The SL-26 boom will be available in two lengths for the 2025 season - with an adjustment range of 140-190 and 150-200 centimetres. We have already been able to test ride the 140-190 cm length extensively. This is made from aluminium with a continuous 26-millimetre diameter. However, because the tube diameters are always specified by the manufacturers without the coating, in practice this becomes a real diameter of 28 millimetres, which is only around 1.5 millimetres more than the thinnest carbon forks on the market can offer. The 150-200 length should be slightly thicker with a 27 (real 29) diameter. Surprisingly, the SL 26 is very light at just 2.05 kilos. In terms of equipment, Aeron relies on tried and tested components: The head piece appears mature and stiff, the transmission ratio of the folding lock is good, and the boom can be fixed to the mast with corresponding firmness. Both lengths are available either with a pure RDM front piece or with a removable adapter. The widened back end also offers enough space for bulbous rigged or powerful sail concepts without the sail touching the boom. The pulley block is minimalist but absolutely functional; with an open pulley, it also offers the option of threading using a loop-and-go variant. The double pins used are also tried and tested, and the set length is clearly visible and printed on both sides of the back end.
In practical use, the boom impresses with good grip comfort, the thin diameter allows effortless gripping. Riders with small hands in particular benefit from this, but the advantages of the thin and grippy handlebar are also undeniable during extended winter sessions with gloves. The head piece offers a rigid connection to the mast, even if surfers from the 90-kilo group land hard, the connection is absolutely rigid at this point. If you use the Aeron SL 26 in the range from retracted to around 30 centimetres extended, there are only minor differences in terms of stiffness compared to a significantly more expensive carbon fork such as the Aeron Slim Carbon The difference is noticeable when the fork is fully extended, but as expected, it becomes greater. Nevertheless, one weakness of the boom did not go unnoticed, as the spars are obviously not as stable as on other Aeron models. A few spin and back loops from our 90-kilo test rider were enough to visibly bend the boom when half extended - catapults would have had a similar result. When the pin locks were removed, the reason was revealed: the wall thickness of the spars is significantly reduced on the SL 26, which also explains the low weight.
surf conclusion: In terms of grip comfort and handling, the SL 26 is almost in the same league as the thin carbon models - and at a significantly lower price (€ 229). If you weigh less than 75 kilos and don't use the boom for looping and jumping, you can absolutely enjoy the advantages of this model. However, we would advise against this model for heavy riders and surfers who want to jump a lot.
