Getting a free windsurfer mast was the inspiration for me adding a spinnaker to my boat. They work just fine. I'm sure if you are going to pay, the aluminum can probably be done lighter. The one thing I did to avoid problems with eyes/rivets pulling out of the fiberglass was to use Harken tie-light blocks. The whole thing has worked out pretty well. I did break my first one, but that was because the stop knot on a bridle line for the pole pulled out leaving the pole unsupported - an aluminum one would have folded as well, maybe quicker. Another free mast was found, the blocks tied on, and away we went!