NeilPryde V8 8.5
On land: We really like the new mast protector (thick, robust, light), the batten tensioners can be adjusted by hand, have been revised and we feel they are a little more difficult to open than before. The printed assembly instructions are also good. If you stick to them, camber sails with wide mast pockets are really easy to set up. The "jag", the cut-out on the clew, is less large than on the RS:Slalom, so the required boom is five centimetres longer.
On the water: For years, the V8 had to live with the bulky, heavy eight-cylinder image - performance at the expense of comfort. But it seems that NeilPryde has recognised the signs of the times faster than the automotive industry. The last models were already significantly lighter (more economical) with good performance, the new V8 is the latest stage of development and continues to offer maximum performance in light winds with the lightest ride of the group.
Compared to the Gun Sail, it subjectively appears a size smaller without sacrificing planing power. This is achieved by a slightly deeper profile than the RS:Slalom, which runs further up into the sail and a slightly more closed, less twisting leech. But even with less luff tension, the sail twists well, looks elastic and is easy to pump. But it also planes very well passively and is only beaten in the starting phase by the pure early planing sail Sailloft Traction 8.5. On the straight the sail is neutral in the hand, it is one of the best sails in the jibe, the camber rotates well.
The V8 is a real recommendation for freeride boards and freerace boards, only in terms of high-end performance it cannot keep up with the very race-orientated sails (RS:Slalom, Gaastra GTX, Point-7) in the group. An advantage for these specialists, but one that can only be utilised on very powerful, lightweight boards and very well powered.
surf tip: The V8 remains the classic freerace sail with the most balanced all-round qualities.
Mast used: NeilPryde X9 Ultra 490 cm, IMCS 29,
1.75 kilos, 100 % carbon, price: 999 euros
Web: www.neilpryde.de
