I'm seriously considering a Retro quiver, but I can't bring myself to use SDM's. They are too frail for me. Having broken a few SDM masts, I've decided to avoid them from now on.
I spoke with Bruce and did some research on their website. Both sources describe the Sumo RDM as being an "Alternate". Bruce said that the draft will be more forward. A reduced diameter won't fill the luff sleeve as fully, so it will add camber to the forward body of the airfoil. Additionally, the leech twist will supposedly be more pronounced.
Do any of you have experience with rigging Retros on a stiff RDM? Particularly the Nolimitz Sumo? The curve + IMCS matches the SDM's they recommend (Joystick and Lightstick). I'm particularly interested in what effect an RDM would have on stability and range with the Retro. Wide range is the most important characteristic I look for in sails, and I'm new to Retro/Revo sails.
Bonus question: Do any of you have time on the water with a 2022/23 Retro? How are they doing on this revision?
I use sumo in revo, and have a joystick for the 7.0 retro and flyer 8.2 Joystick is a durable mast
I use sumo in revo, and have a joystick for the 7.0 retro and flyer 8.2 Joystick is a durable mast
I used to have Retros in 5.5 and 6.5, used both on a Sumo RDM mast. Circa 2015 version. Used for a few years, quite liked it but ended up switching to NCXs as they feel more stable overpowered. Now I miss the bottom end grunt of the Retros
Select to expand quoteTasdoc said..
I used to have Retros in 5.5 and 6.5, used both on a Sumo RDM mast. Circa 2015 version. Used for a few years, quite liked it but ended up switching to NCXs as they feel more stable overpowered. Now I miss the bottom end grunt of the Retros...
Thanks for the reassurance!
I went ahead and ordered a 7.5 + 460 Sumo, based partly on this comment. I bet it will feel a little soft, but I don't weigh much.
5.0 & 6.0 on a 430 will follow once I put aside more $$$ 
Very much looking forward to those.
Hoping the Retro is stable enough for my use case. I hear great things. My first and only sail for years was a 1994 Sailworks 3-cam Syncro @ 6.5. Very stable platform. I didn't realize stability was a thing until I started sailing on Severne Gators a few years ago and kept losing control as their draft moved back in big gusts. Terrible feeling.
I have to wonder if your RDM Sumo contributed to some of that low-end power you're talking about...The camber of the sail could be fuller/deeper than with SDM since the luff sleeve has less mast taking up space in there.
Thanks again
