Sport Today

by **zw..** » Thu, 24 Aug 2000 04:00:00

I just purchased a quiver of Ezzy Wave SEs(5.2,4.5,4.0,3.5) and I'm
thinking of matching them up with RDM masts. I currently have some
House brand 430's that worked well with my 98 Ezzy's but they are heavy
and with my new 4.0 and 3.5 I'm going to need at least a 400. Any
input on brand of RDM, handling, weight, hassles, etc... would be
greatly appreciated. BTW, I already own 2 Chinook stubby extensions:)

Thanks,
Dave Zimmerman

Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/
Before you buy.

by **Mike** » Thu, 24 Aug 2000 04:00:00

How about Powerex Z-Tapers? Normal-sized bottom quickly tapers to skinny
size before it reaches the boom, for skinny performance with no
interchangeability compromise. Uses trhe usual hassle-free thick tubing boom
protector/adaptor. I bought one as a risk-free experiment (to see whether I
want to convert to RDMs as I replace masts). It holds my sail up just fine,
but until I get it in the surf, which is rare, I gained nothing that I can
perceive.

Mike \m/
To reply directly, remove the SpamDam.

Quote:

> I just purchased a quiver of Ezzy Wave SEs(5.2,4.5,4.0,3.5) and I'm
> thinking of matching them up with RDM masts. I currently have some
> House brand 430's that worked well with my 98 Ezzy's but they are heavy
> and with my new 4.0 and 3.5 I'm going to need at least a 400. Any
> input on brand of RDM, handling, weight, hassles, etc... would be
> greatly appreciated. BTW, I already own 2 Chinook stubby extensions:)

by **Ed Scot** » Thu, 24 Aug 2000 04:00:00

I like the Powerex 400 and 430 RDM's. They recently beefed up the boom
area with kevlar, and they now include a padded reflective bag (and some
ugly yellow lettering on the mast).

I have the Ezzy 2000's, but my friends that have the SE's really like
'em. You need about 3" of extension with the 5.2 on the 430, the others
rig with no extension. The Chinook skinny adapter thing is kinda lame, a
little groove can be worn in the bottom of your mast by the collar of the
adapter if you're not careful. I wrapped a piece of tape around the
bottom of my mast. I don't have problems with boom slippage on the
Chinook booms when I've properly snugged the boom front end, but I've had
problems snugging (and slippage) on Windsurf Hawaii front ends.

I personally like the skinny for jibing and manuevers, but it's a little
tough to waterstart when you submerge the mast. This is sometimes a
problem in the impact zone.

-Ed

Quote:

> I just purchased a quiver of Ezzy Wave SEs(5.2,4.5,4.0,3.5) and I'm
> thinking of matching them up with RDM masts. I currently have some
> House brand 430's that worked well with my 98 Ezzy's but they are heavy
> and with my new 4.0 and 3.5 I'm going to need at least a 400. Any
> input on brand of RDM, handling, weight, hassles, etc... would be
> greatly appreciated. BTW, I already own 2 Chinook stubby extensions:)

> Thanks,
> Dave Zimmerman

> Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/
> Before you buy.

by **WARDO** » Fri, 25 Aug 2000 12:24:48

Dave,
I think you would be stoked with a Powerex Z-Taper........you can use your
normal bases and it swages down to skinny diameter at the boom clamp. Your
boom won't slide on you with the hose shim.
Great response/reflex will bring your wave sails to life.
http://www.surfingsports.com/Powerex.asp
If you want to go with pure RDM's the Powerex or Nolimitz are the call:
http://www.surfingsports.com/product.asp?prod=nol_skin400_1
Swing weight is sweet and these puppies are strong.

WARDOG
http://www.surfingsports.com/

Quote:

> I just purchased a quiver of Ezzy Wave SEs(5.2,4.5,4.0,3.5) and I'm
> thinking of matching them up with RDM masts. I currently have some
> House brand 430's that worked well with my 98 Ezzy's but they are heavy
> and with my new 4.0 and 3.5 I'm going to need at least a 400. Any
> input on brand of RDM, handling, weight, hassles, etc... would be
> greatly appreciated. BTW, I already own 2 Chinook stubby extensions:)

> Thanks,
> Dave Zimmerman

> Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/
> Before you buy.

by **David Cavanaug** » Fri, 25 Aug 2000 14:12:38

Hey Dave.

I hear that Ezzy sells RDM masts specifically made for his sails now.
Haven't used any yet, and wonder if they are just relabeled "NoLimitz" or
"Powerex". Anybody out there tried one? Presently I have a 430 NoLimitz
RDM that seems to work fine with my 5.2 Ezzy Wave - as long as I give it a
little extra downhaul and outhaul. If there is no trade-off in
performance, the lighter weight and superior durability are definitely a
major plus in the surf.

Dave in C***te.

Quote:

> I just purchased a quiver of Ezzy Wave SEs(5.2,4.5,4.0,3.5) and I'm
> thinking of matching them up with RDM masts. I currently have some
> House brand 430's that worked well with my 98 Ezzy's but they are heavy
> and with my new 4.0 and 3.5 I'm going to need at least a 400. Any
> input on brand of RDM, handling, weight, hassles, etc... would be
> greatly appreciated. BTW, I already own 2 Chinook stubby extensions:)

> Thanks,
> Dave Zimmerman

> Sent via Deja.com http://SportToday.org/
> Before you buy.

by **Taura** » Fri, 25 Aug 2000 04:00:00

Quote:

-----Original Message-----

Newsgroups: rec.windsurfing
Date: Wednesday, August 23, 2000 10:57 PM
Subject: Re: RDM Masts

<snip>
I don't have problems with boom slippage on the
>Chinook booms when I've properly snugged the boom front end, but I've had
>problems snugging (and slippage) on Windsurf Hawaii front ends.

The WH power taper booms walk down the regular diameter Powerex mast too.
Seems their clamp can't be tightened enough since the pivot goes too far off
center to finish the clamp, maybe some spectra line would help here but
without stretch you might crush the mast. Seems they are asking allot from a
5 inch line to have just the right amount of stretch to make it work. The
clew's end little funky T shaped bar to increase purchase also broke after a
dozen rides, luckily the screws that hold your excess line can be
effectively used instead so its no big deal. The clew tube has also bent
from a light season of use too. Must be all those holes for the one inch
adjustment weakening the tube structure. Very disappointing but the narrower
grip is very comfy and the main tube has not bent making the problems mostly
cosmetic ;)

Tauras
www.slonet.org/~tsulaiti/surfreport/

by **David Cavanaug** » Fri, 25 Aug 2000 04:00:00

Hey Bri!

How's it going? Was hoping to get some at the coast this weekend until Debby
went and got flaky on us. Oh well. Gonna keep an eye out for the next conga
line off of Africa. Any way, you're right about the Ezzy's being relabeled

a skinny, I'm going to keep replacing my old standard wave masts with RDM's.
Broken way too many a mast in the past year or two, and would rather allot
that $$ to my next Fox Custom or Ezzy Wave quiver. As long as you get your
boom set to the right height before it gets wet and get a real tight fit, it
won't slip (with a Chinook boom anyway).

If I'm on my 5.2 next time at the North End, we can switch rigs and you can
give it a try.

Dave in C***te.

Quote:

> On Thu, 24 Aug 2000 01:12:38 -0400, David Cavanaugh

> >Hey Dave.

> >I hear that Ezzy sells RDM masts specifically made for his sails now.
> >Haven't used any yet, and wonder if they are just relabeled "NoLimitz" or
> >"Powerex".

> Dave bro!

> I think they are Powerex, well thats what the guys at Windance said. I
> took my Z-tapers to the Gorge and they worked great. I really liked
> being able to grab the mast when I spaz'd out. Can't wait to try them
> at the North End this fall. I would like to try a regular skinny
> sometime, well give me an excuse to buy something else since Melissa
> wants one of my Z-tapers :-) We'll see, as the Z-tapers are pretty
> nice since you just use your regular base! Haven't had any problems
> with boom slippage either. I do have this insance fear of lossing my
> tubing for the boom. I've got to get a supply and always keep in the
> truck!!

> Hope you've been doing well down in C-town!

> Later,
> Bri

by **Brian Mckenz** » Sat, 26 Aug 2000 11:07:45

On Thu, 24 Aug 2000 01:12:38 -0400, David Cavanaugh

Quote:

>Hey Dave.

>I hear that Ezzy sells RDM masts specifically made for his sails now.
>Haven't used any yet, and wonder if they are just relabeled "NoLimitz" or
>"Powerex".

Dave bro!

I think they are Powerex, well thats what the guys at Windance said. I
took my Z-tapers to the Gorge and they worked great. I really liked
being able to grab the mast when I spaz'd out. Can't wait to try them
at the North End this fall. I would like to try a regular skinny
sometime, well give me an excuse to buy something else since Melissa
wants one of my Z-tapers :-) We'll see, as the Z-tapers are pretty
nice since you just use your regular base! Haven't had any problems
with boom slippage either. I do have this insance fear of lossing my
tubing for the boom. I've got to get a supply and always keep in the
truck!!

Hope you've been doing well down in C-town!

Later,
Bri

by **Jerry McEwe** » Sat, 26 Aug 2000 14:22:03

Hey Ed, why is it tough to waterstart with a skinny? And do you also
feel that the boom must be tightened good while the mast is still dry?
What if I decide my mast needs moving while I'm out sailing? Must I
come to shore and dry the mast prior to moving it? Thanks!

Quote:

>I like the Powerex 400 and 430 RDM's. They recently beefed up the boom
>area with kevlar, and they now include a padded reflective bag (and some
>ugly yellow lettering on the mast).

>I have the Ezzy 2000's, but my friends that have the SE's really like
>'em. You need about 3" of extension with the 5.2 on the 430, the others
>rig with no extension. The Chinook skinny adapter thing is kinda lame, a
>little groove can be worn in the bottom of your mast by the collar of the
>adapter if you're not careful. I wrapped a piece of tape around the
>bottom of my mast. I don't have problems with boom slippage on the
>Chinook booms when I've properly snugged the boom front end, but I've had
>problems snugging (and slippage) on Windsurf Hawaii front ends.

>I personally like the skinny for jibing and manuevers, but it's a little
>tough to waterstart when you submerge the mast. This is sometimes a
>problem in the impact zone.

>-Ed

>> I just purchased a quiver of Ezzy Wave SEs(5.2,4.5,4.0,3.5) and I'm
>> thinking of matching them up with RDM masts. I currently have some
>> House brand 430's that worked well with my 98 Ezzy's but they are heavy
>> and with my new 4.0 and 3.5 I'm going to need at least a 400. Any
>> input on brand of RDM, handling, weight, hassles, etc... would be
>> greatly appreciated. BTW, I already own 2 Chinook stubby extensions:)

>> Thanks,
>> Dave Zimmerman

>> Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/
>> Before you buy.

by **Ed Scot** » Sat, 26 Aug 2000 04:00:00

I've found a boom rope position for the Chinook booms which snugs it just
fine dry. It doesn't need any on-the-water adjustment. Unfortunately, I've
never been able to get the WH's tight enough wet or dry. I'm glad I'm not
the only one who's had trouble with them, I think Tauras is right, it's the
assymetrical arrangement of the WH front end which prevents a snug fit on the
skinny or tapered mast. You can adjust the Chinooks in the water, but you
might have to let the outhaul go a little. I know the optimum height for my
booms, and don't find I need to adjust them unless they do slip on a landing,
which happens very infrequently. The front end may need to be adjusted
differently for different sails since they usually clamp on in different
places.

The skinnies sometimes are harder to waterstart because they don't have as
much volume as standard size masts, and thus do not float as well, or so the
theory goes. The skinny is da bomb when it comes to using your mast for a
pogo stick off the bottom in head-high swell though.

-Ed

Quote:

> Hey Ed, why is it tough to waterstart with a skinny? And do you also
> feel that the boom must be tightened good while the mast is still dry?
> What if I decide my mast needs moving while I'm out sailing? Must I
> come to shore and dry the mast prior to moving it? Thanks!

> >I like the Powerex 400 and 430 RDM's. They recently beefed up the boom
> >area with kevlar, and they now include a padded reflective bag (and some
> >ugly yellow lettering on the mast).

> >I have the Ezzy 2000's, but my friends that have the SE's really like
> >'em. You need about 3" of extension with the 5.2 on the 430, the others
> >rig with no extension. The Chinook skinny adapter thing is kinda lame, a
> >little groove can be worn in the bottom of your mast by the collar of the
> >adapter if you're not careful. I wrapped a piece of tape around the
> >bottom of my mast. I don't have problems with boom slippage on the
> >Chinook booms when I've properly snugged the boom front end, but I've had
> >problems snugging (and slippage) on Windsurf Hawaii front ends.

> >I personally like the skinny for jibing and manuevers, but it's a little
> >tough to waterstart when you submerge the mast. This is sometimes a
> >problem in the impact zone.

> >-Ed

> >> I just purchased a quiver of Ezzy Wave SEs(5.2,4.5,4.0,3.5) and I'm
> >> thinking of matching them up with RDM masts. I currently have some
> >> House brand 430's that worked well with my 98 Ezzy's but they are heavy
> >> and with my new 4.0 and 3.5 I'm going to need at least a 400. Any
> >> input on brand of RDM, handling, weight, hassles, etc... would be
> >> greatly appreciated. BTW, I already own 2 Chinook stubby extensions:)

> >> Thanks,
> >> Dave Zimmerman

> >> Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/
> >> Before you buy.

by JT » Sat, 26 Aug 2000 04:00:00

I converted last summer while in Pistol River, and will not go back!
I was not really a "fan" of them, until I broke a Fiberspar (2nd one) and
borrowed a Nolimitz 430 and mast base from my friend, Dana Miller to finish
the week until I could get a new mast. After one sesh with it, I ordered
two (430 & 400) from Ocean Tribe Surf Shop in Gold Beach (sadly, they have
closed since then). Two days later Dave delivered them and a replacement
sail (Ezzy 4.2 Wave) for the trashed North when the 'spar broke - right to
the beach. An extra few bucks got me the RDM base and a conversion kit for
one of my Chinook bases. I'm VERY happy with the masts and trash them
regularly in the Atlantic from NJ to NC.
I have one Fiberspar left, a 460 that I use (to often, unfortunately) with a
5.7 sail for light wind wave sailing. When the wind freshens and I can
switch to a 4.9 and the Nolimitz rig, it feels like sailing with a feather.
Did I mention that they are also very light?
Another noticable difference is when grabbing the mast to position it for a
water start, jibing, ETC. The feeling is like grabbing a boom - very thin.

JT
waiting for his 460 Fibertwig to break so he has an excuse to buy another
Nolimitz

Quote:

> How about Powerex Z-Tapers? Normal-sized bottom quickly tapers to skinny
> size before it reaches the boom, for skinny performance with no
> interchangeability compromise. Uses trhe usual hassle-free thick tubing
boom
> protector/adaptor. I bought one as a risk-free experiment (to see whether
I
> want to convert to RDMs as I replace masts). It holds my sail up just
fine,
> but until I get it in the surf, which is rare, I gained nothing that I can
> perceive.

by **Taura** » Sat, 26 Aug 2000 04:00:00

I think an easy fix to the WH front end would be to increase the thickness
of the *** inside the front end since they are obviously using the give
of the *** to offset the "over" throw of the clamp. IMHO thicker ***
would also hold the front end on the mast better and stop the creeping.
Otherwise the boom is very nice, I especially like the locking system and
they are quite stiff. They can be adjusted in the water if your sail doesn't
require too much outhaul. I've been running Simmers which do have a fair
amount of positive outhaul so its possible to adjust with a strong push on
the boom.

Tauras
www.slonet.org/~tsulaiti/surfreport/

Quote:

> I've found a boom rope position for the Chinook booms which snugs it just
> fine dry. It doesn't need any on-the-water adjustment. Unfortunately,
I've
> never been able to get the WH's tight enough wet or dry. I'm glad I'm not
> the only one who's had trouble with them, I think Tauras is right, it's
the
> assymetrical arrangement of the WH front end which prevents a snug fit on
the
> skinny or tapered mast. You can adjust the Chinooks in the water, but you
> might have to let the outhaul go a little. I know the optimum height for
my
> booms, and don't find I need to adjust them unless they do slip on a
landing,
> which happens very infrequently. The front end may need to be adjusted
> differently for different sails since they usually clamp on in different
> places.

> The skinnies sometimes are harder to waterstart because they don't have as
> much volume as standard size masts, and thus do not float as well, or so
the
> theory goes. The skinny is da bomb when it comes to using your mast for a
> pogo stick off the bottom in head-high swell though.

> -Ed

> > Hey Ed, why is it tough to waterstart with a skinny? And do you also
> > feel that the boom must be tightened good while the mast is still dry?
> > What if I decide my mast needs moving while I'm out sailing? Must I
> > come to shore and dry the mast prior to moving it? Thanks!

> > >I like the Powerex 400 and 430 RDM's. They recently beefed up the boom
> > >area with kevlar, and they now include a padded reflective bag (and
some
> > >ugly yellow lettering on the mast).

> > >I have the Ezzy 2000's, but my friends that have the SE's really like
> > >'em. You need about 3" of extension with the 5.2 on the 430, the
others
> > >rig with no extension. The Chinook skinny adapter thing is kinda lame,
a
> > >little groove can be worn in the bottom of your mast by the collar of
the
> > >adapter if you're not careful. I wrapped a piece of tape around the
> > >bottom of my mast. I don't have problems with boom slippage on the
> > >Chinook booms when I've properly snugged the boom front end, but I've
had
> > >problems snugging (and slippage) on Windsurf Hawaii front ends.

> > >I personally like the skinny for jibing and manuevers, but it's a
little
> > >tough to waterstart when you submerge the mast. This is sometimes a
> > >problem in the impact zone.

> > >-Ed

> > >> I just purchased a quiver of Ezzy Wave SEs(5.2,4.5,4.0,3.5) and I'm
> > >> thinking of matching them up with RDM masts. I currently have some
> > >> House brand 430's that worked well with my 98 Ezzy's but they are
heavy
> > >> and with my new 4.0 and 3.5 I'm going to need at least a 400. Any
> > >> input on brand of RDM, handling, weight, hassles, etc... would be
> > >> greatly appreciated. BTW, I already own 2 Chinook stubby
extensions:)

> > >> Thanks,
> > >> Dave Zimmerman

> > >> Sent via Deja.com http://SportToday.org/
> > >> Before you buy.

by **zw..** » Sat, 26 Aug 2000 04:00:00

I think that seals the deal on RDMs. Thanks for all the input. Now
that we know Ezzy Masts are made by Powerex the final question is can
you mix and match tops and bottoms with the Powerex RDMs? The Ezzy
site mentions that all mast bottoms and tops are interchangeable-for
Ezzy Masts.

Thanks,
Dave Z

Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/
Before you buy.

by **Karabasz** » Sat, 26 Aug 2000 04:00:00

We conclude then that RDM's are Great.

But here is the deal NO way can you swap tops and bottoms I DON"T CARE WHAT
EZZY SAYS! They are not machined (like fiberspar) ferrule they are laid up and
hand finished. I can assure you from RECENT personal experience (I got some RDM
masts mixed up) that they must go in a matched set I spent about 45 minutes
rematching some of our RDM stock. I even noticed that the OD's are a little
different
mast to mast.

So now i can assure you that this aspect of the topic is resolved as well.

You wanna buy one???

by **Mike** » Sat, 26 Aug 2000 04:00:00

I have often interchanged many Powerex bases and tops, even of different
types (Super Waves and Z-Axis waves, for example). I have never noticed any
difference in the fit, just as PX said I wouldn't. I deliberately run
Superwave tops on Z-Axis bottoms to take advantage of the much lighter
Superwave's reduced moment of inertia and the Z-Axis wave's greater
strength. The fit is flawless.

I do notice a little difference in buoyancy between my normal diameter masts
and my RDM, but it isn't a significant factor even though I spend a lot of
time in the water. The RDM is heavier than my Superwaves, though. The main
draweback to my using an RDM is a personal one: I run a mast base pad just
beneath my booms to protect my board noses (100% protection for many years
now, compared to cracking noses every few days without it), and the pad
sticks further into the slipstream with an RDM compared to a normal diameter
mast. Since I don't ever handle my mast on the water, and have large hands
anyway, I gain no handling advantage with an RDM.

And I have yet to have any problem with boom height adjustment on the water
with an RDM, even though I may adjust boom height a couple of times a day. I
am glueing a ridge at each end of my RDM mast spacer to prevent sliding the
boom off the spacer, as insurance.

Mike \m/
To reply directly, remove the SpamDam.

Quote:

> We conclude then that RDM's are Great.

> But here is the deal NO way can you swap tops and bottoms I DON"T CARE
WHAT
> EZZY SAYS! They are not machined (like fiberspar) ferrule they are laid up
and
> hand finished. I can assure you from RECENT personal experience (I got
some RDM
> masts mixed up) that they must go in a matched set I spent about 45
minutes
> rematching some of our RDM stock. I even noticed that the OD's are a
little
> different
> mast to mast.

> So now i can assure you that this aspect of the topic is resolved as well.