Despite the well-known delivery problems for goods from Asia, 14 models made it to the test in time, unfortunately we waited in vain for the NeilPryde Combat. On the other hand, there are several brands - F2, Flight Sails, Loftsails and Patrik - that want to hold their own against the "big boys". Once again, we carried out the test on the North Sea and Baltic Sea - from typical bump & jump days in Heiligenhafen, to solid surf in Sankt-Peter-Ording with plenty of current, to premium waves with sideoffshore wind in Hanstholm, everything was there
These sails are included in the test:
(click to go directly to the individual reports)
The overall level of equipment is very high. Apart from the somewhat spartanly reinforced F2 Rebel, all brands have a solid mix of materials, which allows you to stay relaxed even during tough wash cycles. As always, we also measure the weights of sails and masts, but the significance of this information should not be overestimated: time and again we realise that the measured weight and the reality on the water can differ noticeably. For example, the S2Maui Dragon, which is equipped with high-quality and lightweight grid material, may secure the title of "lightest wave sail in the test group" on the scales, but you only notice this to a limited extent on the water thanks to an above-average length boom and a powerful set-up with higher holding forces. Conversely, an RRD Vogue, for example, which is slightly heavier than average on the scales, can appear lighter than expected thanks to its firm ride and forward pressure point
All sails in the test group are rigged on a 370 mast. Thanks to the Variotopp, however, the models from Ezzy, Flight Sails or RRD can theoretically be ridden on a 400 mast and this would also be conceivable with the Severne Blade due to the luff length of 403 centimetres. So if you wreck your 370 in the waves, you can save your surfing day with the 400 mast. As a permanent solution, our clear recommendation for all models remains the 370 mast - especially for light riders and women under 75 kilos. Background: The longer the mast, the harder it is. As a result, the necessary profile is often harder to develop when planing, the sails become jittery, less planing and require more sensitivity when finding the right angle of attack.
Trim markings in the top help Flight Sails, Goya, GunSails, Loftsails and RRD to find the right luff trim. There are still two basic design philosophies when it comes to trim: sails such as the F2 Rebel, GA Manic, Patrik 4Wave, S2Maui Dragon and the Goya Banzai have a rather flat profile at first glance and only develop a full belly when they are close-hauled. Here the profile needs to be adapted to the respective wind range with more trim sheet tension. Conversely, models such as the Flight Sails Zorro, Point-7 Salt Pro, RRD Vogue or Severne Blade are rigged with slightly more visible loose leech, but then only tighten the trim sheet comparatively little.
The fact that flat water surfers usually have to resort to "wave sails" is due to the fact that there is often nothing else available in sizes under 5.5 square metres other than wave sails. However, as the manufacturers are aware of this and design their wave models to be predominantly all-round, this is not a problem. With the exception of the F2 Rebel, the 14 models in this test group are all suitable for choppy surf, but have certain strengths and weaknesses in the other areas of use "flat water freeride" and "freestyle", which can make the difference between a top and a flop in individual cases. Therefore, for an initial preselection, categorise yourself into one of the following three types, then you can be sure to avoid the worst bad purchases. Within this preselection, you can then filter out your personal "test winner" based on the individual descriptions, scores and prices.
Waves are a dream, but realistically, many wave sails are used on flat water or in swell waves. If this is also the case for you and you primarily use your wave sail to heat up and jibe on freeride, freemove or freestyle wave boards and real surf days are the absolute exception, you should choose a sail that will take you over the planing threshold without hesitation, is easy to ride, requires few trim adjustments and is easy to control even with intermediate riding skills. In this case, pay particular attention to the following criteria:
So if you classify yourself as a "strong wind heater", the following models should be just right for you (in alphabetical order): Ezzy Wave, F2 Rebel, Flight Sails Zorro, GunSails Seal, Naish Force 4, Patrik 4Wave, Point-7 Salt Pro, RRD Vogue, Sailloft Quad, Severne Blade
Do you take it as it comes? Do you have flat water days and trips into the surf about equally often? Are you past the "wave beginner" stage, do you usually get through the surf zone without any problems and do you sometimes ride waves frontside to leeward? Even when there are no waves, you are not averse to classic moves such as carving 360, duck jibe or volcano? If you find yourself here, then pay particular attention to the following criteria - in addition to the "glide" and "control" grades already explained:
The group of all-rounders is large and includes the following models (in alphabetical order): Ezzy Wave, F2 Rebel, Flight Sails Zor - ro, GA Sails Manic, Goya Banzai, GunSails Seal, Loftsails Purelip, Naish Force 4, Patrik 4Wave, Point-7 Salt Pro, RRD Vogue, S2Maui Dragon, Sailloft Quad, Severne Blade
There are definitely surfers for whom a maximum light and agile sail feel is more important than maximum planing power and drive. In our experience, this is also often the case for women. The focus is then particularly on feather-light handling, neutrality and an agile feeling when planing. With the right riding skills and an active riding style, minor gliding deficits can often be compensated for.
If you prioritise lightness above all else, the following models, which often combine slightly shorter boom dimensions, a forward pressure point and sometimes a flat profile, should be just right for you: Ezzy Wave, Flight Sails Zorro, GA Sails Ma - nic, Goya Banzai, Naish Force 4, Point-7 Salt Pro, Severne Blade Alternatively, the also very light but somewhat more powerful GunSails Seal may also be worth a look.
(luff 393 cm, boom 160 cm, weight 2.96 kg, price 755 Euro)
The Ezzy sets the bar pretty high in terms of equipment: clever trim aids, an extendable mast protector and high-quality grid materials are just a few examples - so it is all the more surprising that the Ezzy Wave even breaks the 3-kilo sound barrier. When starting off, the Ezzy needs a little more guidance to find the right angle of attack; it is not one of those sails that overplay the pilot's technical deficits with bear forces. When powered up, however, the sail stabilises well, absorbs shocks wonderfully and is always agile and light in the hand. When planing in manoeuvres, the Ezzy Wave rotates as smooth as butter and without using too much force, and the concept also leaves nothing to be desired on the wave: Here it provides good propulsion ("drive") when riding off, which also helps less experienced wave riders to arrive at the lip of the wave with sufficient speed. Nevertheless, the Wave can be rigged flat if required - then it becomes noticeably more agile around the longitudinal axis and is also really neutral in the hand during manoeuvres and bottom turns.
surf conclusion: The Ezzy Wave combines the best features with really good handling, control and balanced wave characteristics. Only those looking for a powerful power sail for bump & jump conditions or a very flat sail for freestyling are not ideally advised here.
PlusHandling, equipment
Neutral:-
Minus: -
(luff 399 cm, fork 162 cm, weight 2.89 kg, price 569 Euro)
The Rebel is one of the cheapest and lightest models in this test group. However, the material mix also appears to be somewhat slimmed down, with more non-latticed and thinner monofilm being used. With its long boom, you immediately get traction on the sail hand in the planing phase, the angle of attack to the wind is easy to find, the Rebel pulls away well and thus offers plenty of jumping power. If it still seems a little fluttery on land, it presents itself perfectly on the water and is well balanced in the hand - at least in the lower and medium wind range. When fully powered up, it does inflate noticeably and no longer seems as light as the weight on the scales would suggest. In manoeuvres, the battens rotate perfectly, but due to the long boom and the pressure point far back, it feels noticeably more massive than other models when planing. When riding down the waves, the F2 sail always offers a good basic pull on the sail hand ("drive") and thus helps to arrive at the wave lip with sufficient speed, but also appears rather sluggish and less neutral than concepts with a flatter sail profile.
surf conclusion: The F2 Rebel convinces as an uncomplicated and powerful sail for freeride, bump & jump and moderate waves. However, the less reinforced Rebel does not qualify as a playful wave sail with taker qualities, but it is also cheaper than most other models.
Plus: Good drive, gliding power
Neutral: Control
Minus: Material mix
(luff 388 cm, boom 156 cm, weight 2.96 kg, price 635 Euro)
The brand from Tenerife markets its sails directly and therefore comparatively cheaply. The Zorro looks solidly equipped, and the printed trim point helps to adjust the luff tension. Loose leech up to the mark should always be applied, and even a moderate pull on the boom is enough for the Zorro to cover a pleasingly large wind range. The sail loads up wonderfully in the planing phase and thus conveys good planing power, is inherently stable in the hand and makes it easy for even heavy surfers to leave the planing threshold behind them quickly. The Zorro largely ignores strong gusts, the pressure point is stable and the consistently very light sail feel is maintained across all wind ranges. The Flight Sails Zorro is absolutely balanced in manoeuvres and also on the wave: the battens rotate flawlessly, the perceived sail weight when shifting is very low and if you put it into the bottom turn with gusto, you will find that the Zorro is definitely one of the drive sails that pull you powerfully through the turn up to the wave lip.
surf conclusion: With the Zorro, Flight Sails has succeeded in creating a very convincing concept that combines power, control and impressive manoeuvring handling. It is therefore recommended for flat water fans as well as for bump & jump and choppy surf conditions. It is only a little bulbous as a freestyle cloth for crouched moves.
Plus: Power, control, handling
Neutral: -
Minus: -
(luff 388 cm, fork 157 cm, weight 3.09 kg, price 869 Euro)
Flat battens, a damped profile and equipment that is beyond reproach with a perfect protector, solid Kevlar patches and integrated carbon fibres - this is how the GA Manic presents itself in the test. The sail needs to be adjusted to the respective wind range, especially via the boom. In medium trim, it is quite lively in the start-up phase, but also requires some guidance and technique to set the right angle of attack to the wind. If you only hang on passively, you will start to glide a little later, but with an active riding style you will still get into a good slip. When powered up, the sail stabilises well, absorbs chops wonderfully and is light as a feather and agile in the hand. Jibes and duck jibes are a real pleasure, as are all loops and even ambitious freestyle tricks, which the flat profile makes possible without any problems. On the wave, the profile is wonderfully neutral in the turn, the Manic is particularly playful and encourages cracks to perform all kinds of moves. Only in slack conditions does the sail in normal trim lack elemental force and drive on the sail hand.
surf conclusion:The Manic is perfect for wave surfers with some previous experience and scores as a particularly neutral, comfortable and light sail for waves, flat water and even freestyle. As a pressure point stable steam hammer for flat water, it might be a little too technical for less experienced freeriders.
Plus: Neutrality & handling
Neutral: Somewhat trim-sensitive
Minus: -
(luff 393 cm, boom 155 cm, weight 2.99 kg, price 780 Euro)
The Banzai is a real eye-catcher with its flawless equipment and bright look. You should apply an above-average amount of loose leech in every wind range, the marking in the top helps. The Goya also wants to be pulled out a few centimetres on the fork, but the rather deep profile still generates plenty of propulsion - all in all, the Banzai is a pretty good glider. Despite the rather short fork, it stabilises itself pleasantly and is stable and easy to ride in the hand. Compared to last year's Banzai, the 2022 model is significantly more agile, lighter and more reactive - in manoeuvres and in the air, the sail rotates to make you click your tongue and is wonderfully light in the hand. The only small drawback is the slight trim sensitivity, because when the wind picks up, adjustments to the fork trim are required quite quickly to keep the pressure point in check. The Banzai is particularly well-balanced on the wave: it carves through the bottom turn with a good drive, but is playful in every phase, the battens are noticeably flat, allowing the Goya to score points with a dash of neutrality.
surf conclusion:The Banzai combines power and now also lightness in almost the best possible combination, making it the ideal toy for manoeuvres and waves. Only those who mainly want to freeride without trim adjustments are not optimally advised.
Plus:Handling, equipment
Neutral: Somewhat trim-sensitive
Minus:
(luff 383 cm, fork 159 cm, weight 2.98 kg, price 509 Euro)
Anyone who still thinks that Gun sails are a little heavier should now be convinced otherwise. Despite the standard equipment, the sail also cracks the 3-kilo mark, and the price advantage is undeniable anyway. The trim point in the top helps to find the right luff tension, and moderate tension on the boom is enough to cover a wide wind range. The Seal is one of the best all-rounders in the group: it immediately develops a lot of pull during the start-up phase and finds the right angle of attack for the wind almost automatically, but is still very light in the hand. Even when powered up, it retains this agile feel, remains controllable for a long time even in gusts and hardly requires any trim adjustments in changing conditions. In jibes, duck jibes and other manoeuvres, the battens rotate as smooth as butter and even when riding down the waves, the Seal shows no weakness: it pulls through the bend with a nice drive and always provides a light grounding on the sail hand - this helps to get up to the wave lip with gust even in cross onshore winds.
surf conclusion: Whether in the Ijsselmeer chop, during a jumping session on the Baltic Sea or in thick ocean waves - the Seal is ready for all outrageous deeds and is recommended with power, easy handling and a large wind range for a maximally broad target group
Plus: Wind range, handling, control
Neutral: -
Minus: -
(luff 389 cm, fork 158 cm, weight 3.28 kg, price 759 kg)
Bulletproof equipment and solid materials - in terms of build quality, the Purelip leaves nothing to be desired, but this is also noticeable on the bridle. The profile of the five-batten is very flat and tight, and the trim sheet in particular should only be tightened in homeopathic doses so as not to kill the profile completely. Unfortunately, the sail only develops a small profile in the planing phase and you are constantly fanning out in search of the right angle of attack. When fully powered up, however, the sail stabilises better in the hands and the pressure point remains more firmly cemented than with any other sail in the group. In manoeuvres, the loftsail rotates nimbly around the forward pressure point, even though it is not one of the absolute featherweights here. The same applies to the wave, where the Purelip offers a very neutral ride. This helps when you're riding big ocean waves fully powered up, but in typical Euro conditions with sideonshore winds, you would simply want more constant propulsion and ground pull on the sail hand to arrive at the wave lip with more speed.
surf conclusion: The very neutral Purelip is above all a tip for strong winds and powerful ocean waves. However, its planing performance and stability are below average and the 4-latter Wavescape is probably the better choice as an all-round sail.
Plus: Control, equipment
Neutral:Low fork recess
Minus: Driving stability, gliding power
(luff 380 cm, boom 158 cm, weight 2.92 kg, price 849 Euro)
The Force 4 enters the new season with noticeably more tension and a modified luff curve, and as usual it is one of the lightest models on the scales. The fact that this lightness is now also more noticeable on the water is due to the fact that the changes have made the Force 4 appear significantly firmer and more reactive. The top twists better in gusts and releases excess steam - heavyweights in particular benefit from this. This establishes the Naish among the best all-rounders: It planes very neatly, can be ridden in the right trim - the ideal is a visible loose between the top two battens and only moderate pull on the clew - over a wide wind range without trim adjustments and remains light and agile at every second. The rotation in manoeuvres is a tongue twister, battens and profile change sides as smooth as butter. You also have to like the Naish on the wave, as it offers a finely tuned mix of propulsion in the turn and yet good neutrality, leaving no room for criticism.
surf conclusion: With a well-rounded mix of power, lots of control and top handling, the Force 4 now works for a much larger target group, from flat water heaters to ambitious wave surfers. Small surfers are particularly well advised, only those who are over 1.90 metres tall and ride wide freeride boards will quickly reach the limit in terms of fork height.
Plus: Handling, control, wind range
Neutral: Fork recess very short
Minus: -
(luff 388 cm, boom 157 cm, weight 3.16 kg, price 744 Euro)
Patrik Diethelm has long been involved in the sailing business. The 4Wave leaves nothing to be desired in terms of equipment, with a strikingly flared leech above the boom. The sail is designed to show different faces with different trim variants, with a visible loose leech up to the diagonal seam between the top two battens as the centre trim. Although it enters the race as a 4.4 with a small size disadvantage, it feels very full in the hand and despite the flat battens, a deep profile is drawn into the sail as soon as the first batten is pulled tight. This makes the 4Wave one of the most planing sails in the group, but it is also a little more bulky and less playful in the hand. In the upper wind range, the rather soft sail can certainly take more pull on the trim sheet, but then remains easy to control and absorbs shocks and hard landings wonderfully. The picture is similar when riding downwind: the Patrik 4Wave pulls powerfully through the turn and brings you up to the lip at speed, but overall it is less agile and lighter in the hand than other concepts.
surf conclusion: All in all, the Patrik 4Wave is a powerful board that is equally suitable for freeride, bump & jump and waves. Those aiming for maximum lightness and agility for surf and freestyle are less well advised.
Plus:Gliding power, driving stability, drive
Neutral: Trim-sensitive, low recess
Minus:-
(luff 381 cm, fork 154 cm, weight 3.03 kg, price 589 Euro)
On the "dark side of the force", the Salt Pro wants to be rigged with more visible loose leech than other wave models. A printed trimming aid shows the appropriate setting of the extension on a 1:1 scale - a good idea! Only the mast protector is too short again this year. Rigged with little trim sheet tension, the profile loads up properly, it is light and agile in the hand without being too fidgety - the result is a decent planing performance. The Point-7 ignores incoming gusts with great composure, the wind range is excellent even with a low trim sheet tension, and there is usually no need for tiresome re-trimming. You shouldn't and don't have to trim the sail really flat on the boom, the pressure point remains as if cemented in place even in centre trim. The stoic calmness then gives way to a lot of Italian temperament in manoeuvres at the latest - the Salt Pro rotates nimbly when planing and is extremely easy to handle. On the wave, it doesn't provide maximum drive with its pressure point located quite far forward, but it offers a good mix of neutrality and power, which probably 95 per cent of all wave surfers can live with.
surf conclusion:The Point-7 has no weaknesses and covers a wide range of uses from flat water to rough surf with power, lightness and endless control.
Plus: Wind range & control, handling
Neutral: -
Minus: Mast protector too short
(luff 396 cm, fork 161 cm, weight 3.16 kg, price 901 Euro)
RRD continues the high level of equipment on the new Vogue, rigged with plenty of visible loose leech, the printed marking on the top helps here. Thanks to the Vario top, the sail can also be rigged on a 400 mm mast in an emergency. Compared to older models from a few years ago, the 2022 Vogue looks more cushioned, more bulbous and also has a slightly longer boom. Gone are the days when the Vogue was a hard, flat wave sail for hacking. The Vogue 2022 planes convincingly, builds up pull well and scores with a very large wind range even with low clew tension, which makes trim adjustments largely superfluous. Although the RRD is not one of the absolute lightweights on the scales, it still offers extremely agile handling on the water - it planes nimbly in jibes and is balanced in the hand. The Vogue also offers the full range when riding waves - it is neither extremely power-orientated nor overly neutral, but simply delivers a good mix of propulsion and, depending on the trim, a good amount of "off" for powerless riding and even freestyle moves.
surf conclusion: Over the years, what was once a rather specialised sail has become an outstanding all-rounder that feels right at home anywhere from stormy inland waters to powerful surf spots.
Plus: Wind range, balance
Neutral: -
Minus: -
(luff 383 cm, fork 162 cm, weight 2.85 kg, price 505 Euro)
Precious materials, record-breaking light weight and a rather long boom - these are the key features of the S2Maui Dragon. The colourful Maui Dragon needs to be rigged with more loose leech than last year and then requires wind-dependent adjustments to the trim sheet. Rigged with a belly, the sail is much more stable and powerful than in the past, the pressure point is further back, which means that the S2Maui now loads up noticeably more and offers great planing power. However, when the wind fluctuates, you have to keep adjusting the tension, otherwise the tension on the sail hand increases considerably and the Dragon loses the light, neutral handling that actually characterises it. In manoeuvres, the battens rotate as smooth as butter, which in combination with the low dead weight results in very good handling. On the wave, the Dragon pulls through the turn with good drive and always a noticeable ground pull on the sail hand, which helps to arrive at the cutback with sufficient speed. When pulled flat, you can also get a good off from the sail.
Surfing verdict: The Dragon performs ideally in light to moderate winds, when it really shows off its lightness - a tip for sideoff spots with little wind, for freestylers and also women. In gusty conditions, the trim sensitivity clouds the overall impression
Plus: Sliding power, Drive
Neutral: Thin protector
Minus: Trim sensitive
(luff 396 cm, fork 163 cm, weight 3.26 kg, price 779 Euro)
The materials used in the Sailloft quad bike traditionally look solid, and compared to other models, the quad bike has a significantly longer fork and a pressure point that sits further back. This means that it loads up well during the start-up phase, sits firmly and stably in the hand and finds the right angle of attack to the wind almost automatically. This makes the Sailloft Quad very easy to ride, even for less experienced riders, but it is not as agile and playful in the hand as the lightweights in the group. Thanks to the comparatively deep profile, the quad offers plenty of power for big jumps and pulls wave surfers powerfully through the bottom turn up to the wave lip. This can make all the difference, especially in onshore conditions, and ensure that you arrive at the cutback with more speed. On the other hand, the "off switch" for the power is sometimes sought in vain, for example when you want to turn into a front loop in the upper wind range in a controlled manner, surf thick side-offshore waves when powered up or practise submerged freestyle manoeuvres.
surf conclusion: The Quad complements the even more powerful Curve (test in surf 1-2021), but also offers plenty of power and drive for flat water, bump & jump and surf. If you're looking for a sail with maximum playfulness, you won't be completely happy here.
Plus: Drive, glide, driving stability
Neutral: Neutrality
Minus:-
(luff 403 cm, boom 159 cm, weight 2.90 kg, price 833 Euro)
Traditionally, the Blade starts the race as a five-flatter and with a fairly long luff (extension 33 centimetres!) - despite this, the Blade is one of the lighter sails on the scales. Although a 400 metre mast would be possible as an alternative, we clearly recommend the 370 metre mast! It's easy to find the right trim - a little visible loose leech between the top two battens and moderate trim sheet tension, so the Blade works across a huge wind range without having to be re-trimmed. The handling characteristics are also pleasingly uncomplicated: The Severne is largely stable in the hand and offers enough ground pull to quickly leave the planing threshold behind. The control is exceptionally good, pressure point changes only occur when you could have ridden a sail size smaller. In manoeuvres and on the wave, the Blade also leaves nothing to be desired: It shifts nimbly around the longitudinal axis, the battens hardly change sail side noticeably and on top of that it offers a good mix of propulsion ("drive") and neutrality ("off") when riding waves, which probably 95 per cent of all flat water and wave surfers can live with.
surf conclusion:The Blade is a top all-rounder, with good planing power, lightness and endless control, both flat water fans and radical wave riders have a very fine blade.
Plus:Control, handling, wind range
Neutral: -
Minus: -
You can find all overview tables, data and grades here as a PDF for download. download