Windsurf Masts

Windsurfing Mast

The mastis one of the easier things to choose. It basically just needs to match the dimensions of the sail or sails you want to use it with. However, there are some things that differentiate them from each other. The length of the mast must fit the sail, and the mast is usually a bit too short, so the last bit is solved with a mast extension. It is indicated on the sail which mast length is suitable for that specific sail.RDM or SDMdescribes whether the mast is of the type "Reduced Diameter Mast" or "Standard Diameter Mast". Basically, both types of masts can do the same, but RDM masts are mostly used for smaller sails and in wave/freestyle, where maneuverability is in focus. SDM is used for larger sails where stability is weighted higher than maneuverability.The carbon percentage, the amount of carbon fibers is indicated in percentage. A low percentage gives a durable mast with lower performance, and a high percentage gives a very performance-oriented mast, but it is more expensive and more fragile. Furthermore, you should choose a mast with the right "curve". As a rule of thumb, there are two types; Flex-top and constant curve. Generally speaking, you can assume that if you use a sail from the brand Neilpryde, you should choose a Neilpryde mast, as this is of the Flex-top type, and Neilpryde sails are designed accordingly. Other brands of masts are almost always of the constant curve type and fit with sails that are not Neilpryde.

Mast Extension

An extension is used to lengthen the mast so that the mast's measures fit the "luff length" indicated on the sail, which is the length of the front part of the sail, from bottom to top. It is very rare that the mast fits the length of the sail exactly. This is done to give both the sail designer and windsurfer some adjustment options, and therefore, you need an extension.When you need to buy an extension, there are of course some things you need to be aware of. First and foremost, the extension must fit the mast. Here you need to see if you have an RDM or SDM mast. Next, you have to make sure that your base/joint between board and rig is of the same type. Here it matters whether they are of the type UXT or MXT. Both the base/joint and extension must be of the same type. The length of the base is initially not so important as long as your mast length + extension length is equal to, or longer than, the "luff length" stated on the sail.