What kind of mast should I select for my new racing sail? I weigh about 72 kg and I am 179 cm tall, a skilled racer both in Formula and Raceboard, and I use a Fanatic Mega Cat with 42 cm fin (at the moment).

What advantedges will a 520/33(?) Gaastra Formula (100%) mast have vs a 490/29 (100%) mast have?

And when do you think it will be more effective to reduce my sail size to a 8,0 Severne Overdrive or an old 7,5 megapump?

Looking forward to get some good feedback from someone with good experience with the larger rigs.

I have used both the RSX 520 mast and the severne redline 490 mast with my starboard 9.5 sail and Phantom 320 board. I am 63kg 165cm tall. I have about three years of racing experience.

I can only confirm what the catalogue says. the 520 feels more powerful and less forgiving. The 490 feels lighter and easier to manage in the strong wind.

I have always found it dificult to decide when to change down sail size because the wind drops off as soon as you do. My humble view is, as long as you feel in control, (depends on your skill more than anything) stay big. When you start to loose control, your form and technique starts to fail and you won't get your best result. There is probably a more technical answer to the question but I think just test your own limits and keep chalanging yourself.