Wave sail 2026: NeilPryde Combat HD vs NeilPryde Combat Pro Fuse 5.0

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

The quantum leap in terms of weight happened at NeilPryde with the changeover to the 2025 model year, when the sails had lost between 500 and 700 grams in weight, depending on the size. Based on this, only minor adjustments were made for the 2026 season. The weight difference in the Neilpryde Combat wave sail in the 5.0 test size is around 150 grams between the HD and Pro Fuse versions and is mainly due to the fact that the aramid material in the premium model is partially welded without seams, for example on the outhaul.

Apart from that, both Combat versions are equipped with comparatively short boom dimensions. Trim points in the top help to find the right luff trim and make it clear that the sails always want to be rigged with visible loose leech between the upper two battens. However, our test sessions showed that you should not adjust the outhaul with a lot of force, but rather use moderate tension so that the profile can develop as desired. The other features, such as the batten tensioners that can be operated without tools or the long protector that folds up easily, are as tried and tested as they are functional.

Pro Fuse is more playful and offers more drive

The Combat HD loads up well in light wind conditions, especially if you allow some belly on the boom. This can also be done without hesitation, because even when powered up, the Combat HD offers considerable control in this trim - you can often save yourself the hassle of re-trimming and adjusting, and you can usually still sail relaxed with the Combat even when other models have to be re-rigged. When powered up, the sail offers a perfect mix: it is balanced in the hand, which means that you can easily find the right angle of attack to the wind even with non-perfect planing skills. In addition, it offers pleasingly easy handling, and because the top twists so efficiently and allows excess power to escape in a controlled manner, this applies across a wide wind range.

The Combat Pro Fuse also offers these characteristics. The pure planing happens just as early as with the Combat HD, but you can feel that the Pro Fuse model loads up more in the acceleration phase and develops a little more pull on the back hand - which can sometimes be used to your advantage in certain conditions. In addition, the Pro Fuse can go one better in terms of "perceived weight" at a very high level and is a touch more playful in the hand.

At eye level in manoeuvres

There is no difference in manoeuvres, both sails are among the lightest and most manageable models. Due to the rather short boom dimensions, it feels like you can guide the sails through all planing manoeuvres with two fingers, but also rotate relaxed through front and back loops. When riding waves, the Pryde models are wonderfully easy to put into the bottom turn, the profile flattens out at the touch of a button and now looks much more neutral than we were used to until the 2024 model season. The fact that it no longer pulls through the turn quite as powerfully as before is something the Combat can absolutely afford, as it has retained enough power to continue slashing powerful turns on every wave face - only now with noticeably more ease.

We also tested the Combat HD and Combat Pro Fuse on a cheaper mast model. In addition to the premium model X100, Pryde now offers the X75, which delivered a solid performance, although the downgrade in handling is clearly noticeable here, as both sails feel more powerful and the wonderfully light glide is somewhat diminished.

Surf summary of NeilPryde Combat HD and NeilPryde Combat Pro Fuse 5.0

Both Combat models are state of the art when it comes to lightness and control in strong winds. They are therefore suitable for a broad target group and are great fun both as a strong wind sail for flat water and in mast-high ocean waves. Those who can afford and want to switch to the X100 mast will get a clearly noticeable upgrade, the perceived difference here is significantly greater than when switching from the Combat HD to the Combat Pro Fuse, which costs around 300 euros more.

Wind range, handling
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Technical data NeilPryde Combat HD/NeilPryde Combat Pro Fuse 5.0

Sail weights

• Combat HD: 2.90 kg*
• Combat Pro Fuse: 2.75 kg*

Masts used

• NeilPryde X100 RDM 400; 100 % Carbon; 599 Euro
• NeilPryde X75 RDM 400; 75 % carbon; 449 Euro

Mast weights

• NeilPryde X100: 1.61 kg*
• NeilPryde X75: 1.73 kg*

Sleeve opening: 98-148 cm*
Info neilpryde.com

*surf measurement

NeilPryde Combat: Available sizes and data

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