Hi there
Does anyone here have first hand experience with the Starboard iQ foil mast v the C600 v the C300 v the original carbon mast all 95 cm. Scary money etc
Many thanks
I have used both the iQFoil mast and the C600. The C600 is noticeably stiff meaning everything is smoother and more stable when using it.
I've been riding a carbon race 95 mast (original) and a custom mast (measured to be even stiffer than C600). Going to a stiffer mast is a pleasant experience which transforms in a more stable and faster ride. Going back to a more flexible mast, especially torsionally, is quite a disappointment.
Therefore, maybe avoid trying out the C600 if you won't buy it :) It does make a difference, but then again, even the IQ mast is pretty stiff torsionally, so it's a good middle ground. And if you don't try either of those two, you'll be probably be happy with C300 (or original 95) too, as long as you don't race or ride in demanding conditions (20+ kt, chop/waves).
I've been riding a carbon race 95 mast (original) and a custom mast (measured to be even stiffer than C600). Going to a stiffer mast is a pleasant experience which transforms in a more stable and faster ride. Going back to a more flexible mast, especially torsionally, is quite a disappointment.
Therefore, maybe avoid trying out the C600 if you won't buy it :) It does make a difference, but then again, even the IQ mast is pretty stiff torsionally, so it's a good middle ground. And if you don't try either of those two, you'll be probably be happy with C300 (or original 95) too, as long as you don't race or ride in demanding conditions (20+ kt, chop/waves).
And that's my problem, I have original STB carbon Race 95 mast which seemed fantastic borrowed an iQ and thought wow so was thinking is the C600 a double wow. We sail in some pretty aggressive chop, tide and the full wind range whilst using a selection of front wings and fuselages.
Thanks for your comments
No, I don't think the C600 will be double wow, the biggest difference is between original 95 and IQ/C400. Beyond that point the performance gains become pricier.
I don't have measurements at hand to back this up with specific stiffness numbers though. I don't think they're posted on French GlissAttitude website either (you might need to be registered). windfoilfan.glissattitude.com/technicaldatas/attributeChart/tors_module
Price-performance IMHO the IQ/C400 is the way to go, unless you're willing to pay a premium for that extra bit of stiffness with C600.
I've been riding a carbon race 95 mast (original) and a custom mast (measured to be even stiffer than C600). Going to a stiffer mast is a pleasant experience which transforms in a more stable and faster ride. Going back to a more flexible mast, especially torsionally, is quite a disappointment.
Therefore, maybe avoid trying out the C600 if you won't buy it :) It does make a difference, but then again, even the IQ mast is pretty stiff torsionally, so it's a good middle ground. And if you don't try either of those two, you'll be probably be happy with C300 (or original 95) too, as long as you don't race or ride in demanding conditions (20+ kt, chop/waves).
And that's my problem, I have original STB carbon Race 95 mast which seemed fantastic borrowed an iQ and thought wow so was thinking is the C600 a double wow. We sail in some pretty aggressive chop, tide and the full wind range whilst using a selection of front wings and fuselages.
Thanks for your comments
The other consideration you might want to make is your weight and how you sail. I am 200+ lbs and like to push speed and like you have high wind and rough water. Every little deflection in the mast has a negative impact on the foil. Its very hard to quantify exactly. In the US the price diff between is ~$500. Not trivial, about the cost of a front wing, but for me its worth it.
I currently have the C300, which mine is not particulary stiff.
Yesterday I switched gear with a friend, who has full iQFoil setup, and it felt so so stiff and responsive. The foil accelerated immediately when the gust hit.
That was the iQFoil mast for sure. The rest of the gear Is almost as mine (foil race 100 vs iQFoil board)
How's the F4 race mast regarding stiffness to the SB? C600 or iQFoil?
And the Phantom X? The R I know it's even stiffer than the IQ.
And Patrik too, we have one around here and tried ir. The front wing though, doesn't seem so fast