So what's the go with this mast / sail chart, is it really very accurate or more a rough guide line when trying to mix and match up combos? I ask as I run a 5.7 Severne Blade on an RDM Ezzy mast, and according to the chart it's the red block of death, but it rigs so sweet and is an absolute joy to use.
Now I'm looking at a used NP 460 SDM mast to run some bigger sails (7 to 8 metre stuff) and according to the chart most brands run average at best. I've spotted some Servene Code Reds that are the right size and price, but they too are red lego blocks
The Code Red might not be as forgiving, as the sail shape and cams are mast specific. However, I was able to set my Code Red up for a north drop shape mast using smaller cams (thanks to a few peoples tips on here). It goes al-right.
Phil, Personally found the Unifiber chart a bit more useful - has more brands and allows you to see the subtle differences.
I would only use it as a general guideline as manufactueres spec will vary even within a brand. i've used a substitue mast and it worked but nowhere near as well as the reecommended one.
www.unifiber.net/masts-selector
Without knowing what data was used to colate that first chart and on what basis they are assessing suitability it would be pretty hard to take too seriously. It is blatently obvious to state that if at all possible you should use the mast recomended by the sail brand but the fact is they are the masts the sails are designed to work on. Yes you can substitute and in many cases quite successfully but you need acurate information before doing so.
Smaller wave sails due to the lower luff curves are a bit more forgiving, with larger race sails I would be vary wary of using anything but the recomended mast without very well informed advice.
