Gaastra Matrix 8.0
Gaastra Matrix 8.0
The Matrix is particularly easy to trim and works in one trim in a wide wind range. Despite having only six battens and no camber, it remains very controllable right into the strong wind range. Especially in the medium wind range, the sail loads up well and offers competitive speed.
  [Sail] GAASTRA Matrix 8,0 : [Tester] Frank Lewisch : [Spot] Dahab [Sail] GAASTRA Matrix 8,0 : [Tester] Frank Lewisch : [Spot] Dahab

On land: All Gaastra sails are solidly reinforced, the seams are protected at the bottom by overlapping and the monofilm used is sufficiently thick. The mast protectors are always very long, but also very thin.

On the water: The Matrix stands out from the bunch of good camberless freeride sails with one particular feature: it works in almost any trim in a very wide wind range and is therefore recommended as a particularly uncomplicated sail for surfers who don't want to constantly worry about every millimetre of trim adjustment on the luff or clew.

It achieves really good performance, lies quietly and neutrally in the hand and has a pleasantly damped effect in gusts and on choppy water. It is easy to unfurl when overpowered and thus conveys a touch of "off", as we know it from wave sails. Only in the planing phase does the sail need to be adjusted a little more precisely by hand and requires a short distance to load up properly. After that, however, the profile works very efficiently and gets plenty of speed from the moderately deep belly. And even if it is not quite at the front in the planing phase, it shines in the planing phase with real staying power - once it gets going, it is unstoppable.

In the automotive industry, this is called "efficient dynamics", but we call it simply but respectfully "a successful sail cut".

Surf recommendation for Gaastra: For surfers looking for performance as close as possible to that of a racing sail, with a relatively light feel and maximum pressure point stability in really strong winds, there can only be one choice from Gaastra: The GTX Race. If you prefer a more leisurely ride, want to get up to speed without pumping and are looking for a stable sail without sacrificing good speed, choose the Swift. The active surfer who optimally adjusts his sail with feeling and values the best manoeuvre handling can also take on the speed duel with the Matrix. It is the most uncomplicated sail in the entire test group.

Mast used: Gaastra 75 490 cm, IMCS 29, 2.20 kilos, 75 % carbon; price: 489 euros. Web: www.gaastra.com

surf/M3190400_03f965a4c4907b79ee2df24176d2804bPhoto: Stephan Gölnitz

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