In addition to the x-plied HD version we tested, the Pro-HD and an even lighter version called Pro-Fuse are also available, which differ in terms of the material mix and ultimately also the price. Apart from this, the profile and outline have recently undergone significant changes. New materials are said to have reduced the weight by around 700 grams.
More downhaul rope tension, significantly shorter boom dimensions and a completely revised material mix - the design crew around Robert Stroj has left no stone unturned with the new NeilPryde Combat compared to the 2023 model we tested at the time. The very low weight of the Combat is indeed striking - our test size with 4.5 square metres weighed in at 2.63 kilos, lighter than all the other models in the test group. Nevertheless, the sail does not appear fluttery at first glance. When rigging, a little more downhaul rope is required than usual, while the markings in the top provide reliable help when setting the right trim. The protector and other features, such as the batten tensioners that can be operated without tools, are tried and tested and leave nothing to be desired. The sleeve opening on the mast is quite low.
What's new with the NeilPryde Combat? Watch the video to find out.
Loss of power, improvement in all other areas
In recent years, many tests have shown that light on the scales does not necessarily mean that the sail also feels light on the water. In the case of the Combat HD, however, the expectations raised on land are fully met. The sail is already quite playful in the hand in the breeze, so that the corresponding power also unfolds in light winds, you should not pull the sail too flat, especially on the boom, but consciously allow profile. Then the Combat loads up well and planes more than passably, even if it no longer embodies the absolute power characteristics of years gone by. However, the sail can easily cope with these small losses, as it is massively improved in all other areas as a result of the design changes: it is now absolutely balanced in the hand even in strong winds and fully powered up, and the perceived holding forces are lower than with any other sail in the group.
Terms such as "overpowered" or "pressure point migration" are virtually non-existent in the Combat world, the top releases excess energy when necessary and even at the upper wind limit the sail is almost playful in the hands. All rotations - whether it's a power jibe or a front loop - are also absolutely effortless and child's play with the Combat. And on the wave? You can put the sail down for a bottom turn with what feels like two fingers, it conveys a much more neutral basic feeling than in the last test two years ago. Here too, however, it is no longer the kind of sail that pulls through the turn and up to the wave lip with bear forces and a constant pull on the back hand. Instead, it is now particularly agile and, with a good mix of neutrality and drive, encourages smooth wave rides and complicated wave moves.
surf's summary of the NeilPryde Combat HD 4.5
The NeilPryde Combat HD has been greatly improved, especially in the areas of control and handling. The suitability for manoeuvres and wave moves is at the very highest level. Nevertheless, the model has retained enough planing power to score points in typical Euro conditions or in flat water. Only those who are aiming for maximum planing performance should now turn to the NeilPryde Atlas.
Handling, control, off
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Technical data NeilPryde Combat HD 4.5
- Sail weight: 2.63 kg
- Mast weight: 1.29 kg
- sleeve opening: 97-147 cm
- Mast used: NeilPryde TPX 100 370 RDM (100 % Carbon)
- Price: 899 Euro
- Info under neilpryde.com
*surf measurement
