On land
The GA Sails Pure, in the test size of 5.2 square metres, is rigged on a 400 mast, with the profile stabilised by four battens. The boom length is strikingly long; at 170 centimetres, it is five to ten centimetres longer than that of comparably sized rival products. As is typical for freestyle sails, the Pure is rigged with virtually no visible loose leech. Its specifications and features leave nothing to be desired.
On the water
The Pure sits firmly in the hand; it stabilises superbly on take-off and draws a full belly into the dampened profile. The longer fork helps to build up pressure; both the passive glide and the gliding performance when pumping are above average. When properly powered up, the sail noticeably loads up, and the stability of the pressure point is good. For duck manoeuvres, the profile flattens at the touch of a button – just as you’d expect from a freestyle sail.
When you press the power button in Konos or Shakas, the sail noticeably fills up and provides excellent lift, which you can convert into height. The only drawback is that in fast, high-rotation power moves, the sail feels a little sluggish; due to its geometry, it doesn’t quite convey the same lightness and explosiveness as other freestyle sails.
surf’s verdict on the GA Sails Pure 5.2
The GA Sails Pure is a high-glide freestyle sail with a good wind range. It’s wonderfully easy to duck and catapult into the air for power moves. Those looking for maximum agility might find the Pure almost a bit too tame.
Technical Specifications: GA Sails Pure
- Sizes: 4.0/4.4/4.8/5.2 sq m
- Luff: 380/393/412/424 cm
- Fork: 148/156/160/170 cm
- Price: 999 to 1,099 euros
- For more information, see ga-windsurfing.com
