Super Jib Battens worth it?

Does anyone have experience with the Super Jib Battens, Hobie item number 122?

I modified my stock battens with the hinge kit. They seemed to work ok but I don't like the wear they will make on the batten pocket.

Plus, when I tried to remove them recently they were nearly impossible and actually a couple of them pulled apart before I could get the whole thing past the batten tie grommets and out (having used locktight in gluing them all together!!).

So, with my only set of stock battens modified irreversibly, the thinner supper battens look like the next option. I plan to go to a roller furler in the future when I can justify its cost, but need something in the meantime.

Are these worth it?

Thanks in advance everyone!

_________________
'81 H16

If it ain't a blowin', I ain't a goin'

Hi Jman. I use the Super Battens on my boat and I really like them. My jib almost never gets hung-up on the mast, when it does the wind is very light. They also give the jib a very nice shape. They are not class legal if that makes any difference to you. I do not do any Hobie sanctioned events so I never change them out. Actually I have never used the stock jib battens on my boat since new.

_________________
07 H16
Sail No. 110387

I just purchased a set of super battens for hobie 16 jib, but the dealer couldn't tell me particulars of installing them. They came with rounded caps glued on. Should tensioners be installed like on the stock battens? They also seem to be the same length as the stock battens I'm replacing, which means they'll stick out of the pocket an inch or two. Should they be trimmed? Thanks

_________________
H16 - late 70s

I had some of the same questions. Installing them with the tension line required drilling out the pre-drilled holes a little more before the line would go through. Mine do stick out a little more than I expected but looking at it I decided to put off trimming them in favor of other H16 tasks at hand.

_________________
'81 H16

If it ain't a blowin', I ain't a goin'

I sailed today with super battens for the first time. Wind was variable, 5 mph gusting to 10 or so. The jib tacked perfectly - much easier than with the hinged stock battens. Sail performance was fine with maybe a wee bit more flapping when pinching. We enjoyed a great ride until rain cut our day short. Thanks

How much are the super battens?

_________________
'72 Hobie 16
with
#56 Gonzo Nationals

Last time I checked they were about $35 plus shipping.

_________________
1990 "Formula 1" H16 (# 009)