EPO vs. Plastic Rudders

Can anyone tell me the big difference between EPO rudders and Plastic rudders. Is it worth spending the money to buy the EPO rudders? Also what is the difference between the fiberglass EPO rudders and Kevlar EPO rudders?

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Jake C

2008 Hobie 16

EPOs rule. Spend the money.

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Just curious, why are they so great. I assume they are stiffer, but other than that what makes them great.
Do they still hum, if not, who would want them. I like talking to the whales with my rudderblades!

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Nacra 5.2 "Elsies"
Hobie 14T, "Blazin" I guess I am keeping her!

the epos are 100% better than plastic, how much better are they than the Hobie race rudders, quality fiberglass we could debate that for hours I believe. The plastic rudders do not offer enough lateral support, they flex way to much. when we rake the mast back on a Hobie 16 it loads the rudders up with pressure, kinda making them like a dagger board on larger cats generating lift to help point higher into the wind. if you have glass rudders I would not recommend just running out and buying new set of epo's and expect to see drastic changes, not if you have the plastic/nylon blades I think you will notice a change the 1st decent day out. You may be able to find a dealer that has a set of new "race rudders" still in stock, all we seem to sell are the epo 2's these days, they may be a little bit cheaper.

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Brad Stephens
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In addition to being stiffer, both the old and the new EPOs have a thicker foil section than the plastic rudders. They don't stall or ventilate as easily.

There really isn't much difference between the fiberglass / carbon / carbon-kevlar EPOs. Weeds/kelp shows up really well on the white rudders; the other ones just look badass .

I have a pair of the European carbon rudders - they're a little thinner than the EPOs and I have to be careful not to stall them. They're very sensitive to proper alignment.

From a performance stand-point, yes, the EPO's are superior. Stiffer, lighter, better foil. If you race, you need good rudders.

However, it all depends on what kind of sailing you're doing. If you're not a racer, if you don't want to baby you're rudders etc, it may not be worth it. The plastic rudders are nice in that you can drag them up on the beach, bang them into rocks, leave them on the boat, run over them with your car and who cares.

Both rudders have their place.

sm