Wave sail 2025: All-rounder par excellence - the GunSails Seal in the test
Surf Testteam
· 07.02.2025
The GunSails Seal is already one of the classics among wave sails. In this year's test, it is represented in size 4.5. The sail has been significantly revised for the new 2025 season. The boom dimensions have been shortened by around four centimetres to give the sail more agility, and the leech is now stabilised between the two upper battens by two mini-battens. The manufacturer also claims to have made adjustments to the mast pocket material and clew reinforcement as well as the mast protector and seams to make these stress areas more robust. Rigging the seal correctly is extremely easy - the "FRED" trim mark on the top helps you to find the right luff trim. The outhaul trim is also quickly found, even moderate tension is enough to elicit a large wind range from the model. The other features have also been well done - the protector is long enough and can be folded down comfortably, and stress zones such as the lower leech, batten ends and top have been additionally reinforced. As is usual in this size, the Seal is also rigged on a 370 RDM mast.
More agile and playful than its predecessor
The GunSails Seal pulls a full profile out of the mast sleeve with the first sheet in. Due to the slightly shorter boom, the 2025 model is not quite as powerful as its predecessor when planing passively, but the sail is still one of the best planers in the group. Fortunately, you don't have to worry too much about the right trim: Simply adjust the downhaul rope tension according to the trim markings and pull moderately on the boom - rigged like this, the sail has a wide wind range.
On the other hand, the concept benefits noticeably from the design changes in the form of improved handling: the Seal is balanced and very stable in the hands, even strong gusts are ignored by the sail with stoic composure, without the centre of effort noticeably wandering. In manoeuvres, for example when the sail is jibed or rotated, the 2025 version is noticeably more agile and playful. The same applies to jumps and loop manoeuvres, where the sail is absolutely predictable in the hands.
When riding waves, the Seal also scores with a very balanced characteristic: it offers enough drive to arrive at the cutback with sufficient speed even in unpressurised waves or with little wind, but also shines in powerful side-offshore waves with convincing neutrality.
surf's summary of the GunSails Seal 4.5
The GunSails Seal turns out to be much more balanced and playful in 2025, making it more suitable for demanding wave surfers. Nevertheless, thanks to its good planing performance, great control and pleasingly low trim sensitivity, it remains a tip as a strong wind sail for flat water.
Wind range, balance
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Technical data GunSails Seal 4.5
- Sail weight: 3.09 kg
- Mast weight: 1.42 kg
- sleeve opening: 103-154 cm
- Mast used: GunSails Select 370 RDM (100 % Carbon)
- Price: 549 Euro
- Info under gunsails.com
*surf measurement
