Puppet,

Yes, a higher carbon mast (but not 100% carbon as they're too fragile) would definately help with the swing weight of the rig. Will make waterstarts/gybes etc easier to learn. RDM is also better for durability. Look to buy a used 75-90%.

An alloy boom is adequate to start off with, but a carbon boom, whilst 3x the price, would last 3x or more longer and will be lighter and stiffer.

Puppet said..
hi all

Is it really that important to have a higher % of carbon in mast for a np firefly sail as was planning on just a basic 430 rdm matrix with 35% carbon... 65% the price jumps considerably?

Does the same apply for a boom as well... Is carbon % super important?

cheers

puppet

Get the highest carbon content mast you can afford, you will appreciate it in the long run. In the higher content carbon masts Rdm are the way to go for durability. We don't see to many RDM's break in the bay.

I only use carbon booms as I was sick of breaking Al booms. ( maybe I was buying the wrong brand) Nothing wrong with getting an Al boom as long as you know it wont last forever and dont sail out to far when its over 2 years old if your a big guy

I also agree about the 100% RDMS ..as being tuff ..I have naish ones and they are lasting without chips or end fraying ..3-4 years now .

booms ..carbon ones do handle more punishment ...and you don't have to wash them ..where alloy booms have more movement ..which can be forgiving in times ..but they have improved alot .and still good quality ,I have both ..but always grab the carbon one .
If you get a alloy try and get a double pin ..adjustment clipped one ..makes them alot stiffer...if you are just starting out ..Alloy ..save the money ..if you haven't used carbon ones yet, you won't notice the difference ..and get spoilt ....the more you sail ..the fussier you get ..price difference is huge ..you can just about buy another sail with the difference in price .which might be more benefit to you .

Mark _australia said..
Disagree here....... 100% is fragile in SDM race masts.
90-100% carbon RDM's are way durable.
The most unbreakable NP ever is the X-Combat.

I think for the Firefly the X65 would be much nicer but I am hearin ya on price being a factor

Agreed, I have a 370 and 400 x-Combat RDM which have copped a pounding in surf. Near bullet proof masts.

I've had a north viper wave 430 %100 mast for about 9 year's now with no problems at all and it has been well used over the years and still goin strong. It's all about how you look after them I think but will be replacing soon though as my new severne 5mtr gator and 6mtr ncx wants a stiffy top mast.