Not really as the sail is designed for the mast the manufacturer uses. So (in very general terms) a Neil Pryde sail on their flex top mast will not twist off any more than a similar model Maui Sails on their quite stiff top mast.

However is you stick that Maui Sails onto the flex top Neil Pryde mast it will twist off more and likely it will be horrible.

You are right that flexier top can be nice in stronger winds..... but only when using the same and compatible stuff. For example my 5.2 has a 428 luff and is supposed to be rigged on a 400. It feels best on the 400 but if the wind is very constant and a tiny bit lighter it feels better on a 430 - but it is the same model mast.

Try to use the mast the manufacturer recommends unless your sails are the middle of the road as far as bend curve goes. Big benefits to having all your sails the same brand, using a brand with a middle of the road kinda bend curve, and then you have a variety of masts that will work.
Or, buying a middle of the road kinda mast and then you have a choice of sail brands that will work on it.

If unsure, tell us what you hav enow and what you are looking at buying. Somebody out there will have tried it already

If you are learning, stay away from a cammed sail like the hotsails GPS. I'd ask some hard questions of the people who are trying to sell a learner that type of sail.

swoosh said...

If you are learning, stay away from a cammed sail like the hotsails GPS. I'd ask some hard questions of the people who are trying to sell a learner that type of sail.

+1.

You'll progress much faster on no-cam sails. There are plenty around with grunt to pull you up on the plane.

from what i have read - SDM recommended for heavyweights like us
i have NEVER even tried an RDM

bigger question - how will those cams fit AND rotate on that RDM ??
someone must be able to ship you a combo made in heaven for a heavyweight ??

good luck !!

Not specifically looking to get into waves, just up and planing.
That is the type mast specified for that sail, but by going down this road I'm investing in a flexy top RDM and the question is, "Is that the type mast that will work for me at 97KG and going forward with other sails"

okay, even i looked at www.hotsailsmaui.com/2008/pdf/gps.pdf and confirmed this sail takes an RDM !!
this page also says --
Note: Heavier sailors over 90kg (200lbs) should use a 430 bottom and 400 top on the 5.5.
Note: Only Hot Rod RDMs are recomended for sails requiring 460 or longer masts.

So, ONLY HOT ROD RDMs over 460 AND there seem to be some warnings about heavyweights

Should beaglebuddy go for it ?? will it work for a heavyweight ??

my concern is : even if it is the right mast - you will NOT use it for any other sails - from what i can see !!!

Update; This 8.0M sail has a luff of 496, only a used 460 Hotsails RDM is available, so it will be the 460 with 36 CM extension on a Chinook 48CM carbon skinny extension, thus making the mast a bit flexier.
Apparently this mast is a bit older and made in NZ, supposed to be very durable. The new ones are made in China and have been breaking.

I've switched from soft top masts/sails to stiff top.

In general terms, the soft tops I think have more wind range in variable conditions in that you can kill the power at the top of the sail and use a bigger sail in stronger conditions.

Thing I like about the stiff top is that I use a smaller size sail but the wind range is less in variable conditions.

That's a bit of a generalisation, but its the reason I switched.