Test 2019: 13 thin carbon booms

Manuel Vogel

· 03.02.2020

Photo: Manuel Vogel

Test 2019: 13 thin carbon booms

"Skinny", "RDM", "Super Slim" - thin carbon forks are as trendy as the latest Brigitte diet. Almost all manufacturers have booms with reduced tube diameters in their range. We tested how big the differences in grip comfort, stiffness and durability on the water really are.

You can't do better with it - but you can do it longer! This well-known advertising slogan for a Swiss chocolate drink can certainly also be applied to thin carbon fibre forks. Not only in winter, with gloves and if you have small hands anyway, you benefit from the thinner diameter of these 13 models on the water - more relaxed and effortless gripping are convincing arguments. We would also have liked to present the products from Aeron, Streamlined and Duotone, but these were not available in time.

Squaring the circle

Maximum stiffness, light and thin - this combination is impossible from a physical point of view. In order to optimise two of the three factors mentioned, such as stiffness and weight, the spar diameter would have to be increased. Thin and light is only possible in combination with a reduction in stiffness. Thin and stiff only with a reduction in weight. If you compare the carbon forks in this test group with standard aluminium forks, you will notice that they are two to four millimetres thinner, but only slightly stiffer and not necessarily lighter. Two to four millimetres thinner may not sound like much, but it's a world of difference when gripping. Another advantage: carbon does not bend! So if you are heavy, jump a lot and have always left lasting impressions with aluminium forks, you can benefit from carbon forks in this respect - over the entire adjustment range. In our experience, it is not at all the case that thin carbon forks do not hold. As with RDM masts, the smaller diameter is compensated for by a thicker wall thickness - which also explains why the thin carbon forks have hardly any advantages on the scales.

Differences in stiffness are particularly noticeable when pumping and landing. Our testers themselves have been using carbon forks with a reduced diameter for years. In our opinion, durability is not a problem.

Photo: Manuel VogelDifferences in stiffness are particularly noticeable when pumping and landing. Our testers themselves have been using carbon forks with a reduced diameter for years. In our opinion, durability is not a problem.