I have a 2003 NP x9 490 mast in perfect condition.

I'm thinking of getting an EVO III 9.5 at a good price. Anybody have any idea whether this combo should work?

Does the EVO III require a lot of downhaul like older NP race sails?

Unfortunately I'd have to ship the sail so I can't test rig it with my mast.

Thanks in advance for any perspectives.

Interesting question.

Normally you would say yes this works fine.
However, ...from what I have heard. Other compatible masts like the Unifiber flextop for example does not seem to be recommended for the new evo5 sails.
So this might give you a thought about using an old X9 mast in a new evo sail.
I do not know if this include the evo3 though. Anybody out here who can confirm this?

Give it a try at the Neil Pryde support.

http://support.neilpryde.com/categorized.asp

Yeah, I really want to know too if the Evo III has the crazy downhaul tension of say the rs6. I definitely don't want to run risk of snapping it.

There are used evo III and II's available and it'd be a cheap way for me to get a huge race sail since I already have the 100% carbon 490.

Hopefully I could get a lot of low end for not much money. Otherwise, I'll just sell the mast. It's circa 2003 but in perfect condition so it could be good for somebody using it in a H2 or a no cam.

I sail at a gusty spot, so a pure race sail with maximum range is basically necessary. Otherwise I'd get a freeride myself.

If you are rigging it on an X9 mast it shouldn't be an issue, if the mast is from 2003 then it's shown it's a tough mast.

As with all NP sails, they do like the downhaul, the new NP extensions make it easier so as you can hand downhaul by hand.

the Eiii's like an extra 4-6cm boom extension so there's a gap at the back to allow the sail to rotate.

i use an x9 530 from around the 2003 era & it works a treat in my evo 3 10.7
As elmo said, they like their downhaul so be prepared to put your back into it.. or get a winch!