I have 4 sails in my quiver. 5.4m & 5.8m which are both wave sails and 6.5m & 7.5m which are Freeride sails.

There is a distinct 'difference' in the handling characteristics of these sails....

I am trying to formulate an opinion and would like some input from others with similar experiences.

Just gone through the same process myself. In the end decided I had too many sails I didn't enjoy free ride sails anyway as when I'm overpowered on 6.5m I'm faster on my wave board anyway without having to buy a smaller slalom board. So I ended up running a 5.0 and 5.7m wave sails a 6.5m Severne NCX (Luff Length 462) which I can rig on my 430 wave mast if using in the ocean on a light wind day or a 460 100% carbon mast in the flat. I also have a 7.5m which is a twin cam and also rigs on the 460. I run a 92 litre wave board and 110 litre free move board that is 75cm wide. I'm 88kg.

ok, more info.....

I find that the wave sails are quick to power up/down. Used in higher wind (18 to 30 mph), these sails are are quick to plane but have a 'flat' feel. They also come off the plane early (this may be my inadequate technique).

The freeride sails feel 'smoother' and more 'locked in'. However, they can get overpowered in gusts and catapults are more sudden and violent.

I find that the freeride sails are more rewarding in terms of satisfaction and enjoyment on the water and wonder if a 5.5m freeride should be added to the quiver.

I'm in WA and use 4.7,5.4,5.8 power wave sails for 20 knots + wave & free ride.
6.9 & 7.8 no cam free race rigs for 14-20 knots free ride. The quiver works well for most WA sailing

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LoneWolf said...
ok, more info.....

I find that the wave sails are quick to power up/down. Used in higher wind (18 to 30 mph), these sails are are quick to plane but have a 'flat' feel. They also come off the plane early (this may be my inadequate technique).

The freeride sails feel 'smoother' and more 'locked in'. However, they can get overpowered in gusts and catapults are more sudden and violent.

that is the idea. What you are feeling is characteristics that are designed into them
Maybe you'd like all crossover sails to have a consistent 'in the middle' sort of feeling?

I'd suggest that the sail setup you have is fairly standard unless you are sailing flat water in strong conditions, then I'd go for the smaller freeride sail.

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Sailhack said...
I'd suggest that the sail setup you have is fairly standard unless you are sailing flat water in strong conditions, then I'd go for the smaller freeride sail.

Yes, I am sailing flat water and in strong conditions (white caps) I have been using the wave sails. Not much 'feel' and lackluster would best describe my sailing experience. So, perhaps a 5.5m freeride should be on my shopping list....

As Mark suggested, crossover sails are worth considering in that size. Still good speed but easy handling. I have Gaastra Cross 5.6m and 6.4m and they are my fun sails for mucking around in decent strength wind when it is lumpy. Bump and jump, burn and turn, put a smile on the dial. I reckon the 5.6m Cross has a similar top end to a 4.5m wave sail or a 6.2m race sail. I also have Severne Turbos (twin cam freeride) which are great for flat water blasting but the smallest size is 6m. If it is messy I would prefer the Cross. If it's not too messy and I want to go fast ... the Turbo. Haven't tried the Severne Gator but like the design brief that transitions from wave to crossover to freeride.

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LoneWolf said...

Sailhack said...
I'd suggest that the sail setup you have is fairly standard unless you are sailing flat water in strong conditions, then I'd go for the smaller freeride sail.

Yes, I am sailing flat water and in strong conditions (white caps) I have been using the wave sails. Not much 'feel' and lackluster would best describe my sailing experience. So, perhaps a 5.5m freeride should be on my shopping list....

Flatwater - go for freeride. I have NP Fusion sails that have a broad range so I don't need one for every increment (only have 2 sails tbh - 6.1 & 7.2). I use them for cruising & chop-hopping in the ocean mainly, but when the wind kicks in - I reach for my smaller wave sails.

Severne and Gaastra etc out.... as I have recently bought new Unifiber Constant Curve C100 masts.... New Sails will have to rig on these masts. I am thinking EZZY!

Mauisails switch? They are a crossover sail in the size you want and now use constant curve masts starting with 2015 models.