Shopping for a new 160-210cm monocoque aluminium boom for general freeride sailing (mostly set at around 160-180cm). Currently leaning towards an Aeron MCT or V-Grip based on responses to previous posts re this topic on Seabreeze.
Any feedback on Aeron booms appreciated, particularly V-Grip, or other ali booms with good stiffness/weight ratio relative to price.
The 32mm is stronger. The 29mm reduces arm fatigue. Email ' Paul Kelf ' on here and he will give you plenty of good advice.
My choice in ally ata good price is Chinook - I broke 3 masts and numerous other bits in 3 yrs in nasty nasty waves and the boom was still good. Equal first choice, Hydrodynamix.
For the best alloy boom full stop BUT an extra couple hunge, a Tecnolimitz Ergal alloy is the shazzizzle - but really it is 60% extra in price but dunno if it will last 60% longer?
tbh the best ally boom is a carbon...
Yeah I know they're more expensive. But seriously, if you're considering sailing the ocean blue, the last thing you want to have weighing on your mind is galvanic corrosion...
And someone's got to keep keep that crazy bustard Cam honest!
We don't make masts out of aluminum.. Why make booms out of it?
It's a high stress component that requires a narrow diameter while maintaining maximum stiffness..
I can't fathom using a 32 or even 30mm grip..
I have broken Carbon and Alloy booms. I think carbon only makes a big difference on longer booms were alloy booms tend to flex.
Farrk troppo if you couldn't break one then they must be pretty decent!
I may be after a carbon at the right price so I'll see whatchya got
Think Ty and Luke have some HPL carbons from their days on tour which are still going strong..
Appreciate the feedback about carbon booms but this topic is ending up as an 'ali vs carbon' topic (more like an online argument!). Have considered carbon but budget for new gear this year won't allow, though this carbon boom does look appealing at $499 (reduced from $730):http://www.surfsailaustralia.com.au/showProduct/Windsurfing/Boom+Max+Length+From+201+to+225cms/390714/Surf+Sail+Australia+Monocoque+Carbon+Slalom
(shame about the back end though, have used same previously and don't like)
I'm using the latest model Gun alu wave boom, its stiffer and skinnier than other alu booms I've used. I also owned a full carbon Pryde boom but hated it compared to the Gun so I sold it. I'm currently in Maui so its getting a good workout, no problems yet...touch wood
They slalom ones are about $250 from windsurfingsales
I've got the Aeron V-grip boom 200 - 250 cm, but have only used it a few times. Its very stiff for aluminium and I quite like it, quality seems very good. No idea of longevity though. Yes I have broken a carbon boom when I hit a sand bank and the rig hit the sand, I have had it repaired but am yet to try it.
That's one good thing about the carbon you can repair it.
for me (85kg) carbon is the way to go Ive broken every Ali boom out there.
for your weight though Ali should be ok, I would still recommend carbon if your using sails 7.5 or bigger.
Once you have used carbon you never go back
I used my Gun sails monocoque alloy boom today for the first time. Much thinner in the grip than any of my other booms (Loft and Chinook) but way more comfortable as a result. Super stiff, weight is comparable to my Loft so for the price ($220 delivered) I can't think of anything else that could come close to the value.
I haven't had a savaging for a while, so I'll say that my el cheapo Pryde X3 which is now 3 years old has seen some solid action with no problems, including going through the rinse cycle at Palmie and the Bin an embarrassing number of times.
I'm not hard on gear though.
We hear feedback of alloy booms lasting X years etc... I'm afraid that's pretty much useless info as if you sail once a year, your alloy boom might indeed last forever.
There's something called fatigue for alloys and it plays a big part in the failure of these alloy booms as opposed to carbon not affected by fatigue!
Then when brands say carbon, there is X% carbon and 100% carbon... cheapo and dearer...
The funniest comment for me on this thread was "I have tried a few brands of boom and allways come back to the Prydes." Cant think of anything worse for alloy booms.
Got a carbon wave boom that's just had its 8th birthday
160 - 210
Seen plenty of action being bounced out of airplanes by the bag snatches and along reefs and beach breaks as a result of me being a kook.
It's been put through the rinse cycle on a fair few occasions with me holding onto it for dear life.
Few minor repairs/services like tail piece clips and changed out a rusted head bolt along the way along with mast line and outhaul
Still going strong... Though I've no doubt jinxed myself now
At the end of the day you need to go with what you feel comfortable with. You're always going to get the variety of opinions on the web and where you have a brand that has a high volume of product in the market there are going to be more stories floating around.
Also make sure that whatever you buy that you are confident in the dealer support. As I mentioned in a previous post I have a Surfsail carbon boom which has been going strong for 8 yeras and the support from Surfsail has been excellent.
Apart from having a good run with the Pryde booms the dealer support has also been second to none, and the fact thet they have a 2 year warranty is reassuring.
Will more than likely get an Aeron Ali, though not the V-Grip as I've read on Boards online forum that owners think they're a bit on the heavy side. Have considered the Hydrodynanix Pro Slim boom but the minimum length is 165cm and my smallest sail has a 157cm boom length. Thanks for your opinions everyone!
