Wave sail 2026: Goya Banzai Surf X Pro vs. Goya Banzai Surf Pro Carbon 5.0

Click here for the overview and all 2026 wave sails in the test

Just so there are no misunderstandings - the "Banzai Surf" model complements the "Banzai 11" within the Goya range and, despite the somewhat confusing name, is a separate concept with a shorter boom and, according to the manufacturer, more neutrality for riding waves. In addition to the standard version ("Surf Pro"), the Banzai Surf is also available as an X-Ply version ("Surf X Pro") and as a carbon version ("Surf Pro Carbon").

The outlines of the Banzai Surf X and Banzai Surf Carbon are the same, both are rigged on a 400 cm RDM mast. The leech visibly looses with just a little tension on the luff, and the trim mark placed far inwards towards the mast makes it clear that these sails always expect visible loose leech. Moderate outhaul tension is then sufficient to prevent the profile from stalling too much. With the Banzai Surf Carbon, carbon fibres absorb the tensile forces, making the connecting film somewhat thinner, which is reflected in a total weight that is around 200 grams lower. Nevertheless, the carbon version does not appear fragile in any way, the material is supple, appears to be of high quality and is less susceptible to creasing.

Control at a high level

The fact that the Banzai Surf X represents a concept of its own within the Goya range becomes clear from the first sheet in: compared to the more powerfully tuned Banzai 11, the Banzai Surf is more agile in the hand and requires a little more technique and feeling when planing - certainly a consequence of the shorter boom and the centre of effort further forward. In general, it helps not to trim the sail too much on the boom, but to consciously keep it a bit baggy here. Once up to speed, however, the sail is nice and light in the hand, the top works efficiently in gusts and landings and allows to depower in a controlled manner.

When the wind really means business and you want to rig one size smaller with other sails, you can still ride the Goya sail quite relaxed, because the control is at a very high level. Because the sail twists so cleanly, it retains its easy handling even over a wide wind range. If you choose the lower clew eyelet, the sail releases the power even better. Rigged in the upper eyelet, both sails offer a little more drive - a tip for light winds.

Small but noticeable advantages of the premium version

The Banzai Surf Pro Carbon offers similar characteristics overall. The planing power in light winds is good, but the carbon version loads up a bit more when planing and offers a bit more power in wind holes, although the models from Duotone, Severne or S2Maui are still a bit ahead in this test group. The sail is very strong in strong gusts and rough conditions, the control is excellent, and where the Banzai Surf X sometimes makes a slight rustling noise, you can hear nothing with the carbon version! No fluttering, no crackling, the sail is wonderfully stable and smooth despite the muted basic characteristics. In direct comparison with the Banzai Surf X, the carbon version seems even lighter and more balanced when fully powered up.

In general, the perceived difference between the two models is greater in a straight line than in manoeuvres. Both sails play in the top handling league, rotate nimbly around the longitudinal axis and are just as much fun in jibes and other planing manoeuvres as they are in forwards and push loops. When riding waves, both sails offer good neutrality and, above all, the Banzai Surf X has a little less drive, which means less power on the back hand. Both versions also worked perfectly on the mast with 80 per cent carbon. Of course, the sails then appear a little more sluggish, but the models can still cope well with this.

Surf summary of the Goya Banzai Surf X Pro and Goya Banzai Surf Pro Carbon 5.0

In contrast to the powerful Banzai 11, the Banzai Surf line is more focussed on agility and neutrality. Both test models score with great, agile handling and excellent control in strong winds. However, the carbon sail offers a noticeably greater wind range because it offers a little more light wind power and remains just as neutral and light at the limit. As the price difference for the Goya is also lower, you should at least consider the carbon version.

Control, handling
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Technical data Goya Banzai Surf X Pro/Goya Banzai Surf Pro Carbon 5.0

Sail weights

• Banzai Surf X Pro: 3.14 kg*
• Banzai Surf Pro Carbon: 2.95 kg*

Masts used

• Goya Hundred RDM 400; 100 % carbon; 769 Euro
• Goya Eighty RDM 400; 80 % carbon; 556 euros

Mast weights

• Goya Hundred: 1.50 kg*
• Goya Eighty: 1.67 kg*

Sleeve opening: 98-145 cm*
Info goyawindsurfing.com

*surf measurement

Goya Banzai Surf: Available sizes and dates

Click here for the overview and all 2026 wave sails in the test