Baseplate Tendon Joint Cardan Essentials (U-Pin)
Effortless Rigging. Everyday Reliability.
The Essentials Cardan Baseplate is your go-to solution for smooth and stress-free rigging—on the beach or in the water. Combining a durable tendon joint with an integrated cardan hinge, it’s designed to simplify setup without sacrificing strength or stability.
Perfect for wind foilers and recreational riders, the mechanical top allows easy sail attachment from any angle—no board flipping, no awkward angles, no stress.
Inside, the high-quality TPU tendon is secured by large-diameter custom bolts, making replacement simple and secure. The solid stainless-steel U-Pin delivers lasting reliability, and the POK baseplate body ensures durability in all conditions.
A Spectra safety rope rated to 650 kg adds peace of mind, while the EVA grip disc boosts traction and control on the deck.
Why riders love it:
- True cardan joint allows sail rigging from any position. Great for foiling, SUP sail setups, or rigging in deep water
- Stainless steel components for a solid, lasting connection
- Simple construction for reliable everyday use
- EVA padding for secure grip and comfort
- Tool-free detachment makes packing fast and easy
Whether you’re just getting started or need a budget-friendly solution that works across disciplines, the Essentials Cardan Baseplate brings comfort, confidence, and convenience to every session.
Regular inspection of your baseplate is crucial for safety and performance.
Here's what you need to check before hitting the water:
Power/Boge Joint Inspection:
- Check rubber for deterioration, cuts, or drying
- Look for splitting at top/bottom sections
- Test flexibility in all directions
Tendon Joint Inspection:
- Look for wear and cuts, especially around bolt holes
- Test flexibility gently
- Pay attention to bolt hole areas
Replacement Guidelines:
- Tendon joints: Replace annually or after 120 hours of use
- Power/Boge joints: Replace when showing wear or damage
- When replacing U-pins in Power/Boge joints, applying heat can help break down glue for easier removal
Remember: A quick pre-session check of your baseplate can prevent equipment failure and keep you safe on the water.
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Expert Advice
Windsurfing Baseplate FAQs
When it comes to windsurfing, the baseplate is often underestimated as just a simple connection point between the board and the rig.
The baseplate is a sophisticated component of your windsurfing setup, serving as the critical link in your entire system. It plays a vital role in power transmission, shock absorption, and responsiveness to sailing conditions.
Choosing the right baseplate can significantly impact your windsurfing performance, safety, and overall experience.
This FAQ aims to provide you with the necessary information to help you choose the perfect baseplate for your riding style and conditions.
There are three main types:
- Power/Boge Joint: Great shock absorbers with more sideways movement
- Tendon Joint: Stiffer with less lateral movement
- Cardan Joint: Easily pivoting, ideal for inflatable WindSups
Power Joint is an imitation of the original Boge Joint. The Boge Joint is slightly more expensive and has an unconfirmed reputation for longer lifespan, but both function similarly.
It depends on your use:
- For shock absorption: Power/Boge Joint
- For direct feel and less movement: Tendon Joint
- For inflatable WindSups: Cardan Joint
Unifiber RDM masts stay at a constant 33 mm. internal width up to 600 mm. into the base section. Beyond 600 mm. the internal width tapers to 32 mm.
Unifiber Baseplates: Engineered for Reliability
Built to Last
Our commitment to excellence shows in every baseplate we make.
From premium materials to precision-engineered joints, each component undergoes extensive testing to ensure flawless performance in demanding conditions.
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Baseplate Fundamentals
What's the difference between a baseplate and a deck plate?
There is no difference - they are two names for the same part. We use the term baseplate for simplicity.
What are the main pin systems available for baseplates?
There are two main systems:
- U-Pin: The most commonly adopted standard, featuring ergonomic push-button or trigger mechanisms
- US-Push Pin (US-Cup): Widely used in America, requiring simultaneous pressing of two pins to disconnect
What are the advantages and disadvantages of each pin system?
- U-Pin advantages: More ergonomic operation, easier to connect/disconnect
- US-Push Pin advantages: Very robust system
- US-Push Pin disadvantages: Less ergonomic, more play between baseplate and extension
There is no difference - they are two names for the same part. We use the term baseplate for simplicity.
There are two main systems:
- U-Pin: The most commonly adopted standard, featuring ergonomic push-button or trigger mechanisms
- US-Push Pin (US-Cup): Widely used in America, requiring simultaneous pressing of two pins to disconnect
- U-Pin advantages: More ergonomic operation, easier to connect/disconnect
- US-Push Pin advantages: Very robust system
- US-Push Pin disadvantages: Less ergonomic, more play between baseplate and extension
Windsurf Baseplate Knowledge