We often receive requests for advice about choosing a carbon boom, in the Waterwind forum. So, it seemed useful to make a rundown of the main carbon booms currently available on the market (2022).
WINDSURFING, GEAR: CARBON BOOM. WHICH ONE TO CHOOSE?
In our roundup, we start with some of AL360 booms. This is not a random choice. In many years of windsurfing, in which we have had the opportunity to try many booms of different brands, we have found out that the AL360 booms are among the stiffest (and robust, some say indestructible) offered on the market.
AL360 produces the E3 boom, both in the version with standard diameter and in the version with reduced diameter (slim).
AL 360 Carbon E3 standard
AL360 describes the product as follows:
"E3 CARBON tubes are made of a one-piece monocoque high-quality carbon part, without any glued connection or insert; the diameter of the tubes are reduced to an impressive 28mm, that along with the new curvature profiles and the ergonomic sections of the tubes, gives an unpaired rigidity to the boom, thus reducing the stress to the forearms and allowing an extended use under extreme conditions.
The boom is lined by soft grip dual density for a best grip while sailing, with a vast range of colours allowing many customization options in the graphics.
Back-end and front-end are made of 20% of elastomer nylon; the E3s feature a newly designed front-end very compact and perfectly integrated in the boom outline, a highly optimized blocking system at the mast insertion and a carefully manufactured back-end."
We owned the standard E3, and called it a "marble" boom. The rigidity and robustness of this boom is impressive, and basically unbeatable ( read our article about it ). The boom does not have a wide tail, although in the larger sizes, it has a 42.5 cm bend, instead of the 38.5 one. The larger sizes also make it suitable for use as a freeride boom, while for slalom riding there is a specific AL360 boom. Price: 660-714 euros, depending on the size.
Below, we report the available sizes, with the main technical data of the product.
AL360 Carbon E3 slim
The AL360 E3 carbon slim is an object of desire, and one of the booms we have in our set. It is not as rigid as the standard diameter one, but only slightly less than the latter, despite the section of the tubes, having a diameter reduced to 25 mm. The reduced and "water drop" section makes it extremely comfortable to handle and hold in hands. The boom is, however, rather light, since the weight is only 2.1-2.19 kg, depending on the measures (2 sizes available). It is a boom suitable only for wave and freestyle / freewave. The manufacturer describes it in these terms:
"The carbon SLIM boom is a monocoque 100% full carbon unique piece, and this kind of boom is the beginning of a new generation of high performance and quality boom.
The boom is manufactured completely of carbon fiber unidirectional HM (high modulus), thanks to which it was possible to reduce the diameter of the tubes of the boom to 25mm, retaining the rigidity and strength very high, combined with ergonomic curve and section oval tubes characteristic of the AL360's carbon booms, that makes it even more comfortable handling, even for who have small hands, as young guys or girls.
Covered in soft dual density grip for better grip, plastic back-end and front-end are made of nylon with 20% elastomer, with a compact swing front-end very well integrated into the booms with high stability and rigidity on the mast".
It should be emphasized that, for some years now, the AL360 has also made it in the wide-tail version, even if, in any case, with a rounded end (according to AL360 the welds of the square end corners are possible breaking points). The clips are also stainless steel, and no longer brass (which tended to oxidize).
Below, we report the technical characteristics of the 2 available sizes. Being a "jewel", it has an adequate price: 786-849 euros depending on the size and end type (the wide one, has a higher cost).
CHINOOK
We continue our description of some booms available on the market, with another highly rated and appreciated brand, of which we have had direct experience: Chinook. The two main carbon boom models of the well-known American brand are the RDG, with a reduced diameter, and the Pro 1, with a standard diameter.
BOMA CHINOOK RDG 100% PREPREG CARBON 24.5MM-SUPER SKINNY
We have owned this top-of-the-range reduced-diameter boom model for some time ( read our review ), and we confirm that it is an excellent product, built with quality materials, and with great attention to detail. It has a very high stiffness, although not equal, in our opinion, to that of the AL360 E3 Slim, already considered above.
The manufacturer describes the boom as follows:
"The Chinook Sailing RDG Carbon Boom 135-185cm is handmade in the Columbia Gorge and ready to get you out on the water. The Monocoque custom composite body with a specialized bend curve is light and strong, while the redesigned 50 cm tailpiece is stiff and marked with permanent absolute markings for convenient adjustment.
The fully articulating standard Pro-1 Head fits both SDM and RDM masts. Easy adjusting 2 pin stainless steel vertical slide collars lock the tailpiece solidly in place, but are easily opened for quick adjustment.
Features:
Small diameter grip (THIS BABY IS SKINNY!)
New loop-n-go outhaul block for quick and centered sail position
Built in excess rope retention
Harness line index markings
Positive snap-in skinny adapter".
The boom is produced in 3 sizes: 125-175; 135-185; 150-200 cm. Considering the available sizes, it is clear that this is a boom dedicated mostly to wave / freestyle.
The one that has a range from 135 to 185 cm has the following specifications:
Range: 135-185 cm
Grip Diameter: 24.5 mm
Weight: 4.5 lbs (2,04 kg)
Inside width: 35 cm.
The boom has a retail price of around 860 euros.
BOMA CHINOOK 100% PRO 1 - PREPREG CARBON BOOM
The other carbon boom model made by Chinook is the Pro 1, with a standard diameter. The boom is offered even in 5 sizes: 135-185, 150-200, 160-226, 180-246, 200-260, 220-300 cm. The first 4 sizes are characterized by a tubes section of 28 mm, while the two largest of 32 mm. The wide range obviously covers all windsurfing disciplines, from wave / freestyle to slalom-race.
The manufacturer describes it in these terms:
"The Chinook Sailing Pro 1 Carbon Boom 180-246cm is proudly made right here in the Columbia Gorge. The Monocoque custom composite body has exceptional strength to weight properties and incredible torsional rigidity. The newly redesigned 50cm stiffer tailpiece with a flattened structural cross section and sleek profile is permanently marked with absolute length markings for sure adjustment.
The fully articulating and low profile boom head fits both standard and reduced diameter masts perfectly. Straight arm sections combined with more grip area around the compact head make this our most popular small carbon boom!
Features
NEW Loop-N-Go outhaul block for quick, centered sail position with built-in rope retention
2-Pin fiber composite hinging collar for 1 handed adjustments
Harness line index markings
Positive snap-in skinny adapter".
The 180-246cm version has the following specifications.
Grip Diameter: 28mm - 1 3/32 "
Weight: 5.7 lbs (2.6 kg)
Inside Width: 47 cm
The price obviously increases with the size. The model with range from 180 to 246 cm costs around 950 euros.
The brands dealt with so far produce directly and specifically booms, and other accessories for windsurfing.
Many sail makers and boards producers have made the choice to have also some booms models in their catalog; in reality, as in the case of masts, these booms are produced by other companies (as for the booms, often the producer is Aeron) .
Among these brands, let's first take into consideration Goya, which makes two models; the Carbon Skinny Pro, with a reduced diameter, and the Carbon Pro, with a diameter of the tubes section ranging from 27.5 mm, for the two shorter sizes, to 30 for the two larger sizes.
Goya Carbon Skinny Pro
It is a boom that we have been using for over a year ( read our review ). It is a modern product, with all the details (loop and go, wide tail, printed measurements for the regulation of the boom extension, integrated rdm adapter, etc.) that make it comfortable and functional to ride with . The stiffness is high, but, again, not equivalent to that of the Al360 Slim boom.
Goya describes his product in this way.
"Our top of the line ergonomic performance boom.
The Carbon Skinny Pro comes as a 100% prepreg carbon monocoque body and extension. Its 24.5 mm grip takes diameter reduction one step further. Comfort. Control. It’s hard to get the team on anything else these days.
New with a wider tail end & stiffer tubes.
This boom is about as stiff and strong as you can get in the market, nay in carbon technology at large. Double pin locking guarantees a firm fit and ample load distribution between the boom body and the boom extension. This boom is a no compromise high performance product and features modern wide and stiff tail ends. Built with 33msi pre-preg carbon.
Please note that any indicated diameters describe the boom tube without grip tape. The grip tape has an additional thickness of 1.5 mm (times two to calculate overall diameter).
Available in 125-175, 130-180, 140-190, and 150-200 centimeters.
Adaptor allows use with RDM and SDM masts.
New optimized lay-up.
Goya booms fit both RDM and SDM masts for added range and versatility. By using the RDM shim you need to add 2 cm in your boom length measurement. Example: To achieve a 156 cm boom length, on an RDM mast, with the RDM shim in place, the boom needs to be set to 158 cm".
Below, we report the table that summarizes the main technical characteristics of the 4 Goya Carbon Skinny Pro boom sizes. The price varies from € 775 to € 845 approximately, depending on the size.
Goya Carbon Pro
The Carbon Pro is a Goya boom with a standard diameter (29.5 mm, grip included, for the smaller sizes). It is suitable for sails that do not require an extension of less than 140 cm. Apart from the smaller model, therefore, it is a boom mainly designed for freeriding and slalom riding. Also this boom, that comes with the wide tail, provides all the details of the latest generation booms.
Goya, on its website, reports the following description of the product.
"Our workhorse carbon boom. The Carbon Pro features the same 100% prepreg carbon monocoque body & extension as the Carbon Skinny Pro.
The grip on both builds is in line with what most riders consider comfy these days, slimmer than standard booms. Smaller sizes are 27.5 mm, larger models are 30 mm.
Comes with the proven double pin locking system. With four sizes, this boom spans a great range of sails and has been a favorite with a vast number of riders for a long time. Both builds come with wide and stiff tail ends, and lengths of up to 250 cm.
Please note that any indicated diameters describe the boom tube without grip tape. The grip tape has an additional thickness of 1.5 mm (times two to calculate overall diameter).
Available in 140-190, 160-210, 180-240, and 200-250 centimeters.
Adaptor allows use with RDM and SDM masts.
New optimized lay-up.
Goya booms fit both RDM and SDM masts for added range and versatility. By using the RDM shim you need to add 2 cm in your boom length measurement. Example: To achieve a 156 cm boom length, on an RDM mast, with the RDM shim in place, the boom needs to be set to 158 cm".
Below, we show the table with the main technical characteristics of the various models. The price ranges from € 775 to € 1,320, depending on the size.
The Severne Enigma
Severne is a brand that has acquired important market shares in recent years. In addition to the boards, since some years Severne has decided to include in its catalog also various boom models, with its own brand. The carbon one has a single name, Enigma, but the 7 available sizes actually correspond to different models that cover all windsurfing disciplines, from waveriding, for the smaller sizes, to freemove for intermediate ones, to race, for the larger.
This boom is cared for down to the smallest detail (just look at the loop and go system integrated into the terminal), and it immediately met with particular success among riders. The boom is made with a 25 mm diameter tubes section for the two smaller sizes, 26 mm for the 160-210 cm, 27 mm for the two central sizes, and 30 mm for the three larger ones. The freemove and race models have a boom head with a lockjaw designed for SDM masts.
Severne, on his website, describes the boom in these terms:
"THE LIGHTEST, STIFFEST AND MOST DURABLE BOOM IN EXISTENCE. AVAILABLE IN WAVE, FREEMOVE AND RACE PROFILES.
The custom carbon manufacture of the Enigma booms has one main objective; to produce the best stiffness to weight ratio. Unique methods have been developed to enhance the manufacture with every boom built individually with the emphasis on technology, not mass production.
ENIGMA Hardware transforms your entire rig; the ultimate combination of lightweight, stiffness, ergonomics and geometry".
Below, we report the summary table, with the technical characteristics of the different models. The Enigma boom has a price ranging from € 969.00 to € 1,479.00, depending on the size.
Neil Pryde also has its own carbon boom, the XC, another iconic model, produced in 3 different versions: one designed for racing, and two for waveriding.
Neil Pryde XC RACE CARBON BOOM
The Neil Pryde XC RACE CARBON BOOM is produced in two sizes: 175-215 and 200-250 cm. As the name implies, it is a boom designed for slalom-racing (it is used by Antoine Albeau). The price ranges from 1,316 € to 1,401 €.
Neil Pryde gives the following description:
"The XC Race is a milestone in windsurf boom history. The first boom featuring an integrated outhaul system for easy trimming of the sail during sailing. The monocoque pre-preg carbon construction of the XC Race combined with oval diameter arms makes it the ultimate racing boom available on the market".
INTEGRATED INTEROUTHAUL SYSTEM
Designed for high performance racing. As the trim- lines slide inside the boom arms, offering maximum comfort while racing as there are no more disturbing ropes in your way. Spectra inhaul rope.
OVAL DIAMETER SHAPE
Replicates the natural shape of your palms and fingers offering great comfort and grip strength to extend your riding sessions. The oval shape also increases the stiffness of the boom arms by increasing torsional rigidity.
DYNEEMA ROPES
Our integrated boom lever comes with high quality Dyneema rope.
XC RACE TAIL
Monocoque custom pre-preg carbon tail extension. Featuring a hollow box section tubes/square profiles. Structured with 7 pulleys for ease of use. Compatible with the Interouthaul trimming whilst also featuring a cleat system for fixed outhaul set up.
EVA GRIP
Embossed 3D structure on the outside
of the boom to offer more grip, comfort and greater durability. Harness line position indicators".
Neil Pryde XC WAVE CARBON BOOM
The XC Wave is the waveriding boom with a standard diameter tube section (27 mm), and is produced in two sizes, 140-190 and 160-220. The price is around € 1,099 and € 1,149, for the two available sizes.
Neil Pryde describes the product in these terms:
"Our ultimate monocoque carbon pre-preg wave boom is designed for expert riders who demand knife-like precision from their equipment.
This boom offers instantaneous control with its increased torsional rigidity and square profile tail end. Allowing zero lag time from flexing connections. Giving the cosiest sensation you have ever felt while holding a boom.
LOOP-TO-HOOK OUTHAUL SYSTEM
Guarantees low friction with no crossing lines for a free sail movement. This system is further enhanced by high quality Dyneema ropes. Lever: Our integrated boom lever comes with high quality Dyneema rope.
XC WAVE TAIL
Monocoque custom pre-preg carbon tail extensions. With 2 unique, 140 and 160, custom wave tails end.
Featuring a hollow box sectiontubes/square profiles and a fully integrated stainless steel loop to hook outhaul system.
Removable clickable RDM V-Shape mast shim adaptor."
Neil Pryde X-CS WAVE CARBON BOOM
The X-CS WAVE is the reduced diameter (25 mm) version of Neil Pryde's waveriding boom, produced with two possible extension ranges: 140-190, 150-200. The price for the two models is around € 899 and € 919.
Neil Pryde provides the following product description:
"The XC-S Wave boom now offers the same precision performance as the XC boom but with a slimmer diameter grip at 25mm vs 27mm.
This boom offers instantaneous control with its increased torsional rigidity and square profile tail end. Allowing zero lag time from flexing connections. Giving the cosiest sensation you have ever felt while holding a boom, and now allowing you to sail longer and grip easier with the narrower diameter arms.
Removable clickable RDM V-Shape mast shim adaptor".
Furthermore, for all the booms, the following features are added:
"VT-JOINT
The NeilPryde VT-Joint provides a stiff boom connection and a more responsive transmission of the sail power than any other system used in the market.
INTEGRATED BOOM LEVER
Integrated boom lever for easy locking and opening. Designed with a reduced surface area and lighter weight.
TRIM-PIN LEVER DESIGN
Double insert with an easy locking and opening lever. It provides ease of tail adjustment, optimal load distribution and a stiff connection between the boom body and tail end".
Carbon boom of "economic" price range
Do you want to spend a little less, while having a good level carbon boom? Below, we propose some brands models that you may interested in.
Gunsails Select
Gunsails offers a boom with all the main features of a modern item at a very competitive price: the Gunsails Select. The boom is made in 5 sizes, for the different disciplines, with a tubes section ranging from the typical one of a slim boom (24.5 mm), in the smallest size, to 27.5 mm for the intermediate one, and 29 mm for the major ones. The price ranges from 539 to 773 euros.
Gunsails provides the following product description:
"Full carbon boom for highest demands on stiffness and performance.
KEY FACTS:
> 140 and 160 cm: Square Tail rear end for wave, freestyle and freeride
> 180, 200 and 230 cm: Wide Square Tail rear end and slight V-shape which gets thicker towards the rear to solid 34 mm. Range of use of these sizes are freerace, slalom and foil sails
> The Square shape of the rear end results in less tube bending and improves the stiffness
> Thanks to the wider shape in the rear area the sail has less contact to the inner boom side which protects the sail and reduces turbulences
> Double pin lock length adjustment every 2 cm
> Integrated RDM adapter"
Below, we report the table with the technical specifications of the different sizes:
Simmer produces two carbon boom models: the SX8 Carbon, and the SX10 Carbon, in turn, available in two versions, with standard and slim diameter tubes section.
Simmer style SX8 Carbon
The Simmer SX8 boom is the basic carbon model, produced with a diameter of 25 mm for small and medium size, and with 27 mm diameter for the larger size. Three possible ranges, infact, are offered: 140-190, 150-200, 180-230. The price ranges from € 585.00 to € 744.00.
Simmer style presents the product as follows:
"The SX8 is a high performance pre-preg carbon boom which presents most of the superb quality featres seen on our top of the line SX10 boom, but it is made from a standard grade of pre-preg carbon which allows us make a full body carbon boom at a great price. The monocoque carbon body and and tail extension makes the SX8 extremely stiff, strong and light.
For maximum riding comfort the SX8 features a super thin grip. We vary the diameter used according to the discipline; 25mm for the 140 and 150 boom and 27mm on the 180 boom. The outline is developed specifically for each size to promote the best rig dynamics possible. The boom head is designed for maximum grip to the mast. With a high friction contact surface against the mast, a robust rope hook and a boom lever that allows you to effortless apply high-tension when securing the boom to its correct position. The double pin lock system provides optimal load distribution and a stiff connection between the boom monoquoe carbon body and the carbon tail end, even when maximally extended.
Most of the Simmer Style sails are developed on SX8 rig components, so for guaranteed high-end performance at a great price choose SX8".
Below, we report the table with the technical characteristics of the different sizes available.
Simmer Style SX10 CARBON
The SX10 is Simmer's highest quality carbon boom, produced in 5 versions, with a diameter of 27 mm, for the two smallest sizes (140-200, and 150-210), and 31 for the three largest ( 180-240, 200-250, 220-270), clearly designed for slalom racing. Prices range between € 827 and € 1,241, depending on the size.
Simmer style presents the product as follows:
"The SX10 boom is designed to give your rig with the most direct, responsive and light feel possible. The boom is the link between the rider and the rig and it much defines its performance. The SX10 is manufactured from the highest quality pre-preg carbon available in both the body and tail extension. Most modern carbon booms are pre-preg but what is crucial to the performance is the quality of carbon and how the layup is designed. For optimal strength to weight ratio we use inner layers of uni-directional carbon along the boom arm to create extreme stiff spine. On the outside of the carbon tubing we use a carbonfiber weave to make the boom extremely strong. This makes SX10 boom incredible stiff, light and strong. This sandwich technique is much like the layup technique seen in our board construction.
For maximum riding comfort the SX10 features a super thin grip. We vary the diameter used according to the discipline; 26mm for the wave boom, 27mm on the 180-slalom boom, and 29mm on the two larger sizes of the slalom boom. The outline is developed specifically for each size to promote the best rig dynamics possible.
The tail piece on the SX10 140 and 150 comes equipped with a loop system for quick and easy outhaul setting. On the 180, 200 and 220 the tail piece are equipped with a integrated roller trim system.
The Simmer boom head is designed for maximum grip to the mast. With a high friction contact surface against the mast, a robust rope hook and a boom lever that allows you to effortless apply high-tension when securing the boom to its correct position.
Boom clips:
140 / 150 - 27 mm
180 - 33 mm
200 / 220 - 39 mm".
Below, we report the table with the technical characteristics of the different sizes available.
SX10 CARBON SLIM
Finally, Simmer produces the SX10, in a version with an even smaller diameter (24 mm), and in a single size (140-200). It is obviously a product intended for waveriding and freestyle, basically. The boom has a price of around € 827.
Simmer style presents the product as follows:
"The SX10 Slim boom is the latest developement in the SX boom collection featuring a super thin 24.5 mm tube with a non-tapered tube and a round grip. It is designed to give your rig with the most direct, responsive and light feel possible. The boom is the link between the rider and the rig and it much defines its performance. The SX10 is manufactured from the highest quality pre-preg carbon available in both the body and tail extension. Most modern carbon booms are pre-preg but what is crucial to the performance is the quality of carbon and how the layup is designed. For optimal strength to weight ratio we use inner layers of uni-directional carbon along the boom arm to create extreme stiff spine. On the outside of the carbon tubing we use a carbonfiber weave to make the boom extremely strong. This makes SX10 boom incredible stiff, light and strong. This sandwich technique is much like the layup technique seen in our board construction.
For maximum riding comfort the SX10 Slim features a super thin 25 mm grip with non tapered tube.
The Simmer boom head is designed for maximum grip to the mast. With a high friction contact surface against the mast, a robust rope hook and a boom lever that allows you to effortless apply high-tension when securing the boom to its correct position.
Boom clips:
140 - 27 mm".
Below, we report the table with the technical specifications of the model.
If you have any doubts or requests, we are available to give you advice in the Waterwind forum .
Good choice!
Fabio Muriano
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