Construction and Quality

Quality Control

The Tushingham electronic mast testing rig allows instant batch testing for quality control. Every batch of masts is tested on the machine to make sure it meets our specification for:
Overall stiffness, Bend Curve, Centre of Gravity and Weight.

100% Carbon Ultimate Pro and Speed Pro masts are individually tested because many are used in competition applications.

Construction

Two types of construction are used for windsurfing masts:
Filament winding is an economical process that produces excellent results for lower carbon content masts.

Roll wrapping with pre-preg materials delivers the extra level of accuracy and consistency required in a higher carbon content product. In both cases all Tushingham masts are fully heat treated in an autoclave to make sure of a perfect chemical cure.

Check individual mast specifications to determine construction type.

Laminate Protection

Carbon Fibre windsurfing masts have always been vulnerable to damage caused by heat absorption, and abrasion wear from camber inducers and the boom. All higher spec. masts are coated with the Tushingham Laminate protection system. This is a white carbon/glass low friction coating, acting as a UV screen and protection against camber wear and concussion. The finish is applied to both halves of the RDM for maximum protection.

Standard diameter masts are only treated on the lower half; the upper half is untreated for minimum weight as in normal use it will never be exposed to UV for an extended length of time.

All 75% carbon and higher masts are supplied in a padded bag, which should be used when the mast is not in use to protect it from concussion damage.