Boom Protector are they effective and/or a good investment for the protection of my gear - I am a beginner at the sport and considering obtaining one.
I put on a "boom bra" to protect myself when I hit he boom head (or when it hits me). Makes the impact a bit softer, however rare.
Otherwise, the mast does the most of the damage, when it lands on the board nose. So if a sail doesn't have a built in pad, I put in a mast protector on the mast, where it would otherwise hit the board nose.
Booms are high and boards are short these days so the boom head usually misses the nose.
However they are a good idea for a novice on a long board.
You need a T boom pad, I have a neilpryde one but I don't think you can get them anymore, they go on the mast as well as the boom, there is a guns sails one on eBay looks the same from the strath windsurf shop looks like it will do the job no worries,
T Boom protectors may still be available here:http://www.sunshinecoastsailboards.com.au/shop/components/sail-components/boom-board-protectors/np-t-boom-protector-detail
Other companies also offer them:
www.mysticboarding.com/products/general/windsurf-accessories/product.php?pid=1689
as well as Ion, North and Gaastra.
In passing, I bought 2 of the T protectors, cut one of the mast protectors off one, then had it sewn onto the bottom of the other, so that there was more protection along the mast if the mast struck the side of the board. No dings to date. 
I found the jp nose protectors the best when I went through my carnage phase, boom protector was to high up and the mast would still cause damage when I catapulted
Select to expand quoteseanhogan said...
so actually what does the boom need to be protected from ? 
From my two heads,I use to have a bra but found it would get in the way,now I have one head and a scar.
Although my boom misses the nose of my board by a few inches, I cover the mast just below the boom with one of those old 80's mast foot protectors. I'm sure it's saved the nose of my board at least once.
Select to expand quoteseanhogan said..
so actually what does the boom need to be protected from ?
Some heavy weight ultra keen sailors..
Select to expand quoteseanhogan said..
so actually what does the boom need to be protected from ?
Hi Sean as I am a learner the board needs protecting from the boom as it comes down on the nose of the board
Select to expand quoteWindmanV said..
Morgan, here's the modified boom protector I made.
Thanks for this - does it get in the way when uphauling?
Best way to protect board from mast during a catapult.
1: never sheet in with mast leaned forward.
2: never let go of boom when being catapulted. This also saves boom and or harness lines from being pretciled if you don't get unhooked.
