I have been a user since mid-2008 of the Neilpryde MXT system. Now it is about time to put a review about the Neilpryde power M-base. The MXT extender review and Review with comments are really positive from me and I still 99% agree with these reviews.
I have bought 2 Power M-Base, average per session I do >2 hours action. Since mid-2008 I did about 80-100 sessions per year. In almost 2 years this would be +-400 hours. 200 hours lifespan, now at first I thought “this claim is again an insurance type of joke from neilpryde, like don’t use your NP RS:Racing above 25kn wind”. But it is reality, the power M-base has to be replaced totally after 200-250 hours in my case, I did 300 hours but a few plastic parts are worn out. At 200 hours I wanted to replace the M-base, but in the shop I simply chose to do some more time on the first base (after seeing the price) and from my point of view there was still some safety. I haven’t broken a power M-base ever, let this be clear!
I think the MXT extender will last for a very long time?? But the base has to be replaced +- 5 times (1 time per year for me). Compare that with Chinook (locals did 5 years with chinook without replacement)…… Replace the tendon for a new one seems to me useless after 200 hours. Somehow the transfer from extender to board is very stiff, I think this causes the plastic parts to wear out faster than normal. My first power M-base has in all directions space to move, this varies between 1-5mm… With my engineering background/knowledge I know there can be extreme high peak forces in a windsurf kit, with movement between the parts there can be generated more a bigger lever with greater chance of breaking the part, I would say it is just a matter of time…
Actually I never experienced decrease of performance with some movement in the base, this is the main reason I really need to test the North Shox.XTR.
Please let this be clear, power M-base + MXT extender is still one of the best product to transfer the sail’s power to the board. Only I don’t believe it is intended/needed to replace the power M-base everytime. My suggestion would be to Neilpryde: Leave the MXT as it is but replace the Power M-base for a more durable design. A more durable design would fit the Neilpryde brand better. Longer lifespan would also be better for the environment. Replacing the tendon every year is a good thing, nothing more should be necessary for at least 1000 hours.
1000 hours is nothing, even crappy cars last 1000 hours ;). At least I think it should last 1000 hours, including some small maintenance.
Tip for all speedsurfingblog readers: I saw some selling the power M-base (with or without the MXT extender), my advice don’t buy the power M-base used!!!! I wouldn’t even dare to sell mine.