Simon, I dont agree. As long as the ones who develop these rudders are in touch with the community, they will know the rudders will be banned unless they are cheap, easy to use and affordable. If they dont stay in touch, they know they are taking a risk.
On the other hand, if they come up with a good and affordable solution that proves effective, why ban it? More power and speed to the F16 is good.
But how do you define cheap ?
Someone earning 200,000GBP PA would not flinch at spending 3K (or more) on Variable trim T foils that give a significant advantage; someone who is a student or earning a more "normal" wage would probably balk at spending this money. I am afraid that "cheap" is just a variable based on personal circumstances.
If we ban them, the problem goes away and we control one item in the potential arms race.
Tip weight I agree is more of an issue; however Somone commented that Carbon masts may be more fragile. I'd disagree with this; I took far more "care" with my old heavy Inter 17 Alu mast than I do with my Stealth Carbon one; both about the same length and the F16 one is far lighter. I believe that carbon masts are far stronger, but can be made more precisly and so we should
vote on both these items. I've seen may more broken Alu masts when dailing with Kites than carbon ones. I also feel that Carbon masts would only loose a cpouple more KG and stay strong enough - note that the carbon (A class mast) on Altered was strenghtend to cvope with the rigors of F16 sailing.
