The carbon boom in the 140-190 centimetre length weighs in at just 2.06 kilos, making it one of the lightest forks on the market. The spar diameter is thicker in the head tube area to ensure maximum stiffness, but tapers to 29 millimetres in the grip area. The centrepiece of the boom is undoubtedly the aluminium headpiece, which is as minimalist as it is functional.
When mounting the boom, you place two solid rubber bands around the RDM mast and fix each one separately with a quick release. Although this means one more step when rigging, it is also a considerable safety advantage - in the event of a torn tamp on the head piece, the second loop holds the boom securely on the mast. Another positive aspect is that virtually every part of the head piece can be replaced separately if necessary.
The back end is held in place by solid double pins and there are also length markings. The trim block is also very minimalist - a little too minimalist for our taste. The rope is threaded directly through the carbon, which is quite thin at this point, and because there is no open pulley, the loop-and-go method is no longer necessary. The small rubber buffers on the curve of the back end, which protect the carbon tube as soon as you set the clew down on the tarmac when carrying it, have probably been omitted for weight reasons.
In practice, the boom is convincing across the board: the head piece sits bombproof on the mast, the boom looks rigid even when fully extended. The bending curve is more suited to flat sails, very bulbous Powerwave or Freemove sails are sometimes a little tight.
The Streamlined Carbon Wave is also available in lengths 160-210 (freewave) and 180-230 (slalom), with prices ranging from 859 to 999 euros, depending on the length.
surf conclusion:
+ Stiff, light, top front piece
- Roller guide at the back end somewhat filigree
Info under www.streamlined.us
