Selden vs Z Spars

[30boat]

On a recent thread it was mentioned that Selden spars were much better than Z Spars.What makes them so different?Are boats equipped wit Z Spars masts expected to loose them over the side eventually while those with the Selden masts will sail on happily for ever?

 

[Quandary]

Selden are a much bigger company and have a much broader range of products. The number of sections for different purposes is one area as are the number of fittings. For example my Selden mast is their MDS (multi- directional system) section which incorporates a square channel inside in front of the slot taking 8 wheeled batten cars which take loads in all directions and run very freely when hoisting dropping or reefing, but it is still a fairly light tapered section like on a performance boat but designed specifically to suit full battens.. There are sections available for all types of sailing. I do not think there is anything wrong with Z spars but you will find the choice offered is narrower. A lot of the more basic Selden stuff is not that different today from what Kemp were making when they took them over and I suspect Selden would not be where they are now if they had not acquired that know how; another fine example of British technology being taken abroad.

 

[charles_reed]

On a recent thread it was mentioned that Selden spars were much better than Z Spars.What makes them so different?Are boats equipped wit Z Spars masts expected to loose them over the side eventually while those with the Selden masts will sail on happily for ever?

the Selden spars cost more, a lot more.

For many extra cost = higher quality.

Z-Spars do use low-tech diecasts for their boom-ends, goosenecks etc but they're definitely fit-for-purpose.

 

[charles_reed]

Selden are a much bigger company and have a much broader range of products. The number of sections for different purposes is one area as are the number of fittings. For example my Selden mast is their MDS (multi- directional system) section which incorporates a square channel inside in front of the slot taking 8 wheeled batten cars which take loads in all directions and run very freely when hoisting dropping or reefing, but it is still a fairly light tapered section like on a performance boat but designed specifically to suit full battens.. There are sections available for all types of sailing. I do not think there is anything wrong with Z spars but you will find the choice offered is narrower. A lot of the more basic Selden stuff is not that different today from what Kemp were making when they took them over and I suspect Selden would not be where they are now if they had not acquired that know how; another fine example of British technology being taken abroad.

suggest you check the facts - look under Z-Diffusion, rather than Z-Spars which is only a subsidiary

 

[Seajet]

When I was looking for a new mast, Selden could not have been more obstructive or difficult to deal with; they wanted ME to tell THEM the accurate load on every wire, I'm surprised they didn't want me to run the machinery and print their notepaper for them !!!

Sailspar were completely the opposite, tremendously helpful.

No connection to either company.

 

[Babylon]

What about Eurospars as an alternative

I've been speaking to Sailspar in Essex about making me up a new Ocean mast and adapting the gooseneck, fittings, etc to fit the rest of the rig (only my old Kemp-Selden mast needs replacing due to an insoluble s-bend that pre-dates my ownership).

When I spoke to various south coast riggers (Selden and Z-Spar dealers) about this problem, they all wanted to sell me complete new spars, fittings and rigging: Selden £6k, Z-Spars £4.5k - on the basis that none of the new kit is compatible with the old!

Conversely, Sailspar have quoted half the money.

 

[capetown]

Z Spars have not responded to my email request for information.

So they obviously can't be arsed, with an order for a couple of sheaves.

Try Eurospars, see if they can help.

 

[Quandary]

suggest you check the facts - look under Z-Diffusion, rather than Z-Spars which is only a subsidiary

Which 'facts' should I check?

 

[davidwf]

Z Spars have not responded to my email request for information.

So they obviously can't be arsed, with an order for a couple of sheaves.

.

I am amazed at that as they replied to my Email the other week by phoning me the next day to discuss the problem I was having, it may be that the chap is out at the SBS.

Suggest you call them and have a chat.

 

[Seajet]

Which 'facts' should I check?

Don't bother, call Sailspar ! If they don't do anything suitable - unlikely I think, they have a serious extrusion supplier - I'm sure they'd say so, I have never dealt with a more helpful firm; and I didn't buy in the end, for personal reasons had to rather foolishly elect to stick with what I've got, but they were still pleasant after all the run - around re. custom kit !

01206 251348

No connection in any way, just seriously impressed.

 

[savageseadog]

Selden are more expensive and a better product, it's the little(!?) things like the tangs and spreader tips where quality counts. Z Spars (or is it Z Diffusion now?) make a perfectly usable product as well, just not as good in detail.
Allspars are a Selden agent and will design it for you but don't be surprised if it costs twice as much.

 

[Bosun Higgs]

On a recent thread it was mentioned that Selden spars were much better than Z Spars.What makes them so different?

Z spars are French, Selden are Swedish. Citroen vs Volvo

 

[Phoenix of Hamble]

Well,in order to really confuse the debate, I can tell you that Z-Spar couldn't have been more helpful if they'd tried when I wanted some bits last year... I belive that they also provided a complete new rig for forumite CliveG the year before with a service level that delighted him.

 

[G12]

I have a nice new Selden boom. It's lovely, well finished and doesn't have any cheap and nasty bits on it. No plastic sheaves or jammers. It's also shaped nicely, someone somewhere has thought about it. I paid about 50% more than the cheapest available but I've never regretted it.

 

[Koeketiene]

Z spars are French, Selden are Swedish. Citroen vs Volvo

Volvo Swedish? Chinese owned and most cars are built in Ghent/Belgium

 

[Kelpie]

I had excellent service from Z-Spars when I got new standing rigging, so when I went shopping for a new boom a few months later, and they were about the cheapest, I didn't hesitate to give them my business again. One helpful aspect was that they were just down the road from Kemp, who were making the new mainsail at the same time, and the two companies talked to each other to make sure that everything would match up well.

I struggle to see how my boom could do its job any better... it's certainly a massive improvement on the one it replaced!

 

[Blueboatman]

Can't comment on Selden vs Zspars although I have difficulty distinguishing some Kemp from some Selden spars on cruising boats.

However, as to Zspars service-exemplary in my experience. from the MD thru telephone to email requests and orders, a straightforward joy to deal with.

 

[Bosun Higgs]

Volvo Swedish? Chinese owned and most cars are built in Ghent/Belgium

Don't nit pick! You know what I mean.

 

[Koeketiene]

Don't nit pick! You know what I mean.

Sorry - pardon -

 

[ZSparc]

Don't buy from ZSpars.

Poor engineering and poor after sales support when the mast fails!