Hi Fellow windsurfers.

I have heard about universal joint failures and the resulting damage it can cause. Some of the failures are caused by the failure of the rubber tendon or bodge and some are caused by pin failure as well (in the cases where the pin has not been integrally cast to the tendon retainer body).
Ive seen that Cardan bases are also available and was wondering if these would be a more reliable option compared to Bodge & tendon bases as they do not use any rubber to act as the articulated joint between board and mast.

Im therefore wondering what experience people have had with Cardan Bases. I have not seen too many people use them so I assume they have major drawbacks.

Could those that have used them explain the type of sailing conditions they have tried them on..ie speed, slalom, wave, freeride etc.. flat water, clean waves, dis-arrayed chop etc.

Im a lakes free-ride windsurfer, and the area I sail in does get very choppy at times. Ive heard that these UJ's transmit significantly More "shock" loads through the rig than the Bodge & tendon Bases making very uncomfortable sailing. Is that correct?