Whats the best boom for my ability

[Oneida Lake Sailor]

I'm an intermediate windsurfer who likes to go fast, ride in 3-5 foot rollers and catch a little air but I'm challenged as yet to be ready for a low volume short board and go out in 20+mph conditions. I'm 5'8, 155 lbs and do prefer the smaller diameter booms. The question is I'd like to get a carbon boom in the 140 - 185cm range and wondered which ones are best for my RDM masts. I have researched HPL, Chinook, the new Hot Sails Maui Super Model, and various others and it's hard to tell which one to go with. I know I would like a stiff feel because when I jumped from an old school alum boom to a newer, better crafted Chinook alum boom I preferred it's smaller diameter and stiffer feel. But it is heavy. The Super Model I guess brings you closer to the sail and I don't know if that would be good for me. Any opinions on what is the best for me?

[Anonymous]

Hey ONS,

I'm betting booms made by any of those companies will suit you just fine. At your weight, and in the size of boom you're looking for, the difference between carbon and aluminum is much less than if you were a heavier person looking at a longer booms. In the end, though, there's little doubt that the carbon booms are stiffer.

If you're gettinto wave sailing or freestyle, you may like having the boom closer to the mast. If you're into slalom blasting, you might want a more traditional boom that allows for draftier sails.

[cliffhl]

the alu chinook boom is very good. the carbon booms are stiffer, but not really much lighter. I would doubt you would notice the difference in weight between any carbon boom and your chinook alu.

however they are stiffer. the fibrespar carbon IMHO is the best, however also the most expensive. The chinook carbon is also very good. Also look at Amex for value for money.

[Spennie]

Just got a Chinook carbon for my birthday (nice) and it's the stiffest one ever. Am assured by friend in windsurf shop that it's the best quality and strongest boom on the market right now, and I don't doubt it after using it since July (I'm 6'4" and 205 lbs.) MAJOR BONUS: Works on skinny mast without spacer block! Nice skinny grip, too.