It would appear that a lot of people have switched over to reduced dia masts judging by the number of comments on Seabreeze forums regarding the benefits of rdm over sdm.
So does anyone who windsurfs with std dia masts have an opinion or perspective as to why they continue to use them?
I use SDMs as that is what I have and they work perfectly well for me and the sails I have.
What Moby said.
I can't afford to replace all my gear annually, and other than UJ tendons, and a wetsuit, I haven't bought anything brand new yet.
Does anyone still have factory wheels on their car, or is everyone using shiny mags?
I still use the SDM's because these are the masts designed for my sails. Some of my friends have swapped to RDM's, but again because these are the ones recommended for the new sails that they bought.
It's been years since I last busted an SDM (and they were the dreaded early X9's from NP) and even though the last month has been brutal for big winds and wave board use here in Vic, I still see no valid reason to swap to RDM's.
This raises another question: When do you decide to replace a mast?
My most used mast is from about 2000 and still going strong. (watch it snap on Saturday)
I'm now using the north drop shape masts so I don't need to replace extensions and mastfoot stuff, the diameter is a bit smaller but not rdm small. Maybe a middle of the road mast for old pussies that require a slow rate of change
.
When they do break they make good rod holders for beach rods. Better than PVC.
RDM's are to skinny (and don't break)
Last mast I broke was aluminium!
SDMs work fine for me and I ain't going to shell out to replace 3 masts unnecessarily.
Are RDMs just for increased strength when getting pounded by waves or do they improve sail performance?
If you only sail on flat water is there any point in changing to skinny masts?
Shoot yea SDM's but even more people should be using RDM's and there will be even more SDM's on the SH market.Saves me $.To improve my sailing,things i should do..loose 5-10kg[get fitter]...stop smoking.....trade my 5yr old boards on the latest faster models....trade my[av] 4 yr old sails in on the latest faster models....buy carbon booms &rdm mast.OOPS,need to move somewhere where the wind blows more ,first priority.
Being fairly new to the sport still run SDM because thats what you get in the 2nd hand market as a poor newbie. All my sails recommend SDM and perform really well with the the masts I have. Plus I don't think an RDM will suddenly make me land fowards or vulcans overnight either.
Back in Auckland only the top competitive wave, freestyle sailors etc are using RDM- most of the general sailing crew are still on SDM. Of course there are also those show ponies who have to have the latest gear.. but most of that type have gone to the dark side.
I will no doubt be forced into RDM when I get new sails etc in the next year or so. But at this stage my $150 masts work superbly.
I know a few racer type guys who have gone RDM and then gone back to SDM because they didn't like the feel of the RDM, different flex and response characteristics.
Another thing to note is that due to the smaller diameter of the RDM and a therefore more acute impact point, it does a lot more damage to your board and in my mates case your leg. Helicopter tack gone wrong equals shin bone in two pieces.. Ouch!
Mmmm There is consistancy in this forum
This is off topic but I have to get it of my chest.
Each to there own and I understand that things are tight at the moment "BUT"
Its a cheap sport compared to others and if we all ride 90's and early 2000's gear where does that leave our sport in the future. UP S##T CREEK.
We might have to import old gear from some other countries where they give a F because there wont be any half decent gear around here and watch our sport die
garyk,
I do not get the same feeling as you. I think peopel like to use their gear until it breaks, then have no issues buyiing new gear.
I have Formula equipment that I update regularly. I also have a smaller gear that I will not replace for some time because I spend over 80% of my TOW on Formula.
It would be nice to have newer gear all the time, but everyone to their own.
JB
I give an F, I just don't have enough F'n money, a bit like F'n everybody else on this thread,
Its all about sacrifice.
Most people, smoke, drink, gamble, go out for dinner, buy fancy cars and so on.....
If you really loved windsurfing you would only have to give up one bad habit to buy new kit maybe every 2 or 3 years.
Its all about sacrifice.
Its all about sacrifice.
its a catch 22
earn $100 grand per yr + you suffer in lack of sailing time,
earn less, have more sailing time on older gear
and those with a mircle job that pays well and has a good 30-40afternoons sick leave, when are you resigning?
Its all about sacrifice.
Drink a few less beers a week, and don't buy as much takeaway (after several months)= new RDM!
Could potentially save $60 a week, so bout 10 weeks till new RDM (based on Loft 400 100% carbon RDM)
It's a personal choice, what do you prefer, nice gear or other?
