My impression from the Marstrom sight is that top teams regularly must purchase several alu extrusions to test sail them before they find one or two they like in flex characteristics. This because consistency with alu is very hard to achieve, where as with carbon this is not a concern. Flex characteristics can be set at layup time, making masts suited to the team's individual needs (of course with the context of the class rules). Though per unti cost is higher incarbon, if you only need one versus 4 or 5 alu...you've save money.


BTW, Marstrom lists a carbon mast for tornado on their site...for over a year now in anticipation of a class change.


Mike.