K3d WHITESTICKS
100% Carbon RDM
Constant Curve, Flex Top

Looking for the ultimate mast?

Length	CARBON %	IMCS	WEIGHT	TOP 3/4	BOT 1/4	BEND CURVE
370	100%	17	1.42kg	77	64	13
400	100%	19	1.60kg	77	64	13.5
430	100%	21	1.88kg	77	63	13.5
460	100%	25	2.05kg	77	63	14

K3D SDM WHITE STICK
Constant Curve
 

Mast Construction

Using the latest in construction techniques involving rolling of 100% carbon pre-preg panels which are then heat treated to ensure the prefect balance of stiffness, durability and weight. The masts are then painted with a special white polymer based paint that’s durable and gives the K3 white sticks their distinctive look.

Why RDM?

The increasingly popular Reduced Diameter Masts are great in lengths up to 460 (maximum), but anything above that you are better with a Standard Diameter. That’s because RDM’s inherently deliver softer flex behaviour as a result of the skinnier cross section – which is great for wave and freestyle sails as it allows for better manoeuvrability.

Race, and slalom and other larger sail disciplines need a stiffer mast to deliver a more direct flex – which is more easily done using wider (standard) section.

Overall the weight is the approximately the same between SDM and RDM – as a result the wall sections of the RDM’s are thicker (4,5mm) as apposed to (3,5mm) for SDM which makes them more durable. All K3 masts have been optimized for the perfect strength to weight ratio.

IMCS and bend curve testing

The Indexed Mast Check System is a measure of stiffness or deflection. The lower the number the softer it is - usually ranging from 16 to 28. All K3 masts are designed to deliver a  “constant curve” characteristic which means that the quarter height deflections are the same along the length – delivering an even and desired shape for the majority of sails up to 6m. Some masts have different bend curve characteristics, so you can deliver differing bend characteristics at the top or bottom.


What mast is best suited to my sail?

Sail manufacturers will recommend a mast length, (IMCS) or (CC), extension length, and overall luff length. The majority of SDM luffs will also set onto RDM masts.

We would like to know how your sails set on these masts. If you have any feedback please contact us and explain any problems with any particular sail sets.

Sail Set Forum on Facebook

We have a forum on sail sets in the facebook group - so please join the group and tell other sailors how your rig has set - so that you can read before you buy.
K3 riders have already tried the following brands:
Neil Pryde, North, Severne, Tushingham, Ezzy Sails, Naish, Gaastra.

Just a few comments to explain the set and perfromance. ie.

Rotation (firm-soft) i.e ease of batten rotation around mast.
Rig sets (firm-soft) i.e 'feel' of rig in use, flicky or dampened
Sail sets (full-flat) fullness and shape around the bottom half of the sail
Sail twist (full-flat) leach twist in the upper half of the sail
Max downhaul and leech is still
Main batten is super tight - even when DH is max


Pricing

This where the customer wins; K3 are the designer, producer, importer and retailer; selling direct to the customer and therefore you get the product without paying for a chain of price mark ups along the way. All K3 masts are built using 100% prepreg carbon technology– so you can expect to compare prices to the top end models and still we are more competitive than most entry level 40% carbon/glass models.
 

Tech Corner:
1/2 and 3/4 deflection (bend curve numbers)