FAQ
1) Using a mast from a different brand of the sail could lower the sail perfomances?
It depends on the quality of the mast. The sail is designed around the mast and although for obvious reasons sail manufacturers declare that only the original mast works properly being engineered around the relevant sail curve, it has to be said that the curve it is one among many aspects to be considered. Today the majority of modern sails can be fitted with constant curve masts (i.e. a gradual and homogeneous curve along the mast length) and almost all new generation masts match very well to the different sail designs; the difference it is all placed among the quality of the carbon fibre chosen and the precise control of the process that allow for the creation of a mast with a superior dynamic response (reflex).
2) What is the reflex?
It is one of the most important characteristic of a mast and it mostly depends on the carbon fibre selection, on the percentage of its mixture with glass fibre and on the final design. You can describe it as the ability that the mast has to bring back to the original shape a sail deformed by the wind in the quickest possible way that is to say a sail ready to exploit every next wind impulse.
3) A mast with huge reflex is the best choice then?
Reflex alike the curve represents one among many of the factors the make a mast better than another. In fact, too much reflex could generate a very difficult mast to handle. The shape, the stiffness, its structure must create a very reactive element yet soft i.e. easy to handle while surfing. This translates into better power handling or less rider fatigue. These are fundamental aspects that make the difference in performance and price of all masts available on the market. Not only the curve, not only the reflex but the perfect blend of all design factors and of the carbon fibre selection. If a given sail is built around its “original” 100% carbon mast but is using lower carbon fibre quality, it will have its efficiency reduced compared to a 70% carbon MaverX Mast that only has the best possible carbon fibres and maniacally optimizes the design between reflex, stiffness and strength.
4) How can I know my sail will have a perfect profile using a MaverX Mast?
We keep on testing our masts all year long handling them over to our testers and athletes that use a wide range of sails from the most known and spread brands. To proof that we could talk about the results MaverX is having at an international level, we could endlessly show off our speed world record, our 1st Place on the European Freestyle Championship or more practically we ask you to go to your favourite shop and rig one of our Masts on your sail. But a good sail profile it is just the starting point. What makes our Mast a stand alone machine among all others is its dynamic response, the way it shines your sail efficiency. Unfortunately there is no better way to check this out than trying it on the water.
5) RDM or SDM for my sail?
Unless the luff is specifically designed to host only RDM, you can choose RDM or SDM masts according to your preference. The best choice depends on the discipline you practise and on your experience.
6) How can I know then when to use a RDM or a SDM Mast?
A
RDM
Mast has thicker walls and that to have the same stiffness of a
bigger diameter mast; therefore it will be relatively heavier of
the standard mast of same length and carbon content but for this
reason it will also be less fragile. Practising wave in extreme
conditions, Freeride if the catapult still is one of your favourite
move or Freestyle, there is no doubt that the RDM MX range
is the best possible choice you can make. If you are into
Freeride/Slalom/Race and you are looking for sail stability, for
immediate boost of power, a SDM mast as the new MaverX Elemento
gives you a competative advantage.
7) What different feelings I will experience by using a RDM instead of a SDM?
A RDM Mast leaves more luff “available tissues” and therefore the feeling is more that of a spring, less “power on/off” due to the extension delay of the extra luff under wind gusts. In strong windy conditions, this is a factor your arms can appreciate; this is something you can translate into more time spent on the water especially if you are a tad out of training. Furthermore the battens of sail rigged on a RDM Mast rotate much easier and this is a clear advantage for freestylers. On the contrary, a SDM mast provides a more stable and precise profile to the sail that will be more reactive, quicker on planing and faster. These are advantages mostly searched by athletes into Freeride, Slalom and/or Race or in light wind conditions. In this case the feeling is more direct and the sail response more immediate.
8) What does it indicate the carbon percentage?
The carbon percentage describes the ratio between the carbon fibre and the glass fibre contained in a mast. The higher the carbon percentage the lighter the mast and bigger its ability to excel your sail efficiency due to its superior dynamic characteristics.
9) What percentage shall I have to use? What the difference among the various percentages around?
In
the
market you have options ranging between 30% and 100% masts and among
them different carbon qualities. A 100% carbon mast anyhow may not
represent the most obvious choice: in overpowered conditions
may be topped with a nice swell, for the non professional surfer
a lower carbon content mast like our MX70
or MX85 might be more enjoyable. They guarantee
for sure a less nervous surfing in difficult conditions per se and
- being RDM - a safer choice between waves since they are
more robust. Furthermore the whole Stilo series is guaranteed against
breakage in surfing conditions. The MX100 with
its 100% carbon content represents the no compromise choice, awesome
feelings that in extreme conditions wants to be “tamed”.
10) I am a beginner; can I be satisfied with a 30% carbon mast?
We think you shouldn’t. In a way beginners that are in constant contact with the rig (uphauling, recovering, water starts) or girls for which the weight is not a negligible factor, would be absolutely pleased by a lighter, easier to handle mast. Think how true this is: in many cases a heavy rig is the negative key for letting windsurfing down. A mast with a carbon content lower than 50% has on its side just the price and this does not compensate the cons of its weight and very low performances. Remember that a good sail rigged on a bad mast will always be less performing than a top quality mast fit in a very bad sail. None can deny that.
11) How much does a MaverX warranty last?
MaverX
masts are guaranteed 1 year from the purchasing date against manufacturing
defects and if broken under normal use.the warranty is extended
even if the breakage occurs in surf conditions!!! (in waves). For
a complete copy of the warranty, please check SupportX/Warranty
and check how to ask for replacement and verify if the product is
eligible for a warranty replacement.
Material
defects especially in carbon composites become evident during the
initial period of continuous use. Breakages occurring after this
initial period are unlikely to be associated with either a material
or manufacturing defects. Usually the cause of successive breakages
can be attributed to solicitation other than material or manufacturing
defects. However, in all cases, Warranty will be at the discretion
of the Manufacturer.
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