We have found over several years that carbon masts are the equal, or in most ways superior, to aluminium. The UV that is often talked about is a “non event” as all carbon masts are coated with clear polyurethane before use (or should be) this totally eliminates any possibility of UV damage. The “strength” of a carbon mast is in all ways better in practice, than aluminium, other than direct impact. Though in a direct impact situation a carbon mast can “break” whereas given the same impact on an aluminium mast, it will most times “bend” to the point that there is a fold or crimp on one wall, which generally leaves that mast beyond satisfactory repair. A broken carbon mast can be re joined without any major dramas, if you are familiar with the correct procedures. An aluminium mast will “corroded” quite badly in any area where there are concentrations of alkali’s and/or acids in the atmosphere (even if the aluminium has been anodised to 35 microns, and not to mention “electrolysis”) whereas the carbon is unaffected, and there is the obvious advantage of the carbon, by being a “stronger” material, it can be made appreciably lighter than the same profile mast in aluminium. As a “moulded” or “spun” profile, the carbon can be strengthened or lightened wherever it is desired (personally tailored), an advantage that is extremely difficult to accomplish in aluminium. To our way of thinking the improvement of a carbon mast over an aluminium one is about the same as the improvement of an aluminium mast over a timber one. Its simply, new technology versus old.