What is the right Mast for me? Do i need a 100% Carbon mast?
These are some common questions that we get asked a lot, so let’s shed some light on the topic and we will explain to you in detail the differences between the two mast lines and what mast fits which sail model and sailor. Let’s dive in.
Curve and Reflex
The Curve of the mast between the K80 and the K100 is exactly the same. So, both masts will satisfy your sail equally well when it comes to the bend curve. In truth both masts constsist of 3 layers of Carbon, the K80 just has an additional layer of Fiber Glass to give the best compromise between performance and durability. Because of this similar layout of the masts the Reflex characterstics between the two masts is very similar. Even professional riders on the World Tour can struggle to determine the difference between the two masts if they don’t know which mast is inserted in their sail.
Weight & Durability
As the K80 masts feature an additional layer of glass compared to the K100 line, the main difference between the two masts is the weight and durability. For example, where a K100 460cm mast weighs around 1880 grams, the K80 460cm mast weighs 2050 grams. This 9% weight difference can be the difference of arriving to the finish line 3m earlier or later on a World Cup slalom stage, but it will be hard to feel the difference for most windsurfers. The K100 mast line is for the people who want to get those last few % of performance out of their sail. If you want a mast that features almost the same performance but comes with the highest durability, withstands a few hard crashes, and can be left rigged up overnight every now and then, the K80 mast should be your mast of choice. There is a common misconception that our Slalom lines like the AC-1 LTD and AC-1 PRO only work with the K100 mast line. This is not the case, in truth even a K60 mast works better than most offbrand masts with a higher % carbon but a wrong bend curve for a Point-7 sail. A lower carbon mast can even feel a bit easier to handle as the reflex is kind of softer so especially in hardcore conditions this can be a consderation as well.
In summary most recreational sailors will be perfectly happy with our K80 mast even in our slalom sail line. If you want to experience the lightest weight combined with the highest amount of reflex the K100 line mast is your mast of choice.
By checking the line forces and deformation of the sails during all the moves, we decided to apply Kevlar structural bands along the sail to reduce drastically the natural deformation to allow the sail to return to its initial form fast. This has the sail to increase it’s reactivity by close to double the speed and increase the speed on which moves can be executed, on top of moves becoming much easier.
A second X-ply panel next to the dacron used to give power\pop in aerial maneuvers and acceleration increased the power and stability of the sail big time. Imagine having the performance of almost a race camber sail to cruise towards the next move, plus an extreme further stability during arial time. Just another story to be written on the performance of the new Slash as the Xply takes over the performance control of the dacron panel. A winning combo of having mixed the two materials!
Let’s go for a new title!
