Hi
I know it's only a aesthetic thing but I like very much these compact sails, although I've never had one. They look smaller, they are lighter with shorter masts. It seems you need more simple equipment to get going, similar to winging. I think it's also good for the sport to look like this.
I would prefer 4 battens models as they usually have wider wind range and they are more all round.
The experience on any of these sails (also Naish chopper) and comparison among them is well appreciated.
Recently picked up a 2021 S2 Maui Dragon 5.2 after a non starter with a particular year/model of a popular sail. Have to say I'm super impressed! Sailed it two days in a row last weekend, first one cross off and small waist to chest waves and second fully lit cross on lumps. Super light in the hands, power when you need and neutral when you want it to vanish. Rigs to spec perfectly and was just instantly 'forgettable' while sailing. Build quality is excellent and noticeably light compared to my last sail of a similar size. Hopefully going to add some more sizes as and when I see any for sale used.
Select to expand quoteMucel said..
Hi
I know it's only a aesthetic thing but I like very much these compact sails, although I've never had one. They look smaller, they are lighter with shorter masts. It seems you need more simple equipment to get going, similar to winging. I think it's also good for the sport to look like this.
I would prefer 4 battens models as they usually have wider wind range and they are more all round.
The experience on any of these sails (also Naish chopper) and comparison among them is well appreciated.
I had the HSM QU4D for a couple seasons. They are really nice sails too - very light compact feeling with good range. I found them to pull more from the front then some other compact sails like the old Mauisails Mutant or Naish Chopper. That said, on a whim I tried the 3 batten KS3's & was totally blown away. Dimensionally they are not as compact as the QU4D but they feel very compact due to the very low & forward draft position. The sail just feel like it is on a swivel, & the low forward draft give tremendous wind range & good speed. Oddly the only advantage I could see for the QU4D is that even though it is 4 battens, it has a softer more "springy" feel & higher draft position that some people like. For me the KS is the perfect wave & bump sail: Fast & Rangy but does not like to just lock in & "mow the lawn" like some.
