I have an old (2003?) Np x9 490 mast that I would like to try in a newer NP race sail - something like the Evo or the MK slaloms.
From petermandk, it seems that the rs racing still had massive downhaul tension. I don't want to snap my old mast just by downhauling.
However, I seem to have read somewhere that starting with the Evo, the downhaul tension has been reduced a great deal.
Is that true? How about with the mk slaloms? How about the H2?
I assume that the bend curve and stiffness of my old (but in great condition) mast should be about similar to the new one? Or, is that wishing too much?
I'm no racer, but sail in a gusty area so need maximum wind range from my sails.

The (old) mast should not be a problem at all if handled with care. The X9 is a 100% carbon mast which suits the NP racing sails best. If you let your mast bake in the sun or throw it on the floor, and it accidentally hits a little stone on the grass or sand. There might occur a little crack in the carbon structure. This might be just as little you can not see by eye. Putting a lot of downhaul tension can make the mast snap though.

If the newer racing sails need less downhaul tension I can not tell. I still sail the 2007 model which are just fine with me.

The mast is in really good shape... I know that the older NP race sails needed ton of downnhaul and snapped masts... I was wondering if people have experience with the new ones??
The reason I ask is that I'd be mail ordering, and can't really try before buying.

I rigged my newly bought second hand rs slalom mk III on a NP matrix mast (yes, I know, should be a X9, but no money left), no problem at all to downhaul it, easy peasy !!

I run a RSR 6.2 evo on a X6 430 and can put max downhaul without a winch. I am also using the NP extension which helps I think. The evo does not need as much downhaul as the earlier RSRs.

cool - thanks guys!