Unifiber has expanded its boom range with new Ergo head options. The familiar Modular system stays, so windsurfers can now choose between two different ways of connecting the boom to the mast across the Essentials, HD and Elite families.
The short version is simple: Ergo prioritises quick, familiar rigging, while Modular is built around maximum stiffness and direct power transfer. Neither replaces the other.
Ergo does not replace the Modular system
The new naming can look more complicated than it really is. Essentials, HD and Elite describe the construction level of the boom. Ergo and Modular describe the head fitted at the front.
Both heads work with RDM and SDM masts through Unifiber Direct Fit adapters, and both can be replaced if they become damaged or worn. Ergo heads are available separately as spare parts, but replacing one requires the connection to be unscrewed and dismantled.
The Modular system is designed for a different type of interchangeability. Its Direct Fit and twist-lock connection allows the head to be removed from a compatible Configure Me boom body in seconds, without tools. That makes it practical to use one head with several boom bodies, change a component while travelling or replace a damaged part without rebuilding the whole front end.
Ergo and Modular boom heads compared
Ergo: conventional closing hinge and quick setup
The Ergo head uses a conventional closing hinge. The mechanism will feel immediately familiar to anyone who has rigged a traditional boom, and its main advantage is quick, straightforward setup.
It weighs 284 g and is 138 mm high. That makes it 34 g lighter and 24 mm lower than the Modular head. Unifiber recommends it for recreational and all-round windsurfers.
Ergo should not be confused with a permanently fixed, non-serviceable head. It can be bought and replaced as a separate component. The difference is practical: changing it is a service operation that requires tools, rather than a quick Configure Me swap on the beach.
The Ergo head is available across all three levels of the range: Essentials, HD and Elite. This allows its specification to be matched to the construction level of the chosen boom.
Modular: two collars and a stiffer connection
The Modular head closes around the mast with two flexible collars. This arrangement distributes the load more evenly and creates a stiffer, more direct connection under load. Separate Clamcleats allow the tension of each collar to be adjusted so the head can be tuned to the mast.
At 318 g and 162 mm high, it is slightly heavier and taller than Ergo. In return, it offers the stronger stiffness and power-transfer characteristics aimed at performance-focused riders and professionals.
Its central advantage is the Configure Me connection. Release the twist locks and the head can be transferred to another compatible boom body in seconds, with no tools required. One head can therefore serve several boom lengths, reducing the number of complete booms you need to store or travel with.
The Modular head is also available as a separate component in Essentials, HD and Elite versions. HD and Elite versions are supplied with Performance Bolts.
What do Performance Bolts do?
The standard twist-lock connection keeps the Modular head quick and tool-free. Riders looking for maximum stiffness can add two Performance Bolts to secure the head-to-body connection more firmly. Unifiber states that they increase stiffness by approximately 10% and take about a minute to install with a hex key.
Performance Bolts are supplied with HD and Elite Modular heads. They are optional because they change the balance between convenience and stiffness: without them, the head can be swapped in seconds; with them fitted, the connection is stiffer, but the bolts must be removed before changing the head.
Which Unifiber boom head should you choose?
- Choose Ergo if you want a familiar closing mechanism, quick everyday rigging and do not expect to move the head regularly between boom bodies.
- Choose Modular if maximum stiffness and direct power transfer matter more, or if tool-free component swapping is useful to you.
The weight difference is only 34 g, so this decision is not mainly about saving grams. It is about how you want the head to close, how direct you want the connection to feel and whether the interchangeable Configure Me system is useful to you.
Essentials, HD or Elite?
Once you have chosen the head, the series badge helps identify the construction level. This is a separate decision from Ergo versus Modular.
Essentials
Essentials is the starting point of the collection. These booms use a T8 aluminium monocoque body with a continuous front arch rather than a traditional three-piece arm construction. The result is a solid, durable base for recreational and freeride use.
The range includes conventional 29 mm grip configurations as well as Tapered versions with a slimmer grip area where the hands spend most of the session. Available Loop&Go tail configurations keep outhaul rigging simple. Essentials is the logical choice when durability and value matter more than saving every possible gram.
HD
HD stands for Heavy Duty and is the broadest part of the collection. Aluminium HD bodies use thicker tube walls to increase stiffness and durability. Depending on the model, you can choose a standard grip, a Tapered grip or the more pronounced V-grip profile.
Carbon HD V2 booms use a 70% pre-preg carbon lay-up. They sit between aluminium and full-carbon Elite models, balancing stiffness, durability, weight and price. This makes HD relevant to stronger freeride, bump-and-jump, wave and performance-oriented sailing without moving straight to the top carbon construction.
Elite
Elite sits at the top of the Unifiber boom range. Its monocoque bodies and tails use 100% pre-preg carbon, with the construction focused on the highest stiffness and lowest weight in the collection.
Smaller Elite sizes use slim or oval grip sections and Loop&Go tails, while the larger configurations include wider tail options for deeper sail profiles and pulley systems for adjustable outhauls. These are the booms for ambitious windsurfers and racers who notice flex in the rig and want the most direct response available.
The useful part of the updated range is that the series no longer automatically decides the type of head. You can first choose the construction, grip and tail that suit your sails and budget, then select Ergo or Modular where both configurations are available.
Wider tails on the smaller Carbon HD and Elite booms
Unifiber has also updated the smaller Carbon HD and Carbon Elite booms. The 140-200 and 160-220 sizes now use slightly wider tails. This gives the sail more clearance in the rear section while keeping these compact boom sizes suited to smaller rigs.
See the complete Unifiber boom range
The current range includes complete Ergo and Modular configurations in different constructions, lengths and tail layouts. If you are unsure which head, boom length or series fits your sails, email us at store@easy-surfshop.com. We will help you compare the available options.