I needed a bigger boom due to a new sail having a longer boom length than a previous version of the same sized sail but older. I didn't have a lot of money and so couldn't go carbon. I read about the latest V-line Simmer booms which they advertise as being 'almost as stiff as carbon'. The price seemed pretty reasonable compared to what else was out there and I was very keen to try the v shape arms as I have read very good things about them.
I got the 180-230 and first impression was it is heavier than I was expecting. This could also be because it was/is the biggest boom I have ever owned. The fittings all seemed really good. The tail is setup for adjustable outhaul should you want it as well as the usual pulley cleat system should you not. The head comes with an RDM shim but I run SDM masts so out that came. It is monocoque as are most booms nowadays which no doubt helps with the stiffness. I have a gripe with almost all booms I have or have used in that the heads are back to front. I run my booms upside down as it makes it MUCH easier to wrap the heads around the mast and through the luff sleeve with the way they are designed. Unfortunately the Simmer suffers this same affliction but I did run it the normal way up today and it wasn't a major hassle to mount. BUT, it is an issue nonetheless.
Adjustment is very easy with the extension locks easy to pull out and push in and maybe it is just the boom being brand new but the arms tended to slide in and out very easily.
Once sailing I was amazed at the feeling of the V tubing. So comfortable and after sailing for a couple of hours my hands felt absolutely fine. The same cannot be said when I have used traditional round arm booms. As far as stiffness goes, I have no complaints at all. Pumping felt fine and felt like it was translated to the sail straight away with no initial flexing from the boom. It is quite a wide profile and so very easy to hold onto and hang off which is what I want for my race sails.
Overall I am very happy with the boom and rate it quite highly. It has white/grey and light blue grip which is a bit naff but it looks totally unique to other stuff out there so not too much of a bad thing.
8 out of 10 
