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Mast Sensitivity
Loftsails founder and designer Monty Spindler explains some interesting points about masts.
Explore the influence of bend curve, diameter, stiffness and why almost all of the Loftsails range are both RDM and SDM compatible.
STIFFNESS
Many sails of a given size can be rigged on two mast lengths, the rider choosing between a shorter mast and longer extension - or a longer mast and less extension. Longer masts are usually stiffer.
The stiffer option can suit larger riders that have a more aggressive technique. The shorter (and softer) option can make for an easier ride that lighter riders often prefer.
CONTROLLING BEND CURVES
Loftsails employs pre-preg mast production procedures that ensure masts consistently match flex specifications. These pre-impregnated (with the resin already soaked in evenly) layers of fiber allow uniform sauration of resin - and use less overall resin than 'wet', manual layup processes - for way more accurate production than traditional filament-wound techniques.
The reduction of overall mast diameter reduces a mast's resistance to bend. However, RDMs compensate for their reduced diameter by an expansion of the mast wall thickness.
This both makes them strong and also makes the process more reliable in terms of allowing RDMs to be less production-tolerance critical than SDMs as the wall thickness is less critical to any inconsistencies in the layup process.
RDM or SDM suitability can also depend on the type and size of sail in question. RDMs are almost 100% standard now for wave equipment and many smaller-sized sails. SDMs mainly suit larger sail sizes, especially in camber-induced Slalom, Formula Windsurfing and Raceboard racing designs.
RDM & SDM COMPATABILITY
Although RDMs and SDMs share identical flex specifications when measured using the universal IMCS system, each of the two types also have their own corresponding dynamic flex characteristics.
For example, out of two 460-cm. 25 IMCS masts, the RDM would exhibit softer, 'dampened' feel, while the SDM, in comparison, would generally feel stiffer and more direct.
Lighter riders of all ability levels usually prefer the softer, forgving feel of RDMs, while larger sailors of all levels often appear more comfortable on the more direct, responsive-feeling delivered by SDMs.
Because wind range and tuneability are at the heart of Loftsails philosophy, Loftsails offer RDM and SDM compatability on nearly the entire range.
Loftsails racing designs also include the interchangeable TekCam2 system that accomodates both mast diameters.
