Test 2017: GA Sails Hybrid 4.7 and interview with Knut Budig
Mr Budig, GA Sails is also combining different sails into one line in 2018. A departure from the model craze of past years? Yes, we try to merge the sail ranks where it makes sense. For example, in the case of the Poison and Manic wave sails, it has become increasingly clear in recent years that our customers have been asking for the Manic handling sail primarily in the 3.3 to 4.7 square metre sizes, while the Poison, which is designed more for power and propulsion, is available in sizes from 5.0 to 6.2 square metres. We have discussed the issue with many of our customers and have come to the conclusion that it makes much more sense to merge the lines. The smaller sizes are designed with a slightly flatter profile, while the larger sizes are more like the Poison with a higher profile and more planing power. The sail line will continue under the name "Manic" and should offer the ideal product for every wave customer.
The Hybrid sail line will cover the entire range from wave to freeride in 2018. The freeride sail Cross is also being dropped from the range. What is the idea behind this? The 2018 hybrid line has been completely redesigned and, for me, is the perfect sail line for over 50 per cent of all windsurfers. Whether freeride, bump & jump or weekend wave surfers, the range always fits because we have perfectly matched the sail sizes to the respective wind and board use. The hybrid sail line is a sail line that is extremely versatile within the different sizes.
What specific differences are meant by this? Profile course? Number of slats? Equipment? The sizes 3.7 square metres, 4.2 square metres and 4.7 square metres have four robust epoxy battens, they are equipped with a lot of grid material in terms of sail profile and equipment, especially in the lower sail area, on the leech and in the sail window and are therefore fully wave-compatible. In terms of profile, they are optimised for all freemove, wave and freeride boards, with plenty of propulsion, good control, a very wide wind range and smooth handling.
The sizes 5.2 square metres, 5.6 square metres, 6.0 square metres and 6.4 square metres have five battens and are the perfect freemove sails in terms of sail profile and features. The workmanship is identical to the smaller sizes with a lot of X-Ply, but the Freemove sizes between 5.2 and 6.4 square metres are additionally equipped with hollow tube battens. This provides more power and a greater wind range. The new hybrids with 5.2 m² to 6.4 m² will also replace the Cross model in our range in 2018.
The hybrid sail line goes up to 8.2 square metres. What is the focus of the large sizes? The sizes 6.7 m², 7.2 m², 7.7 m² and 8.2 m² have six battens, and the sail centre also has high-quality tube battens. The batten in the centre is designed as a crossbatten, it starts at the mast under the boom and ends at the back above the clew - this brings tension and control to the sail. As far as the profile is concerned, the focus of the large hybrid sails was naturally on a deep profile for extra propulsion. This makes them perfect for all freeride and freerace boards, enabling them to plane early even in light winds and achieve top top top speed with super handling.
We have already been able to test drive the Hybrid 4.7. Here are our impressions:
On land: The Hybrid 4.7 is rigged on a 400 mm RDM mast. In the lower area, where harness hooks and surfers tend to hit in the event of a crash, it appears to be quite solidly dimensioned, only in the top area does it appear slightly slimmed down in terms of material thickness compared to pure wave sails. Even on land, the sail always has a pre-shaped profile and has a slightly more bulbous design compared to the pure GA wave models IQ and Manic.
On the water:The hybrid feels full and stable in the hand from the first tight pull, and the right angle of attack practically sets itself. In combination with the dampened profile, into which a deep belly is pulled tightly, even less experienced surfers can start planing very quickly. The feel on the straights is impressive and the profile absorbs chop well. In powerful conditions, the sail should be given a visible loose leech, and the leech should have recognisable creases between the two upper battens when trimmed. In manoeuvres, the hybrid is nice and light, and the battens change sail side smoothly, making the GA Sails a fine manoeuvre sail for heating in strong winds and for manoeuvre sessions. As a wave sail, it is one of the more powerful representatives, it pulls through the turn with drive, allowing you to take a lot of speed up to the cutback. However, it is noticeably less agile and playful than the IQ model, for example.
surf conclusion:Top for all strong wind heaters and manoeuvring fans who are looking for an easy-to-ride sail with performance, control and a fair price. Also a good choice for occasional sailors. Those who trick or surf mainly in the waves will want a more agile profile with more neutrality and should then go for the IQ or Manic.
