I've been impressed lately with the difference a 100% late model mast makes to the performance of my bigger sails so am planning to upgrade my 400 to 100%. I've never used an RDM, is the performance, longevity or otherwise worth the extra expense of having to get an RDM extension as well?
You bet it is ...specially in the smaller sizes ..
RDM 90 or 100 ...so nice and forgiving to use .
first thing I noticed going to RDM ,was less catapults .
and yes they are strong ,the wall is a lot thicker .
I have used RDM from 2000. I use in all Sails now, my largest is 7.0. When I had a 8.5 Lion with Ezzy 490, the SDM at 100% was better for me. 7.5 was a toss up.
Smaller sails , like the 400 would fit, I always use the skinny.
Several negative to RDM, they sink faster, hurt more when hit on the head( pointier) wear helmet alleviate that, grip when tacking, is a +-, depends on hand size, slightly less reflex when really powered up, a personal reflection.
Positives , easy to rig , better lo wind performance , stronger.
yes you need a RDM EXT.
If you need the 400 anyway, def get it, if not def get it anyway.
i also have a few different RDMs, powerex, no limits, Maverx, Ezzy , Hot Sails. The Ultra light versions, do offer better performance, I would not lay out the $$ for 1 , to use on 1 sail only, unless you have very deep pockets.
RDM makes gibes more convenient, lighter in the hands, plus lightens the rig and usually the quality and structural integrity is much improved.
RDM only feel lighter, in fact most of the time they are slightly heavier.
But also close to unbreakable so very reassuring when sailing in open ocean.
You can run an RDM in a standard extension if you want to. It's just a little inconvenient to adjust and you may have to cobble a through pin and a mast base plug for the mast to sit on.
Oh yes, and it may intefere with the bottom camber inducer if you use such things.
I have Ezzy Hookipa RDMs, and notice huge improvements every where in my sailing from SDMs. But my old SDMs weren't mostly all carbon content Like Ezzy masts are. Like I said, from lighter, to easier manoeuvring. They slide in the sail sleeve much easier. Especially if you have Ezzy sails, it's a windsurfing wet dream! Lol!
These are the type of adaptor discussed. I have one, but have never used it as my SDM extensions don't use pins so it won't work.
www.surfsailaustralia.com.au/product/chinook-skinny-adaptor-kit#surf-sail-clothing-hardware
Boardsurfr: your charts support our posts that RDM are not necessarily lighter than SDMs.
some of your observations are apples to oranges, comparing masts from the same company would be better.
The Ezzy Original RDM , is heavy, it has thick walls, Ezzy makes only RDMS, new less volume , more economic one availabe now, yes same bend curve as the Hookipia , something like 65 vs 91% carbon.
looking at Chinook100% versions
SDM 430 = 1.65kg
RDM 430= 1.70kg
difference of .05
convert to pounds = .11 or 1.76 ounces
i still think that 490 or larger, cry for a SDM.
YES.orange whip, buy a RDM extension ,going RDM will be the best thing you will ever do .
so much easier to slide up the luff pocket ,you know how you have to thread the sail all the way down the mast on some sails ,creasing the mono film ,and lighter feel and easier to crank it down when sailing over powered .
go for it .