Windsurfing newbie looking for equipment advice

zackW · Joined: 08 Mar 2012 Posts: 2

Hey all, I'm looking to move from renting equipment to buying something this spring, but had some questions to make sure I end up with a complete kit that actually sails.

-Do most masts fit most boards? I've got a possible board to buy from one place, and a mast from another. From what I've looked up, you can just install a new mast hitch-part on the board if you need too, right?

-How do people feel about Mistral Explosions? I've found a 130l one for $200, which seems reasonable. No year was given on the store's website. The price seems really good, at the price of some wear. Honestly, I don't mind something to beat up on for a while, and it would be enough to get me out there.

So a bit of background: I'm 170lbs, looking to start my second year of windsurfing. I'm at the point where I can gybe/tack/get to where I want to go. The only other board I've found (Mistral Eruption) is 75l and that seems a bit too light for where I am now.

A lot of the sailing I'll be doing is going to be inland; I'm thinking of a 5.5/6 sail (that's the size of my favorite rental sail from last year). I don't remember the names of any of the equipment or I could probably compare things a bit better.

Any help is appreciated. The sticker shock on this equipment is kind of strong, so I need to get things right on the first go.

Thanks!

jingebritsen · Joined: 21 Aug 2002 Posts: 2087

sticker shock: be glad you aren't doing something like jet ski's. now that's expensive.

inland where? the explosion sounds good. the eruption, it had better be blowing 30 +, and you may need some more time on the water to fully appreciate it anyway. the eruption is a dedicated wave board and does not do that well in flat water.

masts and sails need to be matched well. the nomenclature is rather techy and i've had a hard time keeping up with it. suffice it to say that powerx, and epic offer stiffer lower halves and fit more sail brands.

fibrespar and nolimitz work in ezzy and old gaastra's which prefer slushier lower half masts. some north sailors, with newer sails, are thinking they like these masts too. unfortunately throw in the $$$ and opinions, and it's really hard to figure out what's best.

RDM masts typically do not do well with cam sails. nor are they very good with lots of larger RAF sails. they also require a boom opening shim at the in haul place where one connects the boom and mast. SDM masts sometimes don't fit well in RDM specific sails.

lots of crap for the buyer to beware. go to a reputable dealer, and get some stuff from them.

d0uglass · Posted: Fri Mar 09, 2012 11:43 am Post subject:

Masts don't directly link to the board, so technically any mast can work with any board. It's the "universal joint" (the part that screws into the board) and the "mast base extension" (the tube that fits in the bottom of the mast and locks to the universal joint) that you have to worry about.

Make sure:

1) The universal joint and the mast base extension fit together. The two basic types are the "Euro Pin" and the "US Base." I like the US Base kind better, and they're more common. Some universal joints have a separate base plate and joint part, and others have the base plate built on to the joint part like a mushroom. You can see the different types here: http://www.chinooksailing.com/products/index.php?cPath=2&osCsid=oi71od1bmf166ikdmu6s793bn0

2) The mast base extension is the right width to fit inside your mast. There are two widths of mast: Standard (SDM) and Skinny (RDM), and therefore there are two widths of extensions. Most sails will work with either mast width, but older sails, bigger sails, and sails with camber inducers are usually meant for SDM. Mast length is a more important concern (see below).

3) Your board has a normal mast track (the slot that the base screws into). Almost all boards from the mid-90s to the present have the same kind of mast base attachment slot, which works with standard one or two-bolt universals. The exceptions are some longboards and older Mistral boards that have adjustable mast tracks operated by a foot pedal.

The other compatibility issue to consider is whether or not your mast is the right length for your sail. The "luff" length on your sail should not exceed the length of your mast plus the setting on your mast base extension. Typical mast lengths (in cm) are: 370, 400, 430, 460, 490, 520, and mast base extensions usually max out between 25 and 45 cm.

A good mast size to start with would be 460, which will fit most sails in the 6 to 8 meter range, which is probably what you'll be using on a 130 liter board in inland waters.

I have a blog post that explains more about how to make sure your gear is compatible, and how to get cheap gear that works.

http://jimbodouglass.blogspot.com/2008/07/poor-persons-guide-to-windsurfing.html

PeterSS · Joined: 05 Feb 2009 Posts: 46

I've got a Mistral Explosion 151, and its a great board. I sailed a 130 Explosion in the caribbean this winter, and I thought it sailed very well. For $200, as long as its not really dinged up, I think thats a great call for a first board. Go for it.

roarmoss · Joined: 22 Jun 2010 Posts: 17

I had a Mistral Explosion mid-90's.
It had foot pedal mast track with Mistral (proprietary) mast foot.
If your Explosion has such a track, you will need that foot, or alternatively you bypass the Mistral car and will need a conventional foot with extra large "slider" as offered by Chinook (and you lose the pedal adjustable feature).

zackW · Joined: 08 Mar 2012 Posts: 2

Awesome, thanks everyone... this is a ton of good information to digest. Looks like I'll close the deal on the explosion tomorrow. The mast I was looking at is 460, and I have a 6.0 sail lined up to go with it; I'll compare this against any bundles the store might offer tomorrow and go from there I guess. Thanks again everyone!

zirtaeb · Joined: 03 Jul 2009 Posts: 1808

Most Mistral Explosion I've seen have TWO different mast track arrangements. One for the Mistral pin, the other on the same white plastic car, for Chinook or other single bolt univerals.

dyz36 · Joined: 14 Jun 2008 Posts: 23

I had a mistral explosion 130 from the late nineties. If this is the same board I would not recommend it unless you already plane comfortably in straps. Newer 130 liter boards are wider and much more stable so this is a good size starting out. Maybe a modern 145 liter board is better for beginners at your weight. I would recommend two sails, one 5.5-6.0 and the other 7.0-7.5. You may be able to rig them with the same mast.