carbon%: the more the better...?

[schakleton]

Hi,

I found a xcellerator 80 mast (80% carbon) for the same price as a NP Freeride pro ( 55% carbon). Would it be better to choose the highest carbon percentage possible or the sails recommended mast ( neil pryde, in my case)?

[spyder]

generally the more carbon content is less weight. more carbon is supposed to be stronger, depends how they are made.

typically, masts around 50-60% carbon are a good choice.

the main thing is to get the right stiffness for your sails, check the IMCS against the recommended IMCS for the sail.

[schakleton]

Hi Spyder,

More carbon is supposed to be stronger? I believe you mean the opposite, right?
...if so, do you think it may be too fragile (80%)?

(Ive checked out the IMCS and both are the recommended 21)

Thanks

[spyder]

you are right, more carbon is lighter and stiffer, but is less strong.

[berky]

More carbon creates a lighter, faster mast. Meaning it has a decreased moment, the time it takes to go from center to flexed and back to center, aka; reflex or response time.
Go for high content carbon for race and slalom and less carbon the closer you get to waves...

[schakleton]

Well, I dont really intend to get close to the waves...but as a beginner, I fall a lot so im afraid to break it (wonder if a high content carbon would be a good choice at the moment)

Thank you

[tjmiller76]

I recently upgraded from a 30% to 90% carbon mast, and the biggest benefit that Ive seen is the lighter weight makes it much, much easier to clear the sail when waterstarting - which should be a benefit at your level. I dont think youd break either one by just falling or getting slammed, its only when your rig gets tossed about in the waves when it becomes an issue.

[goltz]

The beauty of all this newer, lighter gear is that it is easier to carry back up the beach!