RDM vs Conventional Diameter Mast?

[Guest]

I am considering replacing my older 460 mast with a new lighter one to use with a 6.2 or 7.5 sail. I'm leaning toward a 75% Powerex conventional mast. Should I go for an RDM mast?

[downwind dave]

if youre getting a new mast make sure its compatible with your sails w/regard to flex, rdm or no. also check if your sails are cammed, will they even fit on a rdm. generally, rdms are used in the smaller sail sizes, and not so much for slaloming/baf. ive heard they are nice though (user of Tidalwave 430 of unknown origin)!!

[mortontoemike]

Thanks for the response DWD. I appreciate the input. I'm savvy enough to know that I will need an adaptor or a three-way for the clamp and I don't have any cammed sails and I know that the IMCS should be ~25 for my sails, I just wondered if there is a particular advantage to the RDM mast. I read somewhere that it is easier to grab for jibes and tricks and waterstarts for example.

[Guest]

whups didnt know it was someone mast savvy like you mb!

[KUS]

Just got an RDM 430 myself, apparently the airflow and pocket is smoother, less frontal drag, lighter yet stronger which is a win in waves.....well, and you'll fit in better with da hip crowd, appearances are everything afterall

Main argument that convinced me is the lighter, stronger part. Not sure I would bother with a 460 tho but certainly 400 or 430. Having used them only a couple of times, I would think others would have more feedback.....ya gotta have some reasons for spending waaaay more dough.... The grab thing I couldn't see being an issue but I have large hands....and you know what they say about large hands......ya need large gloves

[winddoctor]

Hi mb,

I'm not sure I'd see a big benefit to an RDM in that size (460). I'm not sure what you weigh, but RDMs tend to feel a bit more noodly as you go up in length, and this feel is exaggerated if you weigh more than 180 or so. While I love RDMs in 430 and shorter lengths, I would actually prefer the responsiveness of a standard diameter mast for a 6.2 or 7.5 sail (a size that will likely be a freeride or higher performance sail). If the bigger sails you have are designed specifically around an RDM then you've got no worries. If you are lighter, then you've also got less to worry about. If the sails aren't designed around an RDM, then you will likely give up some performance. Something else to consider is that while RDMs are nice to handle in maneuvers, they sink more easily compared to a SDM (less buoyant airspace), thus making waterstarting more of a chore if the rig is not waterstarted immediately.

Rigging a sail designed primarily for a SDM on a RDM will see you using more downhaul and outhaul than normal to pull the extra fullness out of the sail.

RDMs are super durable, easier to maneuver, great in the waves, and give peace of mind. However, the most important thing is, as Dave said, is to make sure the mast fits the specs of the sail. Try rigging the sails on both masts and see how they feel when you pump them. This will give a good sense of the responsiveness of the skinny vs. the SDM.

Good luck!

[Guest]

Thanks. This is exactly what I was looking for. I'll buy a standard for the 6.0 - 7.5 sails. BTW, 205 lbs this morning so I'm definitely not a light weight!

[KC7777]

MB,

My comment might be too late. For what it's worth I have a 490 cm Ezzy skinny mast that I use with my 8.5M Infinity (2 cam). The rig feels like about a 6.5, easy to pull out of the water, handle etc. and I can hang on to the 8.5 up to 20 knots. For comparison I used to have a 75% conventional mast, on 9.0 Sailworks NX2, felt 10x heavier though maybe cause the Sailworks was a race sail. I couldn't even pull the damn thing out of the water.

I now have all skinnies. Check out eBay....rigmastermaui is Kevin Prichtard and Phil McGain and they sell a lot of skinnies....370 cm - 460 cm for about $175 - $200 US plus $40 US shipping for new skinnies.

As for whether skinnies are better for doing tricks.....I would know nothing about that..... I still think jibes are tricks.

Later.

[mortontoemike]

Thanks Casey;

I haven't done anything yet. Seems like there is a difference of opinion on RDM's for larger sail sizes although your comments are pushing me towards trying an RDM for my 7.5 just as an (expensive) experiment. Thanks.

Pretty chilly at Harrison these days.

Mike

[KC7777]

Mb,

Check out Ebay item# 8725296153 - search in "windsurfing".

Gaastra RDM 460 cm. 100% carbon, brand new. Current bid $157 US. 1 day 21 hours left

Seriously, these things go for about $200 - $220 US + $55 US shipping = $255 US = $300 CDN. Phil McGain Fedex's right to your house so no duty or taxes. I have bought 4 skinnies this way, while selling my old regular masts. Best deal was a 370 cm skinny for $115 US....worst deal was a 430 cm 100% skinny for $207 US.

$300 CDN all in = $265 CDN before taxes for a 100% skinny.

Comes with a mast bag and boom shim too.

Compare to Big Winds No Limitz 91% carbon 460 skinny for $473 US + shipping $30 = $503 US x 1.14 = $573 CDN all in.

Savings of $273 CDN.....do it man. It feels good!!!!

KC

[Windsurfish]

Hi MB,

As you know, I picked up an RDM 430 this spring. It is the first choice in rigging for me, and aside from the durability, it just seems to feel like a smaller rig. It does rig slightly differently, but that said, probably better. I use it for 6.0 down, and I only seem to rig the normal diameter masts after I have the skinny in use. Besides, it would make you a cooler doode if you had one too .

Happy Shopping...

PS: I bet you can pick one up in Maui used - I'm going to look for a 400 RDM when I am there...

[mortontoemike]

MAN. I think the troops have been alerted. I chased the 430 RDM to $288 USD and then abandoned the hunt! With shipping it's too dear. Maybe I'll get the golf clubs ... I can learn how to golf. Or maybe the table top hockey game ... damn eBay ... see ya ... gotta go bid on a pair of cowboy boots ....

[Windsurfish]

What size fin can you use with Cowboy boots..... Probably only need a wave fin eh? I bet its easy to kick into the straps with those, and no more sore feet from walking on barnacles.....

Tu um est...

[KC7777]

MB,

I think more and more people have discovered windsurfing gear on eBay and are bidding prices up as they see the deals. I purchased my masts approx. 1 year ago, and eBay prices are definitely up since then.

But keep watching, prices can be a bit lower in December/January????

Regards,

[KUS]

well, KC and MB, ya got me hooked ever since you mentioned the nasty website.
I was sooooo impressed with my new 430 RDM the other day that I ended up just emailing Matt Pritchard direct and asked him if he had a RDM for sale which he did and sold me a new 400 for US$225.....beats the friggin' bidding war with all the freak children who outbid you with 11 secs to spare, I tell ya. What a nice Xmas present, just what I wanted