Was wondering what are the pros and cons of moving from a 75cm mast to a 90cm?
Will be interesting to get expert and intermediate opinions. Cheers.
Pros:
- more tolerance for error (Less chance of touchdowns / Less chance of tip breaches)
- Better pop on airs
- Access to shallower start areas
Cons:
- More flex
- More roll / slower from edge to edge / more disconnected from the foil
- More mast = more drag on takeoffs
It comes down to personal preference, but my sweet spot is around 80-85. With a properly stiff mast 90 is fine. I have a hard time getting used to a mast too much shorter than 80 and only use one when its shallow.
Nah go 1m + if you're going to go big, go all out.
Marginally harder to start, but you can get more RM and heel harder. Feels weird at 110, but your pump is much stronger.
Also disconnect from foil is more apparent on board than masts. Same setup between 60L and 44L feels very different!
Select to expand quoteVelocicraptor said..
Pros:
- more tolerance for error (Less chance of touchdowns / Less chance of tip breaches)
- Better pop on airs
- Access to shallower start areas
Cons:
- More flex
- More roll / slower from edge to edge / more disconnected from the foil
- More mast = more drag on takeoffs
It comes down to personal preference, but my sweet spot is around 80-85. With a properly stiff mast 90 is fine. I have a hard time getting used to a mast too much shorter than 80 and only use one when its shallow.
Another +1 for 80-85 but it really does depend on what you like doing. For me this is a good all rounder to keep me from breaching too easily whilst also keeping me in the power zone of the waves/bumps (nothing too big) without having to ride too high. Also less likely to hit the reef which around Perth is a thing. Takes a bit more skill sometimes to stop breaching but pays off with more control. Some pretty good riders around here went big and are now going smaller again. Racing guys sticking with long masts. No rules for winging though. Just personal preference.
I have alu 75 and 90 masts. My default option is the 75 because it is more nimble and playful. However in light wind I prefer the longer one because it makes transitions easier (feels like you have a bit more time) and with a 7m wing it is easier to keep the tips clear from the water. In choppy conditions, the 90cm can be useful too.
I've used both. the biggest thing for me is not breaching as much in choppy sea, have more time to recover. Down side of the 90 is need to get chest deep to start out.
At my local spot, which has a fair bit of choppy water and wakes from large vessels the upgrade from 75 to 90 was a huge improvement for me. It's only 15cm, but it has made a huge difference and eliminated crashes from breaching. The extra height also helps a lot when learning gybes and avoiding touch down.
