In the area of ??"performance/fast stuff", single manufacturers are increasingly offering different construction technologies. To simplify: "base", HM, UHM. Usually they want to "guide" the customers with arguments in favor of better control and better overall performance as the level and cost of material and technology increase. Although I have no doubts that all this is absolutely true and although there are differences between the different brands, I would consider it appropriate to read some more explanations on how / when / why / where the single layups/designs are put in crisis to the point one really needs to buy "the step ahead" item.
What you think?
As it's going very hard to see that changing if someone wants add his experience it will be much appreciated.
It's probably going to matter at slalom speeds. Sub 30 knots, may not make a difference, but I haven't run the numbers nor gone that fast.
It comes down to stiffness, which affects at what speed the wings, the mast, the fuse, and the whole thing starts vibrating. I don't know how high they set their design minimums but the higher modulus will have a higher frequency and also deflect less. That will make it easier to control when fully loaded up at speed. I'm doubtful if someone like me would notice at 20knots but I could be wrong, maybe it is noticeable like the difference in aluminum and carbon kit.
Here is a link that explains a lot of the carbon fiber jargon, bottom line is you can use UHM carbon fiber, but if not used properly will result in a weak design. And just because the manufacturer says UHM carbon fiber was used, it is only a fraction of the total carbon fiber in the product. Also, UHM carbon fiber requires higher temperatures to produce, and that adds to its cost.
www.cyclist.co.uk/in-depth/1066/carbon-jargon-what-does-it-all-mean
Anyone with a decent level will be able to feel the difference of a stiffer (esp in terms of torsional stiffness) mast, at any speed-though difference in feel will be more pronounced depending on the conditions (not necessarily a function of wind strength; even at 10 knots of breeze you'll immediately feel the difference crossing some boat wake for instance). However, that doesn't mean that anyone (incl myself) will necessarily be able to exploit the full potential that the additional stiffness provides-let alone whether the additional $$ warrants the investment for everyone. Ps: icymi, some good test data on stiffness here: windfoilfan.glissattitude.com/devices/foil
I used to ride one of the stiffest race foils out there (Lokefoil Race) and now only use alu masts. For racing the difference between even regular carbon and hm/uhm is a huge plus, but for freeride its far from necessary, especially if you only use small sails.
Only moment I miss the hm carbon mast is overpowered (say 20 knots) on my biggest freeride board in chop with the 7.0 (1-cam freeride). At that point I can feel the mast twisting and bending under the load, making the ride woblier than it has to be.
Good alu foil masts are far from bad though, wouldnt be back to alu after 5 years of foiling if it wasnt good. I dare say a good alu mast is stiffer torsionally than a bad carbon one.
Select to expand quoteWhiteofHeart said..
I used to ride one of the stiffest race foils out there (Lokefoil Race) and now only use alu masts. For racing the difference between even regular carbon and hm/uhm is a huge plus, but for freeride its far from necessary, especially if you only use small sails.
Only moment I miss the hm carbon mast is overpowered (say 20 knots) on my biggest freeride board in chop with the 7.0 (1-cam freeride). At that point I can feel the mast twisting and bending under the load, making the ride woblier than it has to be.
Good alu foil masts are far from bad though, wouldnt be back to alu after 5 years of foiling if it wasnt good. I dare say a good alu mast is stiffer torsionally than a bad carbon one.
What precipitated the move, was it just cost or something else?
I do notice the wobbles sometimes with my IQFoil carbon mast in conditions you describe.
Never felt the AFS W95 carbon mast wobble even slightly in overpowered conditions.
