loftsails vision iii c75 sdm mast

What are the main differences between RDM and SDM compatibility in Loftsails, especially with camber sails?

RDM masts

These have a smaller diameter with thicker walls, giving you a softer, more elastic, and more forgiving ride on the water. They are known for their high durability and break resistance, ideal for wave sailing and rough conditions where the mast has to bend a lot.

With camber sails, RDM masts allow for easier and smoother rotation of the camber, making maneuvers such as tacking and jibing easier. They are generally recommended for smaller sails, lighter riders, and anyone who prefers a more forgiving rig. Historically, Loftsails one of the first brands to achieve World Cup and Speed Tour victories with RDM-compatible race sails, at a time when SDM was still the standard in racing.

SDM masts

These have a larger diameter with thinner walls and give you a crisper, stiffer, and more direct riding experience. They keep the profile of the sail more stable when the luff is trimmed hard and are often preferred by larger, more aggressive riders with larger sail sizes on flat water, as they can absorb more direct body pressure.

Even though they are considered less forgiving, they offer you a powerful and very direct connection to the rig, which is exactly what some ambitious riders appreciate for maximum speed.

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