effect of age on comptip

I wonder if the stiffness of a comptip changes over time, particularly the ones that taper way down like the H17 and H20.
Over 3 or 4 decades would a comptip get stiff and brittle, or fatigue and get more flexible?

The Comp tip derives most of its stiffness from the fiberglass reinforcement. The stiffness of glass does not change over time. As such, the stiffness of the comp tip should not change with time.

Unfortunately for some, the strength may change with time, due to impacts, ice, fatigue, sun, heat... All of these things can change the strength of the comp tip without changing the stiffness.

There are other factors that may impact both the strength and stiffness of your comp tip, like uneven wall thickness:
https://www.hobie.com/forums/viewtopic. ... ss#p279043


Generally speaking the processes that may impact a materials strength (work hardening, aging, tempering) do not impact it's stiffness. The exception would be polymers, where anything goes and there are no rules.

Mike, a long time ago I painted my comp tip with white epoxy paint, to avoid UV degradation to the plastic. Worked like a charm and haven't had to think about it since then.
Actually looks better with the clear anodized mast section.

_________________
Chris
'88 H18SE Arís