In the last year I have switched to Gun mono head alloy booms. Although they feel stiff I have broken two in under a year. Another bloke I sail with broke his on the first outing. Also no warranty was granted for booms even though its meant to be still covered. The first one I took on the chin because I had sailed it a fair bit. This second boom I have only sailed ten odd times and that has now broke. The arm fell off at the head. It's a fairly broad term to say they only cover manufacturing defects. Is it not a defect that they made a boom to weak? Same goes for boards that loose their back end on a plastic bag or a fish. Should we just accept the fact that we buy at out own risk and be happy if it only makes it to ten or so uses? Is gear made like it used to be made? I have an old north go to backup alloy boom that is shaped like a banana its been crashed so much, its been through hell and the arms are still holding on. Please give me your opinions on this matter. is a Gun alloy a bit like a disposable nappy?

You would think they would be covered under warranty, I don't use alloy booms anymore but in saying that my most expensive carbon boom (big brand name) cracked through the carbon tubing around the head I have repaired it and seems to be holding up but for $1K boom not good enough,my cheaper generic brand carbon booms have been crashed and trashed and are holding up so well 4 years and still going I have recently changed the heads on them to Maui sails brand and the the new boom heads have really stiffen up the booms never realised how much flex was coming from the original boom head.
Just buy a good carbon boom which should last you years.

Hey Spam,

Without asking too personal a question, are you over 85 kg? If so then... well... you pays your money and you takes your choice when it comes to aluminium booms.

After going through several ally booms I've now moved over to a couple of cheapy carbon ones, they seriously are the ducks nuts. I never worry about if the boom will last this session, unlike when I was back on aluminium ones.

If you can't afford new carbon then get a second hand one from someone who hasn't used it much, they last forever and are well worth the coin.

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choco said...

I have recently changed the heads on them to Maui sails brand and the the new boom heads have really stiffen up the booms never realised how much flex was coming from the original boom head.

I have been thinking of doing the same to 1 of my carbon booms and was looking at the maui head, good to know that they retro fit succesfully.

Spam, I've broken lots of alloy booms that never lasted a year, only ever got warranty on a HPL after first getting knocked back but then covered after a long sooky email.

Mine always broke at the head, I put this down to being 85Kg and sailing rough ocean, what happens is the flexing of the alloy up and down that eventually cracks and breaks the arm, a bit like bending a spoon back and forward until it breaks. I always broke the arm that I hang off going out to sea.

I went for a carbon boom in the end that lasted a few years, I now have it as a spare as I bought a diff brand carbon that is stiffer. Lots of guys like me will say go carbon but others will say the alloy booms are ok but my personal experience is go carbon. As for cost I'm way in front, boom is stiffer and no down time as no shops in my area.

Your original question, is the Gun alloy boom a disposable nappy, I'd say no but they wouldn't suit me how and where I sail.

look at UNIFIBER carbon booms had mine for 4 year still going strong and stiffer than alu cost is outwayed by quality from $599 Cheers

Thanks guys. I have put on some pud in the last couple of years. Probably a contributing factor. I guess if you are over 80kg and sail a lot then carbon is the only way to go. I have noticed I break the alloy booms all on one side. My preferred speed run side. I have been thinking I'll have to go to carbon. Just didn't like the price tag that goes with them. If I keep breaking alloys like this a carbon boom actually sounds cheap. Some people in SA have been on billows carbon mast and they seem to be going ok. Price tag very reasonable. Only thing they haven't been on them long enough to give them a real test. Any thoughts

Sam,

I have been sailing a Gun Sails Mono boom and have not one problem with it. I'm 90kgs and wavesail. In the time I have had the Gun boom, I have snapped 3 masts in shore break - so they've been tested. I've also had a good number of jump sessions at a reef break here and it's still holding strong. I wonder if you've been unlucky and have a bad batch?

Other than the Gun I've had an Aeron mono - I have had these two booms in total for three years without a boom issue.