goldy68 said..
Hmmm, interesting. So the chart is not an accurate reflection of the mast types of the various brands?
No it's not accurate.. it's averaged. It's a reflection of 3 categories that they can sell that are close enough.
as an example.
Neil pryde vary across their mast sizes from ft to cc so stiffer the longer
i thought point 7 did the opposite, stiffer the shorter
simmer and severne are at opposite sides of cc although both masts are referred to as cc.. according to the 2019 chart simmer is cc/ft but the new chart it's cc.
those variations are not reflected.
here is the technical stuff on the unifier site.
www.unifiber.net/blogs/guides/windsurf-mast-bend-curvesthey clearly explain why you should use the specified mast by pointing out that different percentages can equate to the same bend curve number.. which is the primary reason why you want the mast from the manufacturer.. you are getting the correct mast.. they also point out that masts with slightly more tip flex can be used and generally this is what a lot of people get by with. especially those living in windy areas.
unifiber also say this.
We closely follow the activity of the major windsurf brands to ensure that our masts offer an ideal match for most current sails. However, the precision required for mast testing, as well as the different machines that are used worldwide, do inevitably lead to subtle variation in reported measurements. We cannot, therefore, be held accountable for compatibility issues that may arise from the use of specific products or models, or from the misinterpretation of our mast selector
the real issue in windsurfing is we the punters don't a/b stuff., don't rig to the dimensions on the sail and don't tweak once on the water. When you a/b something the difference become excessively clear. I've a/b'd gear over the years and ended in a place where I run everything from the same manufacturer.. sail, masts, boom, extensions. that's my choice. I know people who are significantly better sailors than me and they don't care about some of this stuff and other that do care and nerd out.
it's your choice.
but the point here is. If you are starting with building a quiver from scratch then it's a no brainer to get the right mast to base that on because it will be the best choice and ultimately the best value.
if this is all too much then I have a full quiver of severne and simmer wave sails you can demo. Reach out when back in qld with the only condition being if you break it you replace it. I'm using all top gear and all brand correct hardware.. so it's expensive.
I went with Severne because my son loves them and has used them from the beginning as a kid using their kids gear plus my local shop surf fx is a dealer, a friend and looks after my son and I. FWIW most retailers can suggest the wriggle room with masts.
I went with Simmer as a very good friend I've known my whole life was the qld dealer and looked after me. he's since retired so I'm buying from Jesper in wa or direct now.
i was happy to run 2 brands as i have more used options.
they are both awesome brands and sometimes the best choice is beyond what the blurb says. To add to that so is Goya. if I were starting from scratch it would come down to Severne, Simmer or Goya because they have good used market options and easy access to shops and advice. Plus they are constantly pushing their designs forward. Beyond that I would run each choice on the correct mast and if I changed that choice in a few years I sell the mast with the sails and build a new quiver from scratch which I have done a few times.
