Hi wind mates, been switching between simmer booms (different year, same model).
One is skinnier than the other, and while the smaller one feels like I'm riding a lighter sail it seems to pinch my hands more.
I was wondering if it could lead to more pain, more blisters while not really adding much benefit? What about forearm fatigue?
Not noticing any difference in terms of rigidity. I use the super skinny one with a 42 and the bigger one with a 47. Same sail, same board.
Select to expand quoteManuel7 said..
Hi wind mates, been switching between simmer booms (different year, same model).
One is skinnier than the other, and while the smaller one feels like I'm riding a lighter sail it seems to pinch my hands more.
I was wondering if it could lead to more pain, more blisters while not really adding much benefit? What about forearm fatigue?
Not noticing any difference in terms of rigidity. I use the super skinny one with a 42 and the bigger one with a 47. Same sail, same board.
I think you will find your calluses develop differently - but not worse. One thing you have to remember about skinny booms especially, is you don't HAVE to hold on so hard, so your are probably over gripping & not getting the full benefit.
Yeah that's it. Imagine lifting a super skinny barbell, it would our fingers. My hands are quite big maybe that's why I prefer a grip not so skinny.
I can't use too skinny, also gets crampy, I remember I had one of the first north skinny booms , too small for me I gave it to my 5,6 mate who loved it depends on hand size I recon
What is the diameter (including grip)?
For me it took a few sessions to get used to the smaller grip, but after that I really like it. I think it is actually easier on the hands/arms (don't have to grip as hard), and it works well with gloves in the wintertime.
Select to expand quoteSandman1221 said..
Would avoid, or change grip, could give tendonitis over time.
Says the most clueless person on the forum.
I've got quite large hands but I way prefer skinnier diameter boom. I've got an on and off golfers elbow issue in right arm and a session on the larger boom definitely leaves me feeling more tenderness. But I suspect this would all be quite subjective and different across individuals
Select to expand quotemusorianin said..
I've got quite large hands but I way prefer skinnier diameter boom. I've got an on and off golfers elbow issue in right arm and a session on the larger boom definitely leaves me feeling more tenderness. But I suspect this would all be quite subjective and different across individuals
I had a nasty case of golfers elbow a couple of years ago from gripping and pulling (not windsurfing). It took 10 months to subside sufficiently for me to get back into the exercise that caused it, only more sedately. Windsurfing doesn't bother it. But they say that once you've had it it's more likely to recur because the formerly smooth tendon heals with cross links that make it rough.
I use skinny booms and they feel ok.
I have big hands and they work good . I V grip my booms because it takes half the effort to hang on . Just the area I hang on to . Finger tips under the V stops the hand rolling off the boom . It's a game changer . It's one less thing I have to think about .
I don't have a skinny boom , but I think it would be a thing . Well balanced harness lines should take 80% of effort . The last 20% is action stations . I think I would like skinny for that 20%.
Select to expand quote
I had a nasty case of golfers elbow a couple of years ago from gripping and pulling.
I suggest you porn 
Skinny boom (Simmer) is a thing!!! The best grip I ever had. After a week with a skinny I felt uncofortable using a standard one.
The later boom is the thicker one.
Will try to measure and see.
How grippy the boom is also plays a role.
I believe skinny is more ergonomic and better for reducing forearm tension.
Sometimes manufacturers have to go wider diameter mainly for strength reasons, especially big race booms.
Select to expand quoteGasHazard said..
I had a nasty case of golfers elbow a couple of years ago from gripping and pulling (not windsurfing). It took 10 months to subside sufficiently for me to get back into the exercise that caused it, only more sedately. ....
You didn't actually mention what that particular exercise was ... (just so we can all avoid it ... )
Select to expand quoteManuel7 said..
A barbell diameter is 28mm.
This is true - an Olympic (mens) Barbell. So, If you take the 25mm Skinny boom & add 3mm(2x1.5mm) of EVA grip you have 28mm.
Select to expand quoteremery said..
Enigma Wave is 25mm
Enigma 140 is very small and wonderful feeling, very stiff. I have a carbon chinook that feels a lot more flexy, but not a slim version but nowhere as large diameter as the big race enigma.
As long as harness lines are balanced, I really feel little strain on the small boom. Largest sail I use with it is a 6.3 freek and I had a 3hr overpowered fin session with it and no complaints. I also started getting really particular about cinching my harness tight (fixed bar) so it doesn't wander and that gelped a lot.
I get much more strain out of the large diameter stuff, but I'm also probably improperly grasping the boom more (shaking that habit gradually).
Thanks all for your input. My friend (pro level not that it matters but still) has slightly smaller hands than me and doesn't like the too skinny type. He prefers Chinook size.
Select to expand quoteImax1 said..
I had a nasty case of golfers elbow a couple of years ago from gripping and pulling.
I suggest you porn 
www.surfertoday.com/windsurfing/why-reduced-diameter-windsurf-booms-minimize-forearm-fatigue
I like the barbell analogy.
28mm - 2mm = 26mm.
Goya super skinny advertised at 24.5mm + 2mm = 26.5mm.
We often use workout gloves at the gym with opened finger tips.
Select to expand quoteManuel7 said..
www.surfertoday.com/windsurfing/why-reduced-diameter-windsurf-booms-minimize-forearm-fatigue
I like the barbell analogy.
28mm - 2mm = 26mm.
Goya super skinny advertised at 24.5mm + 2mm = 26.5mm.
We often use workout gloves at the gym with opened finger tips.
Except the EVA grip is not 1mm thick (2mm total) it is minimum 1.5-2mm thick so you are closer to 27/28mm on a Skinny boom.
Select to expand quotephiln said..Sandman1221 said..
Would avoid, or change grip, could give tendonitis over time.
Says the most clueless person on the forum. Ha ha
Using a very approximate measurement of my simmer booms I got:
30mm & 29mm
I wouldn't expect to feel such a "big" difference between the two wow!
