Looking for opinions from people who have used Ezzy Zeta sails (particularly in 4.5-5.2 sizes) and how they compare with the Tiger they replaced, and also compared with the Elites.

Of the current sails, I like the Taka best.
Size 4.5 and 4.1. Sailed all sizes of Elite and the Taka is better. Larger sizes like 6.1 , ONE could like the Zeta better, and I would probably opt for the Zeta over say sizes 5.8, due to more Skelton , battens for stability . Without really YOU testing , its someone's preference . Since you dont ask about that size...

Taka 3.

I have the Zeta 6.8 and love the heck out of it. Haven't sailed the smaller Zetas, but maybe this could be of help. Very light sail, amazing shape, very maneuverable and fast. I use it with my 460 Ezzy Hookipa mast. The response that the Zeta gives back with the Ezzy mast in it is sensational! It's like the Ezzy masts and Ezzy sails were ment to be married. Lol!! I use the sail on my lake for bump n jump, ripping in and out of chop and thrilling straight line speed.

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GazMan said..
Looking for opinions from people who have used Ezzy Zeta sails (particularly in 4.5-5.2 sizes) and how they compare with the Tiger they replaced, and also compared with the Elites.

I primarily sail gusty winds and flat water and own all three (3.7 Elite, 4.2 Tiger, 4.7 Zeta, 5.2 Tiger), and the Zeta is my favorite and is a perfect blend of the Tiger and Elite. It is a little softer and more elastic feeling (but a little less power) then the Tigers, and a little more stable then the Elite. With this being said, the differences are not so big that I want to 'upgrade' the Tiger or the Elite anytime soon. Also as a hypothetical - if I found a really nice 2016 Tiger for half the price of a new Zeta, I would save the money and get the Tiger. Another hypothetical - if I was primarily a wave sailor, the Elite would probably be my top choice.

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monoxide said..

GazMan said..
Looking for opinions from people who have used Ezzy Zeta sails (particularly in 4.5-5.2 sizes) and how they compare with the Tiger they replaced, and also compared with the Elites.

I primarily sail gusty winds and flat water and own all three (3.7 Elite, 4.2 Tiger, 4.7 Zeta, 5.2 Tiger), and the Zeta is my favorite and is a perfect blend of the Tiger and Elite. It is a little softer and more elastic feeling (but a little less power) then the Tigers, and a little more stable then the Elite. With this being said, the differences are not so big that I want to 'upgrade' the Tiger or the Elite anytime soon. Also as a hypothetical - if I found a really nice 2016 Tiger for half the price of a new Zeta, I would save the money and get the Tiger. Another hypothetical - if I was primarily a wave sailor, the Elite would probably be my top choice.

Many thanks monoxide, your hypotheticals fit well with me!

Planning to changeover to all Ezzy sails from my current non-Ezzy 4.5-5.2-6.0 quiver (though using Ezzy masts) and finding it hard to justify buying new 4.5 & 5.2 sails if the previous model sails are quite adequate, much cheaper to purchase and very likely won't get used anywhere near as much as my usual go-to 6.0 sail, which will likely be a new Cheetah (biggest issue is finding s/hand Ezzys!). Also don't wave sail, just do ocean and flat water blasting so secondhand Tigers or Elites in the smaller sizes may be the best option for me.

Do you use Ezzys in sizes bigger than 5.2?

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GazMan said..

monoxide said..

Do you use Ezzys in sizes bigger than 5.2?

I just picked up an Zeta 5.8 to replace a Severne, but haven't had a chance to use it yet, and then my big sail is a 7.0m Cheetah. My wife also windsurfs so I have more sails then if it was just me. If it was just me, I would just carry a 7.0, 5.8, 5.0, 4.2 so it sounds like your 4.5-5.2-6.0 spacing would be spot on.

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GazMan said..

monoxide said..

GazMan said..
Looking for opinions from people who have used Ezzy Zeta sails (particularly in 4.5-5.2 sizes) and how they compare with the Tiger they replaced, and also compared with the Elites.

I primarily sail gusty winds and flat water and own all three (3.7 Elite, 4.2 Tiger, 4.7 Zeta, 5.2 Tiger), and the Zeta is my favorite and is a perfect blend of the Tiger and Elite. It is a little softer and more elastic feeling (but a little less power) then the Tigers, and a little more stable then the Elite. With this being said, the differences are not so big that I want to 'upgrade' the Tiger or the Elite anytime soon. Also as a hypothetical - if I found a really nice 2016 Tiger for half the price of a new Zeta, I would save the money and get the Tiger. Another hypothetical - if I was primarily a wave sailor, the Elite would probably be my top choice.

Many thanks monoxide, your hypotheticals fit well with me!

Planning to changeover to all Ezzy sails from my current non-Ezzy 4.5-5.2-6.0 quiver (though using Ezzy masts) and finding it hard to justify buying new 4.5 & 5.2 sails if the previous model sails are quite adequate, much cheaper to purchase and very likely won't get used anywhere near as much as my usual go-to 6.0 sail, which will likely be a new Cheetah (biggest issue is finding s/hand Ezzys!). Also don't wave sail, just do ocean and flat water blasting so secondhand Tigers or Elites in the smaller sizes may be the best option for me.

Do you use Ezzys in sizes bigger than 5.2?

I find that Ezzys in larger sizes , have tons of range, are very tuneable , work well overpowered .. jump to a point. They after a few years still have some residual used sale value, where some others are best suited to a wheelie bin.

Wave sails in sizes over 6.0 , to me are a oxymoron premise. The Cheetahs have a lot of battens , larger sizes even more with 2 below the boom, these to me are Freeride weapons. The 5.2 to 6.0 gap is ok, I prefer .5 spacing, sometimes less, this does make a decision on which to use difficult at times, but spreads the sail use out more, less wear on a particular size.

You can also write david@ezzy.com
he usually replies within a day, and advise is good from the man

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forceten said..

GazMan said..

monoxide said..

GazMan said..
Looking for opinions from people who have used Ezzy Zeta sails (particularly in 4.5-5.2 sizes) and how they compare with the Tiger they replaced, and also compared with the Elites.

I primarily sail gusty winds and flat water and own all three (3.7 Elite, 4.2 Tiger, 4.7 Zeta, 5.2 Tiger), and the Zeta is my favorite and is a perfect blend of the Tiger and Elite. It is a little softer and more elastic feeling (but a little less power) then the Tigers, and a little more stable then the Elite. With this being said, the differences are not so big that I want to 'upgrade' the Tiger or the Elite anytime soon. Also as a hypothetical - if I found a really nice 2016 Tiger for half the price of a new Zeta, I would save the money and get the Tiger. Another hypothetical - if I was primarily a wave sailor, the Elite would probably be my top choice.

Many thanks monoxide, your hypotheticals fit well with me!

Planning to changeover to all Ezzy sails from my current non-Ezzy 4.5-5.2-6.0 quiver (though using Ezzy masts) and finding it hard to justify buying new 4.5 & 5.2 sails if the previous model sails are quite adequate, much cheaper to purchase and very likely won't get used anywhere near as much as my usual go-to 6.0 sail, which will likely be a new Cheetah (biggest issue is finding s/hand Ezzys!). Also don't wave sail, just do ocean and flat water blasting so secondhand Tigers or Elites in the smaller sizes may be the best option for me.

Do you use Ezzys in sizes bigger than 5.2?

I find that Ezzys in larger sizes , have tons of range, are very tuneable , work well overpowered .. jump to a point. They after a few years still have some residual used sale value, where some others are best suited to a wheelie bin.

Wave sails in sizes over 6.0 , to me are a oxymoron premise. The Cheetahs have a lot of battens , larger sizes even more with 2 below the boom, these to me are Freeride weapons. The 5.2 to 6.0 gap is ok, I prefer .5 spacing, sometimes less, this does make a decision on which to use difficult at times, but spreads the sail use out more, less wear on a particular size.

You can also write david@ezzy.com
he usually replies within a day, and advise is good from the man

Thanks forceten, have already been in touch with Dave Ezzy via email, though not asking for his opinions about his sails like I am asking from Ezzy sail users on here.

My preference with any of the Ezzy sails I'm looking at getting is for fast freeride use rather than for manoeuvrability or waves, so a 6.0 Cheetah would likely be the best choice in preference to a Zeta around the same size (which I'm pretty sure that Dave Ezzy would agree with). In the smaller sizes of 4.5 & 5.2 in stronger winds/rougher water, I'm unsure whether there will be much difference between a Zeta, Elite, Tiger or Taka in the same size when just blasting about on either flat water or choppy ocean, though am leaning towards 5 batten sails for better top end stability and control based on past experiences, so think that the Zeta or Tiger would likely fit the bill. Have read many reviews on iwindsurf forum about Elites being a nicer handling sail than Tigers, and whilst I'm interested in hearing others opinions it's ultimately my decision what to go for which will mostly depend on what is on the market atm since I'm looking around for secondhand sails (though may stretch the budget to buy a 5.2 Zeta if it's a much better sail than what I can find used!).

Forcetan,

Yes I have noticed the same thing about the larger size Ezzy sails having a huge tuning range which adds to the desired power needed for the sailor. The outhaul is a huge tuning mechanism for the larger Ezzy sails, much more than any other brand I've sailed, I believe it's due because of the non rotational battens. Even though the tuning cords are on the clew for outhaul settings, I never use them because I have an adjustable outhaul. I adjust the outhaul a fair amount on the fly when the wind strength changes and the range I receive is incredible. Plus I have noticed with the Ezzy sails how easy the RDM slides right into the sail and removes so easily. Very little to no sail scrunching up the mast when you insert the mast into the sail as well as removing the mast from the sail. This could be also due to the non rotational battens in the sail along with the sail shape. Another great feature from David!

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GazMan said..

forceten said..

GazMan said..

monoxide said..

GazMan said..
Looking for opinions from people who have used Ezzy Zeta sails (particularly in 4.5-5.2 sizes) and how they compare with the Tiger they replaced, and also compared with the Elites.

I primarily sail gusty winds and flat water and own all three (3.7 Elite, 4.2 Tiger, 4.7 Zeta, 5.2 Tiger), and the Zeta is my favorite and is a perfect blend of the Tiger and Elite. It is a little softer and more elastic feeling (but a little less power) then the Tigers, and a little more stable then the Elite. With this being said, the differences are not so big that I want to 'upgrade' the Tiger or the Elite anytime soon. Also as a hypothetical - if I found a really nice 2016 Tiger for half the price of a new Zeta, I would save the money and get the Tiger. Another hypothetical - if I was primarily a wave sailor, the Elite would probably be my top choice.

Many thanks monoxide, your hypotheticals fit well with me!

Planning to changeover to all Ezzy sails from my current non-Ezzy 4.5-5.2-6.0 quiver (though using Ezzy masts) and finding it hard to justify buying new 4.5 & 5.2 sails if the previous model sails are quite adequate, much cheaper to purchase and very likely won't get used anywhere near as much as my usual go-to 6.0 sail, which will likely be a new Cheetah (biggest issue is finding s/hand Ezzys!). Also don't wave sail, just do ocean and flat water blasting so secondhand Tigers or Elites in the smaller sizes may be the best option for me.

Do you use Ezzys in sizes bigger than 5.2?

I find that Ezzys in larger sizes , have tons of range, are very tuneable , work well overpowered .. jump to a point. They after a few years still have some residual used sale value, where some others are best suited to a wheelie bin.

Wave sails in sizes over 6.0 , to me are a oxymoron premise. The Cheetahs have a lot of battens , larger sizes even more with 2 below the boom, these to me are Freeride weapons. The 5.2 to 6.0 gap is ok, I prefer .5 spacing, sometimes less, this does make a decision on which to use difficult at times, but spreads the sail use out more, less wear on a particular size.

You can also write david@ezzy.com
he usually replies within a day, and advise is good from the man

Thanks forceten, have already been in touch with Dave Ezzy via email, though not asking for his opinions about his sails like I am asking from Ezzy sail users on here.

My preference with any of the Ezzy sails I'm looking at getting is for fast freeride use rather than for manoeuvrability or waves, so a 6.0 Cheetah would likely be the best choice in preference to a Zeta around the same size (which I'm pretty sure that Dave Ezzy would agree with). In the smaller sizes of 4.5 & 5.2 in stronger winds/rougher water, I'm unsure whether there will be much difference between a Zeta, Elite, Tiger or Taka in the same size when just blasting about on either flat water or choppy ocean, though am leaning towards 5 batten sails for better top end stability and control based on past experiences, so think that the Zeta or Tiger would likely fit the bill. Have read many reviews on iwindsurf forum about Elites being a nicer handling sail than Tigers, and whilst I'm interested in hearing others opinions it's ultimately my decision what to go for which will mostly depend on what is on the market atm since I'm looking around for secondhand sails (though may stretch the budget to buy a 5.2 Zeta if it's a much better sail than what I can find used!).

I think from what you said , you know Cheetah is 6.0, in that size SIX battens. Elite is 6.1, 4 battens, and Zeta 5.8 , 5 battens. They all take a 430/430 mast as primary pick. You will notice none of these now are the same size. Marketing theme or exercise ..?

Given that one of these only is a Freeride sail. That has 6 battens, and to me , now in 2018 is 1,2 or 3 too many, at 6.5 and larger I would go Cheetah .
When Looking at prior owned sails, one is limited to what is available, do I understand budget, hell yes.
If the right Tiger or Panther esp the LTD version, which is near a Tiger a year earlier , I would get one of those.


David may suggest what you think he will. He would bring up some aspect you may not have considered.

My discussion on number of battens , can be dismissed some, as its not the number that make a great sail, I do feel that your gathering Cheetahs , Tigers, Zetas , Panthers (mine) do handle a larger range of wind, with greater poise.
This is some countered by more sails closely spaced, as 4.8 5.2 5.4 5.9 in those sizes for me. These are all 4 batten.
above 5.9 my largest next up is a 7.0, 5 batten .

Since market availabity is a concern you may look at other brand sails, that work well with your Ezzy masts.

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MagicRide said..
Forcetan,

Yes I have noticed the same thing about the larger size Ezzy sails having a huge tuning range which adds to the desired power needed for the sailor. The outhaul is a huge tuning mechanism for the larger Ezzy sails, much more than any other brand I've sailed, I believe it's due because of the non rotational battens. Even though the tuning cords are on the clew for outhaul settings, I never use them because I have an adjustable outhaul. I adjust the outhaul a fair amount on the fly when the wind strength changes and the range I receive is incredible. Plus I have noticed with the Ezzy sails how easy the RDM slides right into the sail and removes so easily. Very little to no sail scrunching up the mast when you insert the mast into the sail as well as removing the mast from the sail. This could be also due to the non rotational battens in the sail along with the sail shape. Another great feature from David!

My adjustment on Ezzy sails most of the time, is med to max downhaul. I also dont use the strings for outhaul, I use "feel" , pressure about mid way on the boom length, to see and feel, how the sail touched the boom
I feel the mast sleeves could be smaller, and wrote David, his reply was that a number of sailors still use SDM. And RDM /SDM is not as critical as what the bend curve is.

Some of the features , are overdone , and you see those when you rig other sails, tack strap, yards of Velcro , these follow my thoughts of a comment, not downright criticism.

My 5.3 taka3 is almost as powerfull as my elite 5.7, so i sold the 5.7. So be carefull if you mixt zeta and elite.

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NordRoi said..
My 5.3 taka3 is almost as powerfull as my elite 5.7, so i sold the 5.7. So be carefull if you mixt zeta and elite.

That's one of my concerns throwing too many Ezzy models and sizes into the mix as trying to keep unfamiliar brand sail selection simple!!!

Also a minimalist so sticking with my 3 sails/2 boards/2 masts/1 boom recipe that works for me!

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NordRoi said..
My 5.3 taka3 is almost as powerfull as my elite 5.7, so i sold the 5.7. So be carefull if you mixt zeta and elite.

This may be the primary reason I'm prefer the Taka over Elite, my 4.1m is more like a 4.3-4.4

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GazMan said..
Also a minimalist so sticking with my 3 sails/2 boards/2 masts/1 boom recipe that works for me!

3 sails , ok, 2 Boards ? OK I bite , which 2? Which 3

Taka3 that I have is a very fun sail to have in wave and for a 3 batten and 3/4, the sail got a very large range!! I think the elite is a tad more stable and a bit more locked in specialy in 5.0 /5.7(this is why I prefer the taka3) my friend got a new zeta 2018 and he really likes them, better than his set of 2015 elite. I prefer the taka3, specially for freestyle moves and wave riding. For cruzing in strait line and jumping, the elite is better in my humble opinion. Can't say much about the zeta however, never tried it I think.

Looking for advice from someone with experience sailing both Zeta and Elite. I'm trying to replace a couple of Sailworks Revo (5.7 / 5.0) that I don't like (too flat, too neutral...) for something with more range and grunt to put on my 115l Naish Starship. I also sail the Starship in straight line chop and swell with a 7.0 Lion and wonder if a Zeta or Elite in smaller sizes would do? Which has a deeper draft and more range? What size interval would make sense here? (Don't want too much overlap... makes it harder to chose what to rig!)
At some point, I was alost considering a 6.0 Lion to go down a notch from the 7.0...

We need a 4.7 Cheetah

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jimbob SA said..
We need a 4.7 Cheetah

What a 6 batten 4.7m sail ?

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FrenchToast said..
Looking for advice from someone with experience sailing both Zeta and Elite. I'm trying to replace a couple of Sailworks Revo (5.7 / 5.0) that I don't like (too flat, too neutral...) for something with more range and grunt to put on my 115l Naish Starship. I also sail the Starship in straight line chop and swell with a 7.0 Lion and wonder if a Zeta or Elite in smaller sizes would do? Which has a deeper draft and more range? What size interval would make sense here? (Don't want too much overlap... makes it harder to chose what to rig!)
At some point, I was alost considering a 6.0 Lion to go down a notch from the 7.0...

Based on your remarks the Zeta . It will have the range, having said that the Elite has good range and draft is adjustable on both.
from the 7.0 Lion, a 5.8 and 5.0. Option #2 of 5.8 and 5.2, first is better.
5.0 5.5 and 5.8 best.
Option #1 covers the Revos

From sailing Elites in 4.5 and 5.0, I feel like the 5.0 is more stable by being less reactive. However, I can fully utilize the range on the 4.5 (baggy use or very overpowered, no problem) while I need at least medium downhaul on the 5.0 (or else too powerful, pull too high). I'm lighter 68 kg.

The 5.0 elite sails very well overpowered, the draft is so locked in, the pull very reliable straight in front of us. It can just a bit slow in transitions. There seems to be always some pull available, never lets me down (even in the lightest winds).

The 4.5 Elite feels super soft, lots of work done by the rig/mast combo. Easy to trim, very stable, doesn't fall off its face when used out of its tuned range.

From looking at my friends and sails. Takas are more reactive and can fill in with power. the draft won't be as stable. I saw them sail overpowered on taka 2s and no problem though.

The takas are more playful especially where depower is needed. I did hear that Zetas were softer and more settled (maybe best for light weights or higher wind range).

If needed, I can compare with Goya Eclipse, Banzai, Neilpryde Alpha, Gaastra IQ, Manic, North old Zetas.

Thanks for the info. Not settled yet but leaning Zeta. I need less reactive, more stable sails. Fits better my slightly more passive - locked in - sailing habit.
As far as sizes and all, it gets a bit more complicated bc I intend to use some of the sizes on multiple boards/purpose...

Still thinking but here's where I am:
- Lightwind Falcon: 9.4 V8, 8.5 Lion (if Lightwind foiling is for me, I would then let go of the 9.4 V8 in the future - too taxing)
- Lightwind Falcon + foil: 7.0 and 6.0 Lion (i'll give foiling a try early 2019)
- 125lt Bolt: 8.5 and 7.0 Lion
- 115lt Starship: 7.0 and 6.0 Lion, 5.2 and 4.7 Zeta (Need to sale and replace the Starship - too heavy/don't like how it rides)

if foiling is out:
- Lightwind Falcon: 9.4 V8, 8.5 Lion
- 125lt Bolt: 8.5 and 7.0 Lion
- 115lt Starship replacement: 7.0 and 5.8 and 5.0 Zeta

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forceten said..

jimbob SA said..
We need a 4.7 Cheetah

What a 6 batten 4.7m sail ?

Yes for fast freeride gps sailing a wave sail doesn't cut it.

French Toast, curious what you don't like about the ride of the Starship? I know you mentioned weight, but what else?

By the way, love the Zeta!!! Nice n light with great performance .

French, your quiver makes sense. Did you take a look at the calculator on my FAQ ?

windsurfing.lepicture.com/tips-and-tricks/

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jimbob SA said..

forceten said..

jimbob SA said..
We need a 4.7 Cheetah

What a 6 batten 4.7m sail ?

Yes for fast freeride gps sailing a wave sail doesn't cut it.

But are the Cheetahs performance oriented enough for freeride gps 'speed sailing' compared to no-cam sails like a NCX or similar?

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GazMan said..

jimbob SA said..

forceten said..

jimbob SA said..
We need a 4.7 Cheetah

What a 6 batten 4.7m sail ?

Yes for fast freeride gps sailing a wave sail doesn't cut it.

But are the Cheetahs performance oriented enough for freeride gps 'speed sailing' compared to no-cam sails like a NCX or similar?

Hey GAZMAN .I've had 33,4 knots out of my 6,5 cheetah ,depends how fast you want to go .

lion has more drive and very close to a 4 cam race sail its not funny ,but cheetah is easy to hang onto and more forgiving ,its all about running down wind at the right time and ON the right gust
I'm pretty sure i will hit 35 knots soon on the cheetahs ,as you will on that hot 6,0 cheetah i sold you ,I've had 32 knots on it .

plenty of downhaul and less outhaul works for me .I'm new to gps ,but having a ball trying to get faster ...if i remember to charge me BLOODY watch

CAN'T comment on any of the other sails mentioned ,only had panthers ,

Graham Ezzy can use any Ezzy sail he wants at any time, for obvious reasons. Yesterday the winds were really light at the Aloha Classic, so what did Graham use? The Zeta, here's a pic of him yesterday in mid-incident involving Ferdinando, if you watched, you'd know about the incident. It threw the judges for a loop, even though there was no loop involved, it came down to different interpretations of priority.
Graham advanced, Ferdinando did not.

A better pic so you can count the battens ~

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GazMan said..

jimbob SA said..

forceten said..

jimbob SA said..
We need a 4.7 Cheetah

What a 6 batten 4.7m sail ?

Yes for fast freeride gps sailing a wave sail doesn't cut it.

But are the Cheetahs performance oriented enough for freeride gps 'speed sailing' compared to no-cam sails like a NCX or similar?

THe OP is about wave sails.

Severne make fine sails. The Cheetah is a might fine sail

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forceten said..

GazMan said..

jimbob SA said..

forceten said..

jimbob SA said..
We need a 4.7 Cheetah

What a 6 batten 4.7m sail ?

Yes for fast freeride gps sailing a wave sail doesn't cut it.

But are the Cheetahs performance oriented enough for freeride gps 'speed sailing' compared to no-cam sails like a NCX or similar?

THe OP is about wave sails.

Severne make fine sails. The Cheetah is a might fine sail

Not really, OP more about high-wind freeride sails than wave sails, so 4.7 Cheetah would be a relevant topic!