I am going to get a new boom. I basically narrow down to three choices: NP Forged aluminum, Gun Sail Select, Unifiber carbon boom

Want to fit all sails for one boom, Max. Sail size up to 7.5, min. 5.5 or 5m later

The NP one is aluminum, so stiffness is an issue? How does it compared to some cheapish carbon boom? But I like their fancy internal adjustable outhaul??

Pricewise, Gun Select is about double of NP forged boom

Me, lightweight sailor. Previous had broken one Chinook Alloy 152-214 boom around 2 years, probably due to using it in full extension

Anyone with experience are welcome to share.

I just crunched the numbers on boom cost/benefits and went with a carbon as being cheaper in the long run. Got a good deal on a Simmer SX8 and am well pleased.

I don't know about the Gun boom , but I do own a Unifiber carbon boom which I am happy with . I'm heavy and it's stiff and strong so far . I'd definately choose it over the NP alloy boom.
Go carbon.

I have a cheap carbon boom and it's now been going for over 13 years and always used on 8m sail with me at 85kg. I've gone through many alu booms in that time frame. The only maintenance with the carbon is the locking clips which corrode and break the plastic.
I've since replaced all 3 of my alu booms with carbon.

Look at second hand as well.

I will never use an alloy boom again!!! Just get a carbon boom.

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Waiting4wind said..
I have a cheap carbon boom and it's now been going for over 13 years and always used on 8m sail with me at 85kg. I've gone through many alu booms in that time frame. The only maintenance with the carbon is the locking clips which corrode and break the plastic.
I've since replaced all 3 of my alu booms with carbon.

Look at second hand as well.

Out of interest this is 13 years sailing 3-4 times a week or 3-4 times a year or less?

I'm a lightweight but after having 2 alloy boom breaking out in the middle of the lake I've switched to carbon.
Also much stiffer and better acceleration when the wind hits.

Thanks for everyone. I will try to get a carbon one. This is a safety issue as well, as I often sail kilometres from shore. Leaning towards Gun Sail Select. Still undecided between 160-220 or 180-240 :) The smaller one has a narrower grip

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SongofWind said..
Thanks for everyone. I will try to get a carbon one. This is a safety issue as well, as I often sail kilometres from shore. Leaning towards Gun Sail Select. Still undecided between 160-220 or 180-240 :) The smaller one has a narrower grip

Get the biggest boom that will fit your smallest sail. Otherwise get a cheaper Alloy boom for your small sails & get Carbon for your most used sizes.