Thinking about buying an LT 'board only', and an Ezzy Zephyr to pair with it. Just wondering if the Zephyr would rig right on a late model, high carbon, Neil Pryde 460 SDM mast? Anyone using this combo?

I don't know for this specific combo but it's generally a compromise and might not be worth it. Just get the proper mast from the same brand to avoid any issues and get the most out of the sail. Sails are designed on a matching mast so it's best to stick to Ezzy.

don't think that will work. Ezzy Zephyr is designed to rig on the original constant curve windsurfer mast. Neil Pryde uses some propitary mix of flex top and constant curve - at least that's what they say on their website.

www.ezzy.com/masts/mast-overview/

Ezzy 460 mast is CC/FT. Subtract the bend curve % of the bottom (the 1/4) from the top (the 3/4) gives 15 (77-62).

MAST CURVES
0-6 = Hard top
7-9 = Hard Top/Constant Curve
10-12 = Constant Curve
13-15 =Constant Curve/Flex top
16-18 = Flex Top
19-21 = Flex Top/Super Flex Top
22+ = Super Flex Top

Pryde say the 460 is CC/FT. So it should be very close.
www.neilpryde.com/pages/mast-bend-curve

For large camless sails I prefer a SDM mast in the sleeve as it gives a more locked in feel. RDMs will have a bit of give due to the extra luff sleeve.
My smaller Ezzy sails (5.2/4.5) are ok with RDM, 6m is ok, but for larger than that I prefer the 2 cam Lions as that takes out the give in the luff.

You could email Ezzy themselves. info@ezzy.com

Because Ezzy doesn't make SDM mast ,it seems it is a RDM tested sail .
it may work being a more flex top mast ,but I would probably buy a 60 % RDM Ezzy 460
I have not used a Zephyr

I have used RDM 80 simmer on my cheetahs which is more softer than the EZZY ,its works well
but feel s softer ,nice in bumpy conditions .Where the WA stash lives .

I know it's a dam shame having a high carbon mast just sitting there .

my black lion 8,0 ,I have tried it with many mast because I also have a 90% SDM Duotone

its amazing the extra low grunt and belly in the sail I get now using the 91 % Ezzy RDM .and Rigs so much better .

Pryde masts stand alone as far as compatibility goes .Here's the 7.0 cheetah on the simmer .RDM .a little soft but still works .

You might consider an HSM sail, they rig on NP masts. Speedfreak comes to mind

I've used a Zephyr on an NP 460 SDM which was just ok - not possible to go as deep-bellied as the sail is designed to go but certainly usable. I tried it on several masts including a borrowed Ezzy RDM and never found it to have the kind of exceptional grunt it was supposed to have. If I were to put an Ezzy on a longboard it would be the Lion.

I second the suggestion of an HSM Speedfreak. I have an old 7.5 Speedfreak which is the only sail I use on my original Superlight. Works 3kt-25kt and is very tuneable. Mine is at least 20 years old - it's the no-cam version - and looks and performs like new. Higher aspect than the Zephyr - boom is 202 rather than 213 - but still loads that longboard nicely. The newer Speedfreak is a single-cam and is an improvement.

The HSM Speedfreak is a good tip, looking at their website. Couldn't be any more expensive than a Zephyr, geez they're up there. Where do you buy HSM in AUS? The dealer web address on their website bombed out.

Have used my Zephyr on various longboards for over 7 years. Got it new, and it's had a lot of use and still in good condition.
Any SDM 460 that's anywhere near constant curve will work fine. Never found the Zephyr to be particularly mast sensitive.
As mentioned, it won't set with a flex/soft tip mast very well.
Am currently using a 60% STX RDM that works great. As an aside, seems to be close enough to Ezzy mast curve as my Lion's rig fine on it.

Ezzy state that all their sails are tested on SDM and RDM masts: www.ezzy.com/masts/mast-overview/

If you can get near the Ezzy mast curve (Ezzy mast bend curves are tip: 75% to 79% and base: 62% to 65%), you should be ok even with an SDM mast. I think Downhaul66 has nailed it.

Ezzy Zephyr will rig and sail fine on a standard 460 SDM Windsurfer LT mast (Carbon 40% 2 pce Mast ) and standard LT alloy boom. On the LT you just need a compatible mast extension to provide the necessary luff length for the conditions as called up by sail specifications. No need for any other mast if you buy the LT with rig.

Select to expand quote

Orange Whip said..
The HSM Speedfreak is a good tip, looking at their website. Couldn't be any more expensive than a Zephyr, geez they're up there. Where do you buy HSM in AUS? The dealer web address on their website bombed out.

The email address on the HSM website is hot@hotsailsmaui.com, could email them to ask who the local dealer is?

Select to expand quote

philn said..

Orange Whip said..
The HSM Speedfreak is a good tip, looking at their website. Couldn't be any more expensive than a Zephyr, geez they're up there. Where do you buy HSM in AUS? The dealer web address on their website bombed out.

The email address on the HSM website is hot@hotsailsmaui.com, could email them to ask who the local dealer is?

I sent an email and got a reply from Jeff Henderson himself (owner/sail maker). He is currently shipping orders directly from Maui, no distributor in AUS.

I've sailed side by side on an LT with me on my old Lion3 7.5 vs Luke using the Zephyr 7.5 and the zephyr could creep away from me in sub 10 knot conditions. Zephyrs tighter luff works better in light stuff, and you are most likely to swap to small gear if the breeze comes up anyway. I have the LT rig if you need a mast to try out.

I have found the VMG upwind of the zephyr to be worse then the standard LT sail below 10 knots. it just doesn't seem to want to go upwind well. very well made sail that feels light and well balanced, but not really a performance boost below 10 knot over the standard rig. 8.5 bic techno sail is good bang for buck on a LT and does provide a nice powered up feeling upwind in the light stuff.