Here is a quick comparison of the North iBase 2.0 vs Neil Pryde Power U-Base

Weight = Neil Pryde 306g vs North iBase 257g

Height = Neil Pryde 94mm vs North iBase 68mm (from base plate to extension plate)

- Weight difference at 49g is negligible (windsurfing is not quite at the level of the cycling component weight fanatics just yet)

- The low height of the iBase was more than expected and probably a good thing for a wave board but could there be clearance problems with the recessed decks on the slalom boards?

- The security rope on the iBase is hidden in the centre of the tendon but I don't think the exposed rope on the U-Base would cause any issues.

- To assist in the removing the iBase, there are holes for a screwdriver to be inserted. I would have thought the screwdriver would hit the board and could not be inserted so I'm not quite sure how this feature works, but maybe some rope could be inserted if it is really stuck. To remove by hand, the grip on the iBase feels easier to apply more force.

- There is a separate base plate on the iBase so that the base plate can remain on the board with just the tendon removed, although the time saving would be negligible.

- The iBase has a smaller footprint and smoother corners hence should be easier on the feet when not using a deck pad.

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www.north-windsurf.com/eng/nodes/display/product/ibase-2-0-series

http://www.neilpryde.com/rigs/bases/power-u-base.html

Looks to be a smart design. We haven't had much innovation in this space for a while. This also negates the needs for board manufactures to scallop the mast track area to extreme, al a Starboard which has a small pool on the deck. :)

I'm assuming that the tendon with the the string is now proprietary to North, so it cant be replaced with a generic piece. What would be the cost of a replacement? And how does the price stack up to the pride unit.

These are good on flat deck boards as it drops the foot of the sail around 25mm

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Waiting4wind said..
Looks to be a smart design. We haven't had much innovation in this space for a while. This also negates the needs for board manufactures to scallop the mast track area to extreme, al a Starboard which has a small pool on the deck. :)

I'm assuming that the tendon with the the string is now proprietary to North, so it cant be replaced with a generic piece. What would be the cost of a replacement? And how does the price stack up to the pride unit.

I've had 2 of these universals for a little while now. They are beautifully made. The pin is billet and looks virtually bullet proof. The tendon rope is not replaceable independent of the tendon. Also the tendon is not available seperate from the pin and base insert and is $99. The whole universal is $169. In saying that I pulled mine apart today to have a look at the tendon and to make sure the holes that retaining bolts go through haven't started to elongate and they look brand new after more than a year. I was going to buy new tendons for piece of mind but considering the condition they are still in and having to buy basically half the universal to replace the tendon I will be using mine for a little while longer. I'm confident though they are very well made.

The new transparent North tendons are available separately from the pin/base cup.

I have one of the first generation Shox extensions that came with a black tendon. When that started to show signs of wear after a few years I bought one of the new clear tendons from an online store in the UK. Shipping was almost as much as the tendon. Easy to swap out.

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qldnacra said..

Waiting4wind said..
Looks to be a smart design. We haven't had much innovation in this space for a while. This also negates the needs for board manufactures to scallop the mast track area to extreme, al a Starboard which has a small pool on the deck. :)

I'm assuming that the tendon with the the string is now proprietary to North, so it cant be replaced with a generic piece. What would be the cost of a replacement? And how does the price stack up to the pride unit.

I've had 2 of these universals for a little while now. They are beautifully made. The pin is billet and looks virtually bullet proof. The tendon rope is not replaceable independent of the tendon. Also the tendon is not available seperate from the pin and base insert and is $99. The whole universal is $169. In saying that I pulled mine apart today to have a look at the tendon and to make sure the holes that retaining bolts go through haven't started to elongate and they look brand new after more than a year. I was going to buy new tendons for piece of mind but considering the condition they are still in and having to buy basically half the universal to replace the tendon I will be using mine for a little while longer. I'm confident though they are very well made.

Mate have plenty of spare tendons in stock for these bases