SPOTLIGHT 97
Get a grip!
MK Windsurfing CPX 150-210 carbon boom
Info: http://mkwindsurfing.co.uk/booms/ Price: £375
WORDS: WINDSURFING UK PICS: JAMES JAGGER
MK HAVE BEEN A LONGSTANDING UK WINDSURFING COMPANY
THAT’S SUPPLYING HIGH QUALITY WINDSURFING ACCESSORIES
SINCE 1979. IN 2016 THE COMPANY WAS SOLD TO NEW OWNER
LARRY CHAN – AN EXPERT WINDSURFER IN HIS OWN RIGHT – WHO
SET ABOUT REVAMPING THE BRAND. FOR 2017 THERE ARE A COUPLE
OF NEW PRODUCTS THAT HAVE BEEN ADDED TO THE RANGE, OF
WHICH WE’RE LOOKING AT THE CPX CARBON BOOM HERE.
There’s no question about the high end
manufacturing techniques used with
the CPX – the MK is a super tough and
durable product that should stand the
test of time. The boom clamp is solid,
with all connections being rock steady,
as is the back end which is also solid.
Inside the boom head is a removable
RDM shim adapter so it’ll fit all mast
types. It’s a stiff boom as well – even at
half extension. Towards full length you
do get a slight amount of flex but it’s
nothing significant and hardly surprising
as this can be the case with many
booms.
On the water and MK’s boom is
comfortable to grip, with a reduced
diameter (27mm) boom arm which
allows finger tips to wrap around and
remain in contact without fatigue or
strain. Riding over harsh chop, and/or
larger chunks of water such as waves,
and it remains solid without upsetting
your chosen sail’s performance.
Through ‘less strain’ moves, such as
gybes, there’s absolutely no movement
we could detect. With height in the mix
and flatter landings the boom remains
dependable and tough even if your sail
contorts out of all proportion. Even with
such forces exerted we had complete
confidence in MK’s CPX carbon boom.
Conclusion
A versatile, built to last and
affordable boom MK’s CPX carbon
boom is worth a look whether you
be wave sailor or freeride
windsurfer. As extra kudos the MK
brand is British which is great to
see in a market where the vast
majority of windsurfing products are
from companies based elsewhere in
the world. If you’re a windsurfer who
likes to keep it home grown then
MK will suit you down to the gr