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Mixing masts

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Created by Sea Lotus > 9 months ago, 11 Oct 2021
Sea Lotus
320 posts
11 Oct 2021 6:05PM
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2020 4.7 blade (at 405luff) felt a little stiff compared to 2017 one, so i tried it with 370 mast, then it felt too soft, especially at top.

Is it dangerous to use max settings (36cm) for a carbon rdm extension?

Would it be ok if i used 370 bottom and 400 top?
Or is it always recommended to use shorter/softer top?

Similarly, if you have two different brand cc 400s, one 18 other 19 imcs, what difference would it make using softer bottom or top?
Do they all fit each other?

Sea Lotus
320 posts
11 Oct 2021 7:49PM
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Found this at unifiber website, % is like flex:



kato
VIC, 3507 posts
11 Oct 2021 10:58PM
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Yes you can mix different tops and bottoms as long as they fit correctly. BUT you need to know what you want and how to get it otherwise it's going to be a lot of trial n error and expense. A max extension will get you a softer mast /sail experience. I run a 480 mast in a sail that needs a 520... works in the light winds but no good as the wind increases and the draft moves back. Good luck

Manuel7
1318 posts
12 Oct 2021 12:22PM
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Id always go longer uptop. I have used up to two sizes difference. I tried rigging a shorter top and it looked very flexy. Zero tension down low so huge belly with a flappy top!

36 is fine outside of surf. Mix match so long as junctions fit nicely. You can also make a tip extension to run a smaller mast extension. This is something I've been doing a lot and gives me more rigging options.

melih
134 posts
13 Oct 2021 9:04PM
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Dear Sea Lotus,
Max. settings is not dangerous for your extension but it is risky for your RDM mast. Always give some tolerance for the mast. It is better to use 400 cm mast for your 4.7 sail.
Bye Melih..

FRPGear
17 posts
10 Nov 2021 9:24AM
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Select to expand quote
Manuel7 said..
Id always go longer uptop. I have used up to two sizes difference. I tried rigging a shorter top and it looked very flexy. Zero tension down low so huge belly with a flappy top!

Perhaps, I did not understand. Do you mean that the mast gets more flexible if the top section is shorter.
I use longer low sections in order to increase stiffness of my masts. This video shows another trick with spacers on the extension for better stiffness:

Manuel7
1318 posts
12 Nov 2021 2:05AM
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Yes basically the top bends very quickly while the bottom stays straight. I did hear some people use that config with success though, not sure how !

sailpilot
QLD, 785 posts
16 Nov 2021 4:12PM
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Im using stiffer top sections and lower sail tension for foiling with standard sails. The stiffer top section holds the leech up a little tighter and keeping some belly in the sail.

Sea Lotus
320 posts
17 Nov 2021 1:24PM
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Select to expand quote
Manuel7 said..
Id always go longer uptop. I have used up to two sizes difference. I tried rigging a shorter top and it looked very flexy. Zero tension down low so huge belly with a flappy top!

36 is fine outside of surf. Mix match so long as junctions fit nicely. You can also make a tip extension to run a smaller mast extension. This is something I've been doing a lot and gives me more rigging options.


I had been using 400 top and 370 bottom for a month now after your suggestions and it feels better for me then full 400, thanks guys.
I haven't tried 400 bottom and 370 top since other option felt good.

Manuel7
1318 posts
18 Nov 2021 3:06AM
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Awesome! Good sailing conditions?



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