I recently purchased a Chinook Pro 1 160-226 Carbon Boom. I got to use it for the first time on the weekend. Here are my thoughts.


Background

This boom replaces a 160-210 Billows 160-210 carbon boom. The Billows boom was originally purchased as an emergency from a local dealer three years ago. It's a budget boom ($550 in Dec 2012), but fairly good for it's price, and is very wide allowing those freeride and slalom sails to be bagged out. The only annoying thing about the Billows is the clamp. Long story short, it was enough for me to go out and buy a new boom (rather than servicing the Billows). Also, after three years, the grip had packed it and now requires replacing.

So, I broke down and got myself the Chinook Pro 1 160-226 Carbon ($1245). The primary requirement is that it had to be equal or greater in width than my Billows boom, which it easily satisfies.


First impressions

The locks that retain the tail piece feel cheap and nasty (brittle feeling). The locks on the Billows are better quality.



The grip's pattern is not seemless (ie: jig-saw puzzled). I can feel with my fingers where the cuts in the grip material are (unlike older booms I have owned). I am wondering how long the grip will last before it starts to fail, as I own a Simmer wave boom (that has a similar designed grip) and it's grip started to peel off after a few months of use (not saying this boom will, but it's got me thinking).


Also, the tail piece has no covers/caps or sealed etc and gives this product an unfinished look. This is the first boom I have owned will a tail piece in this state. I sent an enquiry to the dealer. This is the actual finish.


Also, their is a badge on the tail piece that says "Made in the USA", yet it's packing box says made in Taiwan ???


Weight wise: there is no difference between the Billows boom and this boom.

Rigging up: The mast clamp is very good (not frustrating to use), and rigging the clew is easy too.

On the water: The boom is nice and wide, and can bag out that freeride sail without the boom arms rubbing on the sail. It gybes well, tacks well.

Overall: It gets the job done.