…And…Cedrus?
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I was emailing back and forth with the guys at Cedurs when I ordered their new forged alloy mast for wake foiling. They confirmed that they are working on a new alloy FD mast for Foil Drive, but did not have an ETA as they were focusing on getting production up and running on the non-FD items first.
I wonder if the alloy mast with have the same “slippery” design that the other carbon mast do.
Would it be a similar pod, but from aluminum and fully welded/blended?
That would be amazing if they could do that! I’d assume doing it out of aluminum would be really difficult but they are definitely pushing what can be done with aluminum to new levels.
That is correct, we are working on an aluminum integrated mast but focused primarily on the massive backlog of the “acoustic” version and adapters. Thank you again to all those patiently waiting; masts are back from anodizing but we’re still waiting on a lot of adapters at the moment.
The plan with integrated aluminum is a welded mini pod for minimal drag and eventually custom height offerings as these can be easily accomplished using our in-house robotic/CNC cutting and welding work cells. Because no tooling (molds) is required, we should be able to develop this product fairly quickly but I have suggested a minimum of 6 months to those who have inquired.
Forgot to mention pricing which is another common question. Don’t have that yet, but expect it to be much cheaper than the carbon offerings but obviously more than other aluminum integrated masts that feature larger plastic clamshell style pods. We have a lot of experience with Foil Drive-as some may remember, we were actually their first integrated mast. After launching the Evolution Wind/Surf in 2023, we ceased sales of the classic aluminum mast.
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Super excited to hear that!
Can’t wait for my aluminum mast! I figured the new mast would get a lot of traction. Delay and backlogs are part of it but I greatly appreciate you guys keeping everyone updated so we know what to expect!
Sounds like I will likely be looking to pick to a FD mast when it’s ready!
foildrivers… if you can only have one - trench or integrated mast- which would it be?
Swapping back and forth between a trench and non-trench board of similar dimensions, I think the intergrated masts are a better option if you can only do one. This means you get less ventilation when using a high pod and easy battery changes.
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Integrated 100%
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This is good to hear. The universal adapters would completely outweigh the need for a carbon mast for the foil drive.
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Go trench: Less drag, more direct mast feel and a board shape entirely designed and executed for foil assists. not the case for all prone boards. But why choose? You can get an inexpensive aftermarket pod from a brand like flow-custom which gets you closer to the efficiency of an integrated mast and retains the possibility of choosing/changing your pod height. not the case for the integrated masts. Finally, add a Cedrus mast (or wait for their integrated) and you will not have sunken all your cash into one foil brand system. crazy we have so many choices…
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I just received my flow-custom. It does not fit my AFS UHM mast. I am using the 15cm cable. At that height the AFS mast has a lot of curve. The flow-custom doesn’t conform to the curve of the mast. I’d return it for my money back, but then I’d lose the US$50 I paid in tariffs. I see that you ride AFS and here you’ve mentioned the flow-custom. Do you have any suggestions for getting the two to play nicely?
I use a Cedrus mast, not AFS, with my Silk. But I do have an AFS mast for para/wing so I can defintely see how that leading edge curve is an issue. Given this, I am a little surprised Flow-Custom said AFS would be compatible. If they did, then they surely have a fix. You could try shortening the guide and deepening the groove but keep in mind the horizontal stability of the pod relies in part on that cable guide sitting vertical. My Flow Custom pod fit the Cedrus fine but I did slightly re shape the end of the cable guide with a file to get is as close to the mast plate as possible. All masts are slightly different and we are still in the DIY realm - as I feel we are with FD in general. that said I will definitely not go back to the OEM pod. This one has much less drag and very happy not to deal with tape any more. Good luck.
This thread is about integrated masts. You might want to start a new thread for Flow Custom
I have confirmed from FD, the measurement from the flat side of the mast to the center of pod.
Same with mine, I just shorted the leg and it fits fine now.
Trench board make much more of a difference.
For $100 you can buy a minipod such as this one and get 70% of the efficiency of an integrated mast.
I’m using the 12cm in any conditions, including downwind in messy water.
There is definitely a skill question, and getting used to it.
But it will always be harder than a 15cm cable.
There is also a question of how well you tape.
Poor taping makes the prop capture bubbles of water or something like that.
With short cables, you want a very, very clean tape job
Cedrus forged integrated mast in assist position spotted on Paul Cooper’s insta account
I don’t have an Instagram account but initial feedback in the comments.
Just a PSA to the thread for anyone interested in the Cedrus version- they seem to currently have their Integrated FD mast available to order in several sizes (went with a 78 myself to see what its like to have FD without the tape job.)
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