The Carbon Elite Slim Boom is part of the "Modular Booms" series from Unifiber. The idea: different components of the boom - such as the back end, bars and front piece - can be freely interchanged. For example, if you bought the 140 cm test model for 679 euros, you can also use your end and front piece for longer bars and save a whopping 200 euros on the 160-220 cm length (price of bars 519 euros) compared to the complete boom (719 euros).
The front piece can be fitted or replaced in a matter of seconds - it is simply attached and fixed in place with a quarter turn. The supplied rubbers of different thicknesses can be used in the mast mount to adapt the boom for either SDM or RDM masts. The front piece itself is reminiscent of a system from the US manufacturer Streamlined; the mast is fixed with two separate hinged fasteners. Although this takes a little longer than usual, it offers a safety advantage: if one rope on the front piece breaks, the second still holds the boom securely on the mast. Another pleasing feature is the good transmission ratio when folding, the boom sits bombproof even with low folding resistance.
The Carbon Elite Slim model we tested offers an adjustment range of a whopping 60 centimetres (140-200). At a measured 2.04 kilos, the boom weighs slightly on the scales, especially when you consider the above-average adjustment range. The spar diameter specification for Unifiber also only refers to the bare spar. Instead of the stated 25 millimetres, the spar measures 27 millimetres, which is slightly thicker than the thinnest models on the market (26.5 millimetres), but still at a very high level. We were also completely convinced by the stiffness - even on hard landings and when pumping heavy chunks, the Elite Carbon Slim stays in perfect shape, so that you can use the entire adjustment range without any problems.
surf conclusion: If you need several boom lengths for your fleet, the modular system can save you money - up to 350 euros per fork, depending on the length and material (carbon/aluminium). Apart from that, the light, stiff and thin Carbon Elite Slim model also convinced us as such.
Info: www.unifiber.net
