CAN YOU MIX TOP AND BOTTOM SECTIONS OF LOFTSAILS MASTS?

‘Mixing and matching’ top and bottom sections of masts can allow varying degrees of softness and forgiveness / stiffness and power dependent on rider weight and/or preference and the wind and water conditions.

Some brands offer and advertise this as an option, some don’t.

So, can you swap top and bottom sections with Loftsails masts? Fast answer – No.

WHY NOT?

Loftsails use individually specified mandrels to shape the taper of masts for their intended purpose, performance and behaviour.

While you can physically change the top and bottom sections on many models (although you’d find the fit quite tight on many due to tapering differences etc.) this is not advisable as the customized load dispersion and reaction are specific to each individual model.

Using a different top or bottom section would also invalidate a warranty and it would also be easy to identify the cause of breakage in that instance.

If you are wanting to experiment with softer/harder feels to your Loftsails rig, we advise either:

Trying a different diameter mast (nearly the whole Loftsails range is both RDM/SDM compatible)

or

… using a shorter-than-recommended mast, with more extension, to achieve a softer feel that lighter riders or those sailing in rougher conditions may find more forgiving

or

… a longer-than-recommended model (vario-top dependent) for a stiffer, less forgiving feel that heavier riders might appreciate more in maximizing power delivery, especially in flatter water.