Neilpryde X9 wave bent... ouch

[manuel]

I was having a hard time with my Neilpryde Alpha 5.4 and lately had been fine on 5.0. So I decided to derig the 5.4. I leave my gear rigged and loosen up tension at each session.

Once in a while I rotate the mast around to even out the wear. Only that recently after pivoting I noticed the sail wasn't working the same. I thought it was all in my head.

When taking the mast out I noticed that it was bent right below the junction. The pieces were crooked and stuck. It is easier to bend it one way than the other. I got them apart, the top piece seems fine, the bottom quite bent.

Unfortunately I bought the sail rigged up so I don't know when it happened. Since I rotate the mast, my suggestion is that a wave must have stressed out the mast at the limit without breaking it.

I'm going to try the Alpha on an Ezzy mast to see what it looks like. Sails with heavy batten rotation aren't really my thing, maybe it'll show less batten rotation on the Ezzy.

[paulf.]

don;t think the ezzy will be a good match, certainly try it if you have it. HSM hot rod much closer match at lower price than x9. if you;re lighter nolimitz curve works on NP at softer flex #s.

[manuel]

I will try 400 top and 430 bottom with 17cm extension. It calls for 432. This should make it flex top. I will try both the ezzy 430 and 430/415 combo.