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X-Base by NeilPrydeNew, flat and well thought-out

Stephan Gölnitz

 · 06.08.2026

The spigot can be fitted and removed quickly...
10The NeilPryde X-Base with all features: 99 euros (UXT, i.e. pin); MXT (NP cup) 0
If you’re thinking “that sounds familiar”, you’re absolutely right. The new NeilPryde X-Base is the licensed and modified version of the tried-and-tested Surfline Munich mast base, which already had its own following but is no longer available. We’ve already got our hands on a remade version and are showcasing all the familiar, tried-and-tested features as well as the new additions here. A practical test will follow.
Topics in this article

The height

That was probably one of the key selling points of the ‘old’ Surf-Line Munich Base. Because the lower stainless-steel mount for the line also serves as the pin that is recessed into the plate, the overall height is significantly reduced compared with many standard mast bases. The overall height on the board is just 6.8 centimetres (excluding the pin, of course). This lowers the rig, which is beneficial in terms of the centre of gravity and ‘closing the gap’.

The fastening

The mast base is secured to the rail using two M-8 bolts and slotted nuts. This provides maximum security and distributes the forces more effectively. In most cases, the plate can remain on the board, making it very easy to attach to the rig. The plastic of the plate feels very sturdy. The pin is held very securely in place by a retaining spring and elastic cord, and it is easy to operate. Because it is fitted with two screws, the adjustment range of the mast track cannot be utilised right up to the edges, as would be the case with just a single central screw. You lose about three centimetres at the front and rear in comparison – though in most cases these areas cannot be put to practical use anyway. The line feels stiff, and when fitting it, the pin feels quite sharp-edged when gripped with an Allen key.

Safety

This piece looks more robust than almost any other; the solid stainless steel is beyond reproach. The safety lanyard – in case the cord snaps – securely connects the two stainless steel parts, even in the worst-case scenario.

The tool

You’ll usually notice that the footstrap is loose at St Peter-Ording, right at the water’s edge at low tide. As an X-Base owner, this will probably just elicit a wry smile from you – at least if, like with Starboard or JP, you’ve already switched to Torx. Even the ‘original’ had an Allen socket at the top of the pin; this was converted to Torx (T30), which is the key to everything at JP Australia. The mast base also has a very grippy knurled surface, so that even fin bolts can be tightened firmly with it.

The data

Weight: 297 grams
Overall height: 68 mm
Prices: 99 euros for the UXT (pin, as shown); 109 euros for the MXT (NeilPryde cup)

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Stephan Gölnitz

Stephan Gölnitz

Deputy Editor in Chief surf

Stephan Gölnitz comes from Bochum and had Holland as his home windsurfing territory for many years before moving to Munich in 1996 for the job of test editor at surf magazine. The materials engineering graduate worked as a surf instructor on the Ijsselmeer during his studies and competed for several seasons for the Essen sailing team in the Surfbundesliga and the Funboard Cup. He completed a traineeship at surf-Magazin in the test department and since then has actively accompanied almost all tests on the boom and for more than 10 years also as a photographer. Stephan has covered many thousands of test kilometers, mainly on Lake Garda and in Langebaan, but also in Egypt and Tobago. He gets his hands on over 100 new sails and boards every year as his company car. Privately, he prefers to surf with a foil on Lake Walchensee or “unfortunately far too rarely” in the waves. SUP is Stephan's second passion, which he pursued for several years at numerous SUP races. Today, he prefers to paddle on river tours with family or friends - even for several days.

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