The term "Continuous Panel Layout" refers to a new design concept at GA Sails in which the individual sail panels are assembled along the natural distribution of forces in the sail. Among other things, this is intended to reduce the stress on the seams. The concept has been implemented in both wave models - Boost and Manic.
On land
The Boost has five battens in all sizes, a slightly longer boom and a longer luff than the Manic. In general, both test models in size 4.7 still work on a 370 mast, but the Boost requires a long 34 extension. The top has been kept a little slimmer on the Boost, and you can tell from the first trim that this model needs to be brought into shape with more tension on the luff. Overall, this profile is visibly predefined, whereas the battens on the Manic are almost flat and only form a visible profile when wind pressure is applied. On both sails, carbon fibres run along the direction of pull up to the top, the protector is as tried and tested as it is flawless, it is long enough and can be folded up easily. Both sails have two clew eyelets, but they are very close together, which is why the tuning effect (upper eyelet = more power; lower eyelet = more twist/control) is limited.
GA Sails Boost: Stable power with autopilot
The Boost is a good example of the fact that the weight measured on the scales does not necessarily have to correspond to the perceived weight. At 3.42 kilos, it is not exactly nominally a lightweight. However, because it is so well balanced and stable in the hands, the holding forces when starting and gliding are quite appealing. The sail adjusts the right angle of attack to the wind almost automatically. Even when heavy riders pump the sail, it never feels spongy or unstable. The result is a very good planing performance - pulling tight, accelerating and immediately sending off the first jump is very easy with the Boost. Even in strong gusts, the pressure point remains absolutely reliable between the hands.
The power characteristics continue seamlessly on the wave: the Boost acts as a booster for every lame bottom turn, it always offers some drive on the back hand and generates enough propulsion to arrive at the wave lip at speed even in unpressurised waves. The sail therefore supports a powerful style better than delicate gimmicks - it is definitely not one of the absolute lightweights. You shouldn't expect the Boost to have pronounced off characteristics either.
GA Sails Manic: Agile surf feeling
In comparison, the Manic is a little more technical when starting off, the ideal angle of attack has to be set more sensitively, but with an appropriate planing technique you can also glide well with the Manic. For use in the lower wind range, we would recommend trimming the sail only moderately on the trim sheet so as not to further weaken the already rather flat profile. In manoeuvres, the Manic is then noticeably more agile, the profile immediately flattens out when unfurled and offers significantly more off than with the Boost. This characteristic also continues when riding waves: the Manic builds up traction well on the wave face. As soon as you get into the bottom turn, the profile flattens out - so instead of power waveriding, you get more of a surf feeling.
Surf summary of the GA Sails Boost and GA Sails Manic
The GA Sails Boost convinces above all with planing power, control and a large wind range that makes re-trimming largely superfluous. If you are looking for a powerful wave sail for surf and bump & jump, this is the right choice. In comparison, the Manic is much more playful, neutral and somewhat lighter in manoeuvres. It therefore scores points in the hands of wave surfers who are looking for a sail for powerful waves or who also want to freestyle with it.
Technical data GA Sails Manic
- Sizes: 3,0/3,3/3,7/4,0/4,2/4,5/ 4,7/5.0/5.4/5.8 square metres
- Luff: 325/336/358/372/380/392/400/410/424/436 cm
- Fork: 140/145/149/153/158/162/168/174/182 cm
- Price: 969 Euro (size 4.7)
Technical data GA Sails Boost
- Sizes 3,3/3,7/4,2/4,5/4,7/5.0/5.3/5.8/6.2 square metres
- Luff 343/364/384/396/403/415/424/439/448 cm
- Fork 138/143/154/159/163/169/176/183/186 cm
- Price 959 Euro (size 4.7)
Info under ga-windsurfing.com
Manuel Vogel
Editor surf
