I've got a 5.2 Ezzy (more a wave kind of sail) and a 6.6 Loft 02 (a Freeride style), so is it worth tracking down a say a 5.8 to fill the gap?
The 5.2 gets planing in anything from 14 knots up, so I'm prtetty happy with it in 14-25 knot conditions. I've only had 6.6 for a few weeks and haven't used it in any wind over 10 knots yet, but even then I was near on the plan! I figured it would be a good size for those 10-15 knot days. So, is it worth getting a 5.8 or is it just too close to the 6.6 for performance in lighter winds?
Mainly plan to use it for flatwater. Happy with the 5.2 Ezzy in the surf, seems about as big as I can comfortably throw around- at the moment anyway.
Cheers for any info.
In flat water sails a 5.8 is a small sail designed for high winds so might not be really what you are after. Wave sails on the other hand are designed to be sailed with just enough power, so a 5.8 is more of a lighter wind sail, like you say you want, but if the 5.3 is getting you going in 14 knots it seems a bit unnecessary.
It reads like there is a fair bit of overlap between those sails. The 6.6m can be used in winds up to about 25 to 30 knots though it's seriously overpowered and fast in those wind strengths. Your Ezzy would be fun in those winds too.
If anything you could consider getting a larger sail. Your board will handle a 7.5m sail. See how you go on the 6.6m first in a decent wind of around 15 to 20 knots.
I think it depends on your weight and the regular conditions and type of sailing your interested in.
At my weight (74kg), 4.5,5,5.6 and two boards covers the bulk of what I look to sail in. I might even get a 5.3 to add to that. Your sails last longer and your on the right sail most of the time.
I then have a 4.0 and 6.3 which are not really ideal for there respective boards, but they only come out when it really honking or its very marginal.
I also have a 11 for a formula board, If I was heaver and into Slalom I would have a different mix.
I agree with Moby, get a 7.5 and your covered for all conditions, and making the choice of which sail to rig is easy 
Weigh 80kg, flatwater sailing, have 5.0 wave, 5.4 no-cam freerace, 6.6 & 7.8 cam'd freerace sails, and think this set works pretty well with 125L freerace and 94L freestyle-wave.
When I'm overpowered in the gybes on the 6.6 the 5.4 is perfect w.94L, and sometimes use the 6.6 on 94L, but really needs a bigger fin for that.
Advantage is don't have to think too hard about which sail to rig.
The only time I wish I had a 5.9-6.0 is when I want to do bump & jump and go out optimistically on the 5.4, but end up being under powered, but realistically should be on the 6.6 blasting. 
Hi Phil,
I used my new 7.3m today in winds of up to around 20 knots. A bigger sail will get you through the lulls without dropping off the plane. I used the Loft 02 7.4m in winds up to around 25 knots. It wasn't too pleasant but it was managable.
Modern flatwater sails are designed to be used in overpowered conditions.
All my wind speed numbers are estimates. I need to invest in a wind meter.
I sail a range of conditions from wave to flat water, my sails are:
4.7, 5.2, 5.8 (Wave sails) then 6.6m & 8m flat water sails. I find this spread covers most of my sailing
I use my 7.5 in 14 to 20+ kts. I'm a bit heavier at 90kegs. Your 116 would handle the a 7.5 very nicely. Only suggesting this as it would give you a much bigger wind range than a 5.8.
Phil,
Smaller sails, smaller gaps. Bigger they get, the bigger the gaps.
So with a 5.2 wavesail and 6.6 freeride I would ideally get rid of the 6.6 and buy a 6.0 wavesail and a 7.2 - 7.5 freeride sail.
If sticking with the existing two sails and wanting to buy another I agree with the previous advice about bigger, not getting another size in the middle.
^^^ Absolutely - it's a common mistake to specify a quiver of sails based on size differences, and not ratios.
I also weigh 76kg, and 5.8 is my most used, and most prized size. It will fit in well between a 5.2 and a 6.6. If you lived in WA, I'd have said "Go for it", but you should look at the typical wind conditions where you sail before making a decision. 
I have 5.2, 6, 7 and 8.2, and that 6m is the least used sail.
I mostly use 7m and trim it to match the winds up to 26-27knts.
In very strong winds, I use a smaller board and 5.2m.
). Power to the guys that rig big for flatwater. Am happy to do non-planning wavesailing till the cows come home if the waves are good and will typically just use the 5.8m in those conditions, just like we did at SWR when I was up.
Good little link! If I get the 5.9, I'll be running at 14 percent. Planing to add a 4.5 wave sail later- still keeps at 14 percent. Now I just got to learn how to sail...
link is great.
only thing is it is assuming that they are the same type of sail.
some sails in your quiver may be more powerfull.
for me it's 4.7 5.3 and 5.7, all wave sails. 13% then 8%, but the 5.7 is a way more grunty sail as its used in lighter winds.
personally i think if you are happy with 5.2 as your biggest in the waves and for flat water the 6.6 will probably rig fine untill you need to use the 5.2. i would not rush to get a 5.8. all depends if there are oftern times you feel unerpowered on your 5.2 and over on 6.6??
i do like my 5.7 for light wind wave sailing though.
I've got a 3.2m - 3.8m - 4.2m - 5m - 5.8m - 6.6m...Most used is the 6.6m then the 5 & 4.2m on 125 ltre & 95ltre boards..
- 3.8m - 4.2m - 5m - 5.8m - 6.6m...Most used is the 6.6m then the 5 & 4.2m on 125 ltre & 95ltre boards.. you must be optimist or that is just kiddy sail for training..
