I sail at Redcliffe, have 3 old (+8yo) sails (6.6,7.4,8.3) freeride "general purpose" which I hope to upgrade over next 18mths. I need 490, 460 and 430 masts (going to get at 5.7m wave sail so that maybe 400 i/o 430). Should I stick with SDM or go RDM given I need to upgrade my boom anyway? If I went RDM what combination to cover the above. Happy to take advice on the forum or direct via email. Cheers Jason
rdm 430. Buy the right sails and u will be able to run a 5ish wave to a 7 slalom. Get a second 430 for when u snap one.
I think that a most Redcliffe sailors are running RDMs. For normal sized sailors there is no disadvantage in using them. The advantages in strength and handling are very marked however. RDMs over 460 are reputedly hard to make work well, however, so if you are running a 490 an SDM might be better.
At Redcliffe the strength will give you peace of mind and the much easier waterstarting will surprise you.
There is no need to get a special boom either as shims are easilly available and included with either the mast or the boom that you buy.
