The GA-Sails Manic also draws plenty of profile from a wide-cut mast sleeve as soon as it is sheeted in. The sail is ideally trimmed with moderate loose leech between the upper two battens; further adjustments are mainly made via the boom trim. Carbon fibres extend from the outhaul towards the top to absorb the forces and ensure that the sail retains its shape. The two outhaul eyelets are close together so that the perceived difference in terms of more power or more control on the water is only slight. All the reinforcements on the top and lower leech as well as the easy-to-fold protector are of a high standard.
All the features and details of the GA Manic can be found in the following clip
Light basic feel over a large wind range
The GA-Sails Manic is already wonderfully light in the hands when wobbling around, with the first gust a handsome little belly pulls into the profile, which ensures good planing performance. The sail offers a great mix of stable inflow and still enough agility around the longitudinal axis. When powered up, the profile absorbs impacts well and retains its light basic feel over a wide wind range. Only in strong gusts do you notice that the centre of effort starts to wander a little earlier here - in strong winds you have to adjust the trim earlier than with some other sails, especially via the boom.
The handling is also top in manoeuvres, the battens change sides softly and fluffily. In addition, the profile flattens out again at the push of a button - the result is a very neutral sail feel, regardless of whether you are "only" circling a duck jibe or want to turn into a stalled front loop at a height of six metres. You can also feel the great "off" when riding the waves: As soon as you put the sail down in the bottom turn, you surf the wave more like a surfer just riding over the board - this encourages experts to perform smooth turns and wave moves of all kinds. Conversely, the Manic is not the kind of sail that pulls you powerfully through the turn to the wave lip even in light winds and soft waves.
surf's summary of the GA-Sails Manic 4.5
The Manic is a great sail for the waves, above all due to its great handling and great neutrality, and is even better than average for ambitious freestyle tricks. Only those looking for an uncompromising strong wind sail with maximum control will not be completely happy - then it's worth taking a look at the GA-Sails Boost.
Neutrality and manoeuvre handling
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Technical data GA-Sails Manic 4.5
- Sail weight: 3.1 kg*
- Mast weight: 1.28 kg*
- sleeve opening: 103-155 cm*
- Mast used: GA-Sails C100 370 RDM (100 % Carbon)
- Price: 959 Euro
- Info under ga-windsurfing.com
*surf measurement
