I used to think you bought a skinny mast for life, based on the fact that in 5 years my Powerex mast is still going strong, compare that to the 5 years prior to purchasing the skinny when I must of gone through 5 fiberglass masts. I've seen 2 broken in the last 2 weeks (1 quite a way out at Lancelin) which makes me question if skinny masts really last as long as I had thought. What do most people think is a masts life and should it be replaced after a certain period even if it still looks ok?
I think you answered your own question partly ! 5 times the life is good at less than 5 times the price...
I have just retired my 5ish year old Powerex skinny for a K3D skinny on the premise that nothing lasts forever and I can keep it as a spare or for the kids to use in the river.
IF you bust it, or dont want it anymore, we can use them for landyachting!
Chook2 has a class of Ag. school students down in Esperance currently building 10 landyachts- and I am looking for donations of old windsurfing masts and sails to get them rolling.
It doesnt matter about the condition, age or how damaged the gear is- it can be repaired, modified and used!
All the best!
(and please dont chuck it out!)
Stephen.
If it's not broken, use it. A new mast can break, an old mast can break. There is no rule. Any mast caught in a wave can break.
the only time i've snapped a powerex is at a small day at scarbs 
....
rig was in the wrong place, wrong time....
but..
seen my rig do head stands on the reef , supporting the weight of the board etc still going strong after 5 yrs and i bought 2nd hand used a gazillion times
powerex have a been a great choice for me.
If only boards could be built so strong ?!?!?!?
disclaimer: except rider boards (ugly hog 9 yrs old, several riders, multiple cainings still going strong..)
i destroy masts 
, no kidding, got a 100% and the sleeve is cracking, irritating for a RRP 1400 bucks, not to worry comes with a lifetime warrenty and is already being replaced
.... powerex have a been a great choice for me.
It's an interesting question. I'd guess the statistics might be that a mast that has lasted 5 years is more likely to last another 5 years of similar use than one that is just one year old.
someone made a killing off you if you paid $1400 for an rdm mast
was is diamond encrusted around the tip??
.... powerex have a been a great choice for me.
