Weight - Static vs Dynamic   A lightweight mast can make for easier rig handling in a 'static' sense - maybe when getting to and from the water or when in use off-the-power like when uphauling or performing transitions etc. Be clear however that a lightweight mast that's incompatible with the performance characteristics of a particular sail will often handle heavier in a 'dynamic' sense - that's how a rig feels in use - this is because the sail may have the wrong shaping, twist and a poor ability to remain stable in variable conditions. Weight reduction is normally achieved through the use of carbon fibre instead of normal glass fibres. Further savings can be made by varying the actual structure of the mast; there will however always be a durability compromise when using a thinner walled design or by simply adding less resin to the layup.   Carbon Content - Performance Benefits?   Carbon content is normally expressed as an overall percentage - typically masts of between 30 and 100% are offered by many manufacturers. By increasing the carbon content the static mast weight will normally be reduced. One of the most important characteristics of the carbon fibre used in windsurfing masts is the extra degree of stiffness it offers. Regardless of the actual mast stiffness rating, a mast that has a higher carbon content will flex back to it's pre deflected state much faster. That said, a mast with a thicker wall structure results in a slowing of the reflex cycle. When sailors talk about how 'responsive' their rig feels the reflex cycle is often what is being referred to. Carbon is an expensive material to produce and work with so high end masts are costly. The extremely stiff fibres, although responsible for making the mast perform well, are also brittle and therefore fragile so care must be taken.   Construction Processes   Two main methods of producing carbon fibre windsurfing masts exist, often referred to as Pre-preg and Wet Layup. Pre-preg production uses materials that are pre-impregnated with the material used to bond the structure together. Heat and pressure activate and complete the curing process. Although expensive this method offers control by pre-determining the structure, that is often varied along the length of a mast on a load vs performance basis. By using less resin these masts are normally lighter but can also be less durable. Care has to be taken not to leave a pre-preg mast tensioned (particularly in hot conditions) as it can quickly lose shape, responsiveness and often catastrophically fail. The Wet Layup process involves the application of resin either during or after the structure has been woven before then being cured in an oven. More resin is used manufacturing with this technique hence the likelihood of an increased weight. Ultimately these masts are lower cost to produce but are more durable over a longer period of time. Masts use an extremely complex matrix of materials and weaves that can vary greatly to offer specific performance characteristics effecting the stiffness, curve and the manner in how the mast flexes when put under load.