Carbon vs Aluminum mast extensions

[Barnett]

Do they really make a noticable difference (Carbon vs Aluminum mast extensions)?

[vims]

I've had a carbon extension snap on me when downhauling, something that's never happened to me with an aluminum extension. But other than that anecdotal experience, I can't contribute much to your question.

[likesitwindy]

Let some sand do a number on it and it looks like hell (dreadlocks of fuzz) and the shine and carbon look is gone! Spend your money on carbon that is helpful - boom , mast , ...not the piece that gets worn down inside the mast. I have aluminum extensions that will last forever...just go to a swap meet and you can find ALOT of sanded ones ....just not broken ones (carbon) ! The worst is the euro-pin carbon ...now we have carbon + lots of plastic = will break with time !!!

[waiting4wind]

I had a carbon break on me out on the water. Luckily it stayed attached long enough for me to get back to the beach. I actually didnt even realize it was broke till I noticed it looked weird on the beach. I must say though that it was a well used extension.

[jingebritsen]

The weight savings down low, at your feet is not very apparent. Better to save money for virtually every other sort of upgrade. I'd get the best mast first and foremost. Then board, fin, etc. Plus a lot of breakages have been seen down here in FL wave sailing.

[U2U2U2]

[bred2shred]

I've never sailed with a carbon extension, so I can't comment on their performance (other than I doubt you will notice much in weight savings). I have heard of them breaking on a couple occasions.

I have always used aluminum extensions. At 200+lbs with heavy sailing, I've managed to bend a couple over the years (both regular diameter and skinny), but have yet to have one break (knock on wood). You usually notice that it's bent when you try to slide it in the mast at a shorter setting, and it won't go even when you rinse it off.

sm

[sissybar]

Are carbon extensions actually any lighter (really) than aluminum? I have never seen any reason to buy a carbon extension for that reason.

It is like buying titanium parts for a MTB when almost all of the same smaller parts can be had in aluminum for about the same weight and much less $$$.

[speedysailor]

Carbon extentions are lighter. I've never bought one, but I found a used one in the weeds and have used it often. It's well used, but I have no fear it will break while I sail, but usually I employ it when I need little extension. Otherwise, I have too many long alu extensions. Luff lengths have gotten shorter so you don't need as much extension as was required on the older sails. All I need is a medium length mast extension up to my 8.4. The long length settings are only needed with my 9.6. It used to be the recommendation to buy the long one, but that is now bad advice. Given that the medium alu extentions are stronger, cheaper and an ounce or two heavier than their carbon counterparts, I think the jury is no longer out. I bought a Mistral >>heavy duty<< europin alu medium length a few seasons ago from OceanAir. It's two ounced lighter than the full length Chinook extention. The only way the Mistral will fail would be if I was involved in a Hawaiin Yard Sale. However, I still use an old Hi-Fly alu full length extention which has never failled me. The original boge joint did. The original collar did.

[SteveFoy]

You can make a strong case for carbon with long extensions, but for medium and short extensions, I doubt there is a meaningful difference. I have a carbon Fiberspar long extension which is noticably lighter than a Chinook aluminum. The Fiberspar doesn't seem as strong, but I'll take that trade-off for lighter weight when using large sails.

Steve