. Take a look at the ends of the tubes to validate the carbon content that the manufacturer is claiming. Black is generally carbon and white fibreglass (some seem to hide with black paint).As carbon is a semi conductor you can get an idea using your multimeter set to ohms and passing the test leads across the cross section of the mast looking for continuity. First prove your meter on a known carbon source as testing voltage depends on quality of meter, or better still use an electricians “megger” which has a range of test voltages to determine resistance. I was caught with an alleged 80% carbon mast that I opened up after failure-see photo. The white area would not give a reading with a 1000 volts placed across it not unlike an electricians ladder!. I believe a uniform mix/blend of carbon/fibreglass throughout the mast cross section would be a better product as carbon and fibreglass stretch and compress at different rates as opposed to a thin outer and inner layer causing what I believe in my case –delamination. Does not answer your specific brand question but might help you determine which manufacturer is having an honest attempt at quality. Good luck.

AntsC said..
Has anyone used or had experience with Powerex or Sunshine gear (particularly masts)?

Been using Powerex for the last season. No problems at all.
More good news is that Peter Niischke of Wind and Surf or Caloundra wind and surf has a mast sale on at the moment.

i had a powerex 430 87% skinny mast from 2007 era. I thought it was very good. I've only just sold it.