I'm looking for a new boom, carbon boom.
Im leaning towards NP X9 and Severne Enigma (despite the unfortunate experience in general threads).
I sail on NP and am looking for the size 180-230.
Max sail will be 7.8 racing/free race so fit won't be a problem.
Adj out haul compatability is important.
Can anyone give a review on the NP X9 as I have not read much about them. Whats the head & extension mechanism like?
How durable is the grip ? And any other comments.
Or should I be looking at another brand?
Cheers Dave
I use the AL360 E3 carbon (freeride boom). They also make a slalom version, but I like the reduced diameter of the tubes of the freeride version. Very comfortable! I use the boom for every sail that fits on it. From 5.0 wave sail to 8.6 race sail. After three seasons of abuse still going strong. Did a regrip this winter because the grip had some small cuts from the fin (exactly in the wrong places off course), but overall it seems to be a quality boom for a reasonable price. Never used the Severne or the NP, so I cannot compare with those. Had to put on another back end for the adjustable outhaul (can be ordered from AL360). The slalom version has the right back-end off course. You can even order the slalom version with a wider back-end.
Mark , I think it's Nigeria ,some Prince ,with a inherited fortune , just give me your PayPal account and password and I'll get you guys together 
Select to expand quoteMark _australia said..
Bloke in Bulgaria is selling ones on eBay cheap. Free post.
But i don't want to regrip it straight away.
I have a 2009 NP x9, the skid mark brown one!
260-310, was used for a couple of seasons of formula racing before I shortened it to large slalom length 225 - 275 now!
still in perfect condition all round, reliable head mechanism and easy end adjustment. Built in pulleys for adjustable out haul.
Grip is in perfect nick after years of use! The greatest test was removing part of the grip when I shortened the boom - it turned out to be a real bastard to remove......certainly wasn't going to fall off!?? All good.
Hey Dave,
I also have the baby poo brown NP X9 180-230 as Childsplay above. Had it for quite a few years now. I went through the el cheapo carbon boom experience but kept breaking bits or it would fail. best piece of new kit Ive got. Super stiff (obviously) and easy to use. I use it on sails from 7.8 down to a 5.8 (also a 8.6 at times) with adjustable outhaul and it ticks all the boxes.
the grip does come off at certain areas (every day grip locations) but after years you cant complain being go to boom for every day use.
Have replaced the head bolts (too many catapults being a heavy bloke) and the clips but sweet as.
Well recommended.
Cheers,
Larko.
Select to expand quoteTony Wills said..
Did you win Lotto Dave?
Obviously. just got to cash in all my (old windsurfing gear) lotto tix.
Select to expand quoteBSN101 said..Mark _australia said..
Bloke in Bulgaria is selling ones on eBay cheap. Free post.
But i don't want to regrip it straight away.
available with you choice of boom grip, Chinrook, Sevenre, Pro Limut, Neil Pride.
I've got a 2009 X9 160 to 210. Its light and strong but I have had to replace the ext clips a few times and the clamp. I dont like to use it near max extension as it doesnt feel rock solid. Cant comment on the new ones.
I've got the Enigma 180 to 224 and it is rock solid, great quality.As I said in other threads had it replaced under warranty when a crack developed where the large diameter tube joined the small, no questions asked. Pretty sure they fixed this issue. I happily use on a 7.8 sail as even when it is near max extension it's solid as.
I love both booms and would purchase either again.
Check out the Gun booms , they are great value and really well built
gunsails.com/de/select-15/?SID=hhs41q03dv9lgked9eg337i1m7
around the $1400 , i can organise one for you
Boom weight is one of the biggest factors in my enjoyment of the sport.
Sailors of larger build who have large forearms tend not to notice much difference.
Colin has let me use his rig a few times. With his two larger length carbon booms (KA and Al 360) set on his 6.3 and 7.0
i can't but help notice the extra weight compared to my smaller lighter Maui wave carbon 170 220.
Jesper uses his KA longest carbon boom approx 200-250 on his 7.1m
My forearms were burning in no time especially when trying to gybe the tank.
Yet he noticed no difference in feel or weight when using my Maui wave carbon boom.
Again,it comes down to how strong you are.
Select to expand quotepetermac33 said..
Boom weight is one of the biggest factors in my enjoyment of the sport.
Sailors of larger build who have large forearms tend not to notice much difference.
Colin has let me use his rig a few times. With his two larger length carbon booms (KA and Al 360) set on his 6.3 and 7.0
i can't but help notice the extra weight compared to my smaller lighter Maui wave carbon 170 220.
Jesper uses his KA longest carbon boom approx 200-250 on his 7.1m
My forearms were burning in no time especially when trying to gybe the tank.
Yet he noticed no difference in feel or weight when using my Maui wave carbon boom.
Again,it comes down to how strong you are.
are you sure it's not the way you are rigging your sail?? On a slalom sail I haven't noticed any difference caused by boom weight. If the set up is balanced I don't need any strength to manage the boom.
Some years back I bought a big Np Slalom carbon boom the one with the oversize tubes in the tail piece, awesome boom and super stiff but I did find it felt a bit tail heavy and sort of made the whole rig feel out of balance especially when slightly under powered.
Anyway I went back to a more freeride Chinook carbon boom for my 7m and found it much more user friendly for my kind of sailing.
So my thoughts at the time were if you are a big bloke who likes to use big sails and sail overpowered then those big oversize slalom booms would suit.
^^ Agreed and Pete is talking about a wave boom.... it is 30cm shorter and without the wide tail end so I reckon you would feel the difference.
If your forearms burn it's not the weight, its the diameter of the tube, slight weight increase doesn't matter but diameter makes a bigger difference
Ive just switched over to Aeron booms. Their carbon slalom/race is stiff and well featured. Comparing it to my mates enigma they are identical. Having used other brands carbon in past I'd say they are a definite step up...
Select to expand quoteTRIMMER said..
Ive have 2 enigma booms with 5000km between them no problems
+ 1 for the Enigma booms
Select to expand quoteTRIMMER said..
Ive have 2 enigma booms with 5000km between them no problems
Yes, great booms, I've had them for two years & done over 25,000 kms with no problems either
