Evolution is a natural change or adaptation. At NeilPryde – and in the Freerace class in general – an increase in performance is often expected. As in other sports, this frequently goes hand in hand with weight savings. At 4.25 kilos, NeilPryde has set a new benchmark – but this also means it shows less tolerance even when handled roughly. With a material mix similar to that of the RS:Racing, some of the tuning modifications are already clearly visible in the pit lane. Much like dummy exhaust pipes on an electric car, the multi-piece black luff strip – known as ‘taffeta luff’ at NeilPryde – gives the sail the appearance, from a distance, of a racing sail with a huge mast pocket and numerous camber sections. Yet the lightweight, multi-piece mast pocket, up to size 7.0, contains nothing more than a slender RDM mast. This is, however, well concealed within the mast recess, aerodynamically optimised and covered by a zip-up neoprene sleeve.
Weight has been saved on the lightweight mast pocket material and on the monofilm in the top section, where it can be heard flapping briefly when overpowered in gusts. In the sail window and foot, the material thickness is of a normally solid standard. Genuine batten pockets have also been omitted from the top battens; instead, the sail panels overlap very widely, with space for the battens between the seams. These measures help to lower the centre of gravity, thereby improving handling and control. The wide luff panel restricts the view diagonally forwards slightly more than usual. The pull loop on the mast pocket is sewn on higher up than usual, making it easier to slide the mast in when the protector is folded up. The standard batten tensioners can be operated with strong fingers without the need for tools. Even on land, the sail has a visible profile that flattens out evenly towards the top. The battens sit close to the mast or directly behind it. In the area of the boom, the maximum profile depth appears to be positioned slightly further back than, for example, on Severne or Duotone sails.
Maximum performance and superb handling
The lightest sail on the scales really comes into its own on the water too. The new Evo feels particularly light when bobbing about and during the launch phase. And even when pulling in the sail during the launch and acceleration phases, less effort is required than usual. At the same time, the sail provides exactly the right amount of rear-hand emphasis that’s so helpful for powerful acceleration. You pull the sail back and down, and the Speedster immediately sprints off impressively – on tarmac, it would probably smell of burnt rubber. Even in a light gliding breeze, the sail provides so much lift that you can easily edge the board and apply good pressure to the fin, which pays off in top performances in speed, gliding and upwind running. Fortunately, this lift remains well controllable right up into the upper wind range.
Our trim for a wide wind range was just below the maximum mark on the luff, with the clew only loosely attached. In our experience, this is how you build power and control into the sail – which can always be laid down easily on deck and, above all, remains particularly stable there. Gusts are responded to with a steady increase in pull on the hands and, above all, converted into further acceleration. Overall, the sail proves easy to trim, although the force required for the intended maximum trim on the luff is quite substantial. The sail performs at the top of the wind range, offering exceptional stability and very controllable power delivery even in strong winds, and thus delivers a particularly balanced performance. The handling is excellent, with barely perceptible rotation of the battens. And after shifting – no matter how quickly you come out of the jibe – full torque is immediately restored.
surf review of the NeilPryde Speedster Evo 7.0
This sail delivers camberless maximum performance across the entire wind range – with a direct, sporty freerace feel and, on top of that, very easy jibbing.
STRENGTHS: Glide, speed, controllability, handling
WEAKNESSES: Slightly more delicate mast pocket material, comparatively thinner monofilm on the upper section
SPECIAL FEATURES: Lockable fork recess.
Technical Specifications: NeilPryde Speedster Evo 7.0
- Sail weight: 4.25 kg*
- Live weight: 1.9 kg*
- Fork cut-out: 110–149 cm*
- Mast used: NeilPryde TPX100 RDM 460; 949 euros
- Price: 1,079 euros
- For more information, see: neilpryde.com
*surf measurement
NeilPryde Speedster Evo: Available sizes and specifications
| Size | Luff | Slats | Mast | Fork | Price |
| 5.0 | 404 | 6 | 370 RDM | 170 | 969 |
| 5.5 | 417 | 6 | 400 RDM | 177 | 999 |
| 6.0 | 435 | 6 | 430 RDM | 184 | 1029 |
| 6.5 | 452 | 6 | 430 RDM | 190 | 1059 |
| 7.0 | 469 | 6 | 460 RDM | 197 | 1079 |
| 7.5 | 486 | 7 | 460 SDM | 203 | 1099 |
| 8.0 | 503 | 7 | 460 SDM | 210 | 1129 |
This sail is part of the major 2026 No Cam Freeride test. Also featured are the Duotone X_Pace and the GA Matrix, Goya Mark 7, GunSails Rapid, NeilPryde Speedster Evo, Sailloft Cross and Severne NCX. All test results can be found in *surf* 5/2026 and, in no particular order, here on surf-magazin.de!