OK,thanks. No direct need for a 340 mast when I can pick up a 3.7 (SF!).

Hi Edward,

I still think a 3.7 Fire would be a good choice too. I personally sailed & loved the Fire 3.7 since 08 till 2011 & only just switched as I like the SFME 3.7 because it feels like a softer Fire - it has a similar "pull" as Fire but delivered in a softer way......

OK,thanks. No direct need for a 340 mast when I can pick up a 3.7 (SF!).

"Need" is such a variable term when it comes to windsurfing gear. i "need" my 340 for my 3.7.

Aloha,

...Edward, if i was you I would go for a Freak instead of a Fire in 3.7. when the wind is that strong that you need a 3.7 its very gusty as well and the Freak is at that moment a bit more comfortable/moree in control as the Fire...

exactly what I have done. I'm 90 kg, so Fire 4,5 and 5,3, 400 mast, but below a nice used 4,0 yellow Superfreak for the real storm, mast 400 with some variotop extension

I finally managed to pick up a 370 Hotrod (I looked for a second hand). Can’t wait to try it in my Fire 4.2 and happy not having to skip 4.2 sessions anymore…

I now have 3 masts for 4 sails (4.2, 4.7, 5.3 & 5.8) which I think is quite a lot (I spend more money on masts than on boards (OK, I sail old single fins)). Now that I have a 370, I thought I might as well pick up a Fire 3.7, but to my unpleasant surprise I then need yet another mast (340)! Based on my experience with a 400 mast in a 4.2 Fire, my guess is that a 370 mast in a 3.7 Fire is not going to work either.

I don’t know anything about windsurfing sail technology, but isn’t it possible to design a sail range from let’s say 3.7 to 6.3  around two mast lengths? Maybe not an attractive option when part of your business is selling masts (not that I want to suggest that this is the underlying motivation), but I’m sure it would please the average recreational windsurfer.

Yes, possible- For example the Liquids all can rig on a 430- 5.5- to 7.5m. But that does not mean that the 7.5m on a 460 is worse, in fact for many it is better, but it is "possible" in the same way you 4.2 is "possible" to sail with a 400.

Did you sail today? it was nice 4.7weather at Wijk.

As I am not familiar with the Fires, I won't disagree with Caleb. However I do have experience with the Freaks, especially the UL's and there the problem with a longer mast is that it is too stiff for the smaller sails so the sail feels stiff like a barn door. The 3.7 Freaks definitely prefer a 340.

Why not try it? If it works you are lucky. Otherwise you will have to keep your eye out for a good used 340 Hot Rod.

aloha,

I understand what you mean that is allot of masts. However, I think in the case of the 3.7, it will rig well on the 370 - the specs are pretty close & I think it takes about 30+cm extension on the 340 anyway. I would get the 3.7 & not worry about the 340.

Later, I think if you could get newer more compact sails in the large sizes & perhaps not need the 430. For instance, with a mixed quiver of newer/compact larger sail(Firelight 5.3-6.0 rig on 400cm mast) & older/taller small sails like your Fire's you would end up with your 2 mast quiver...

I now have 3 masts for 4 sails (4.2, 4.7, 5.3 & 5.8) which I think is quite a lot (I spend more money on masts than on boards (OK, I sail old single fins)). Now that I have a 370, I thought I might as well pick up a Fire 3.7, but to my unpleasant surprise I then need yet another mast (340)! Based on my experience with a 400 mast in a 4.2 Fire, my guess is that a 370 mast in a 3.7 Fire is not going to work either.

I don’t know anything about windsurfing sail technology, but isn’t it possible to design a sail range from let’s say 3.7 to 6.3  around two mast lengths? Maybe not an attractive option when part of your business is selling masts (not that I want to suggest that this is the underlying motivation), but I’m sure it would please the average recreational windsurfer.