The mast is the backbone of your rig: it affects early planing, stability in gusts, sail “feel,” and overall control. For intermediate windsurfers, the biggest gains usually come from (1) matching the correct bend curve and (2) choosing a sensible carbon/durability balance—rather than simply buying the most expensive mast.

Quick decision checklist

• Match the sail’s recommended mast: length + bend curve first (performance depends on it).
• Choose diameter: RDM for control/durability; SDM for big freeride/slalom stability & cam rotation.
• Pick carbon %: ~70–90% is the usual “sweet spot” for intermediates; 100% is light and fast but less forgiving.
• Buy for your use-case: wave vs freeride vs slalom have different priorities.

Mast technologies that matter (in real life)

1) Carbon content & construction

Higher carbon usually means lower weight and faster reflex (the sail reacts quicker to gusts and pumping), but it can also be less impact-tolerant if you crash or rig on rocks. Many intermediates get the best long-term value from 70–90% carbon: close to top performance, with better toughness and typically a friendlier price.

2) Bend curve (compatibility)

Bend curve matters more than brand. If the curve is wrong, the sail won’t twist and breathe as designed (less range, less stability). Most modern freeride/wave sails are designed around a constant curve family, but always check the sail’s spec.

3) RDM vs SDM

• RDM (skinny): more forgiving, often more durable, great for waves/bump-and-jump and smaller sails.
• SDM (standard): more “direct” power delivery, better for larger freeride and slalom/cam sails.

4) Ferrule & alignment features

A quality join (ferrule) keeps the bend smooth and prevents play. Some brands add alignment systems or textures to reduce boom slip and make rigging easier—small details that can improve consistency and longevity.

Brand comparison table (2025)

This table is meant to be a practical overview for intermediates. Exact weights/prices vary by length, year, and retailer. Use it to compare ranges rather than fixating on a single number.

Brand	Series / Model	Carbon % (typical)	Lengths (common)	Price range (EUR, typical)	Notes / Best for
Recharge	Soul (RDM) / Fast (SDM)	~64% or ~96%	RDM 340–460 / SDM 370–550	Value to mid-premium	Great value/performance; constant-curve oriented; good “daily driver” choice
Patrik	RDM & SDM ranges	~60% / ~80% / ~100%	Broad range; some lengths in finer increments	Mid to premium	Precision feel; good if you want consistent rigging and premium response
Duotone	Platinum / Gold / Silver	~70% / ~80–90% / ~100%	Wide range RDM+SDM	Mid to very premium	Excellent match for Duotone sails; choose tier by budget & crash tolerance
NeilPryde	SPX / TPX	~70–95% / ~100%	Wide range RDM+SDM	Mid to premium	Great for freeride-to-race depending on series; strong ecosystem
Severne	Gorilla / Blue / Red (varies by market)	Often described by weight & build, not only %	Common wave/freeride sizes	Mid to premium	Wave & high-wind reliability; strong choice if you punish gear
Unifiber	Elite / Enduro / Essential (varies)	~50–100% (wide)	Very broad	Value to premium	Great if mixing sail brands and you want curve-matching options
Ezzy / Goya / GA / Chinook (etc.)	Brand-specific lines	~60–100%	Varies	Varies	Strong choices if you match their sails or need a proven wave mast

Recommendations by discipline

Wave / bump-and-jump (high wind)

• Prefer RDM for control and crash tolerance.
• Carbon sweet spot for most intermediates: ~70–90%.
• If you break masts often: choose a durability-oriented series even if slightly heavier.

Freeride (most intermediates)

• Small/medium sails: RDM can feel smoother and easier to handle.
• Bigger freeride sails or cambered freeride: consider SDM for stability and rotation.
• Best value: ~70–90% carbon with the correct bend curve.

Slalom / freerace

• Typically SDM, higher carbon helps stability and pumping response.
• If you crash a lot, consider stepping down from 100% to ~90% for durability.

Common mistakes to avoid

1. Wrong bend curve: the sail won’t rig and twist correctly.
2. Buying by carbon % only: construction quality and intended use matter as much.
3. Over-tightening the boom: can damage mast walls over time—use just enough grip.
4. Ignoring diameter compatibility: RDM vs SDM must match the sail sleeve unless stated otherwise.

Where Recharge and Patrik fit (honest take)

• Recharge: strong option if you want a durability-first approach and good value while staying performance-relevant.
• Patrik: strong option if you want premium consistency and a “dialed” feel, especially if you already run Patrik sails.
• Other: big sail brands often have the best “plug-and-play” match for their own sails—useful if you want minimal guesswork.