Alongside the Hybrid – available as a crossover or freemove sail – the GA Sails Matrix covers the freeride to freerace range without camber. Since 2025, the outline has been optimised and the sail has been adapted to the new panel layout, amongst other changes. The Matrix ME is available in sizes 6.2 to 7.7 with exclusive Technora membrane technology. Dyed monofilm isn’t automatically tear-resistant, but it certainly looks much more robust than traditional clear film. What’s more, GA promises special UV protection. The material feels reasonably thick across most of the sail body; in the leech, it feels slightly thinner than it appears from a distance. However, four stiff mini-battens are also fitted here to prevent unwanted flutter. What’s more, the sail requires comparatively little loose leech and absorbs gusts rather softly, whilst being gentle on the material.
The trimming mark indicates a wide trimming range for the luff, but even at maximum trim, whilst the leech lies loosely on the shore, it turns up very smoothly under wind pressure and stabilises there with few creases and without flapping. Perhaps it is the new cut, or perhaps the four luff panels made from different fabric materials, that allow for this unique profile. Even when the luff is fully tensioned, the batten still slides well past the mast on either side – unfortunately, the reinforcements at the ends are not as sturdy as on Duotone sails – and are only pulled back by the tension in the trim sheet. At 1.99 metres, the boom length is nominally on the longer side – but this shouldn’t be misleading, as the overhang beyond the boom is comparatively short, as is the sail’s chord (boom length plus overhang). Otherwise, the sail window appears sturdy, the top is reinforced with Kevlar and all batten ends are protected at the leech by the batten tensioner and rubber pads. The batten pockets are also reinforced with Dacron tape.
High top speed with easy control
No matter how you trim the GA, its characteristics change very little. Without pressure, the profile flattens out almost completely, which makes manoeuvring and even launching in gusty winds easier, because: once you give it a quick pull, the sail goes into neutral. Tighten it up and the drive picks up again. With a bit of wind pressure, a deep profile forms quickly; the sail opens up at the top, doesn’t flutter, but stands there as if moulded into a 3D shape. It feels moderately weighted in the hand, provides good feedback on every steering input whilst bobbing, and behaves very predictably and remains easy to control even in choppy wind. Despite the SDM mast, it feels slightly dampened rather than particularly direct. This means you get into a glide unspektakulär, yet still swiftly.
That controllable feel is maintained even in strong winds, and with well-balanced lift and pleasant damping in the flexible profile, the board glides beautifully smoothly: you hang relaxed in the harness and your arms don’t have to work too hard either. This is because the sail’s power is concentrated further forward in the sail than on a speedster, for example. This centre of pressure isn’t fixed in stone, but always remains stable between your hands; even in gusts, your rear hand isn’t suddenly required to pull much harder – you simply steer lightly and with finesse. It is precisely this ease of control that also helps the sail achieve excellent top speed and comparatively effortless surfing in the stronger wind range. It is only at the upper limit that the characteristics change, and you have to grip a little harder for those last one or two knots of wind than you would with the ‘control champions’. When jibing, the Matrix shifts and rotates very smoothly and predictably. The rotation of the battens around the mast is noticeable, but without any perceptible jolt. After the shift, the sail pull builds up again evenly, which makes it easier to accelerate once more and slot back into the foot straps.
surf review of the GA Sails Matrix 7.2
The GA Sails Matrix is a genuine ‘easy-going sail’. It has no weaknesses, is easy to trim and delivers good performance across the entire wind range. If you’re struggling to choose between freeride and freerace, this is the perfect choice.
STRENGTHS: Riding comfort, manoeuvrability, speed in the upper wind range
WEAKNESSES: None
SPECIAL FEATURES: Coloured monofilm, which is said to be particularly UV-resistant.
Technical Specifications: GA Sails Matrix 7.2
- Sail weight: 5.0 kg*
- Live weight: 1.85 kg*
- Fork cut-out: 114–163 cm*
- Mast used: GA Masts 100 SDM 460; 839 euros
- Price: 959 euros
- For more information, see: ga-windsurfing.com
*surf measurement
GA Sails Matrix: Available sizes and specifications
| Size | Luff | Slats | Mast** | Fork | Price |
| 5.7 | 424 | 7 | 400/430 | 182 | 929 |
| 6.2 | 447 | 7 | 430 | 185 | 939 |
| 6.7 | 462 | 7 | 430 | 193 | 949 |
| 7.2 | 478 | 7 | 460 | 199 | 959 |
| 7.7 | 491 | 7 | 460 | 210 | 969 |
| 8.4 | 508 | 7 | 490 | 218 | 999 |
**Recommendation: 5.7 to 6.2 RDM/SDM, 6.7: SDM/RDM, 7.2–8.4: SDM
This sail is part of the major 2026 No Cam Freeride test. Also featured are Duotone X_Pace, GA Matrix, Goya Mark 7, GunSails Rapid, NeilPryde Speedster Evo, Sailloft Cross and Severne NCX. All test results in *surf* 5/2026 and, in no particular order, here on surf-magazin.de!