Running down wind ,would a 2 cam sail have as good a top speed as a full race sail ,in a more relaxed fashion ,in short distances ,
,or does nothing really beat a 4 cam sail .?
I am thinking more in the big sizes 8,5 -vs 8,6 ,where a 30 knot is a goal when using this size .

8,5 ezzy lion vs 8.6 SCR simmer .both 2018 .
board 127 Isonic .my weight 95 kgs ,

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Tardy said..
Running down wind ,would a 2 cam sail have as good a top speed as a full race sail ,in a more relaxed fashion ,in short distances ,
,or does nothing really beat a 4 cam sail .?
I am thinking more in the big sizes 8,5 -vs 8,6 ,where a 30 knot is a goal when using this size .

8,5 ezzy lion vs 8.6 SCR simmer .both 2018 .
board 127 Isonic .my weight 95 kgs ,

My 1cent:


Yes, you could get the same top speed, but it wouldn't be as comfortable as the 4cam. Race sails give you more stability at the top end. So when you get hit by that gust that'll push your speed up over 30+ knots, the 4cam will be easier to hold in and turn it into acceleration. The 2cam can still get you that speed, but the flatter profile means its more inclined to try and wrench open and spoil the acceleration, or send you into a catapult.

Agreed, i used to race with 2 cams and when going flat out and getting hit by a gust it would try to pull me up out of my stance more. The 4 cam sails dont do that.

Thanks guys ,good info ..
I've never use them back to back ,to give a accurate opinion ,but I have felt the lion did get to the speed ok and easy to use ,but then missed the 5 th gear after hitting 4 th ,it seemed some times ...The extra stability makes sense ,

I use Severne Turbos and Overdrives.
I love the Turbos for their ease of use in chop but I don't think the foot of the sail is as big. I find the Overdrives are better for off the wind power for speed runs.

Tardy, stick to cam sails, they fly in all angles.l love being overpowerddd.You must love that new Evo Pryde.

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gavnwend said..
Tardy, stick to cam sails, they fly in all angles.l love being overpowerddd.You must love that new Evo Pryde.

thanks Gav ,wish i had new evo's ,I have simmer 7.0 ,7,8 & 8.6 ,simmer SCR ..not used them much as i take the Easy rig of the cheetah and lion most times ,Just looking to advance my ability of going a bit faster in the next few weeks .

^^^
Sweet! You get there mate.Cams are your friend.

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Tardy said..
Running down wind ,would a 2 cam sail have as good a top speed as a full race sail ,in a more relaxed fashion ,in short distances ,
,or does nothing really beat a 4 cam sail .?
I am thinking more in the big sizes 8,5 -vs 8,6 ,where a 30 knot is a goal when using this size .

8,5 ezzy lion vs 8.6 SCR simmer .both 2018 .
board 127 Isonic .my weight 95 kgs ,

I've got the same Lion version 3 sails, 6.5m, 7.5m & 8.5m. Great all round freeride sails, but they dont have enough twist to be fast deep downwind. To go fast, you have to go at a deep angle. Give them maximum downhaul, and the corresponding outhaul, and they rig flat when compared to a proper 4 cam slalom sail, they have a lot more belly for providing power downwind. There are a few locals who have slalom kit and in gusts they can easily handle it but on the Lions its a bit more of a struggle. I've found when I reach a certain speed in a comfortable windspeed, another 2-3 knots of wind and I only go 1/2 to 1 knot faster for a lot of effort. But my 8.5m is for lightwind sailing and I only use it these days with a 46cm fin and old Exocet S4 125l board from 2004. If the wind picks up I change down to 7.5m & smaller board. The first time I used my 8.5m lion was my fastest, when I used a 41cm fin on a Falcon 125 (2009). Speed was 24.83 knots (average of 5 10 seconds). On an iSonic you should go quite a bit faster than I managed.

I've bought the 2020/2021 versions and they require a bit more downhaul and have more twist, but I havent yet had a session for going fast where enough wind with low tide to provide flat water has happened. I did wonder if I should get slalom sails, but the Lions are so easy to rig and use I didnt bother.
I reckon you will go at least 2 knots faster on your Simmers compared to the Lions, when maxed out. It will be interesting the hear the difference.

Plus, the deeper profile helps to keeps you powered through the lulls, so your travelling faster for when the next gust hits you. Dealing with lulls for for higher top speed is often overlooked.

The KA Koncept is a proven performer down wind and a good compromise. They have 3 cams (2nd, 3rd & 4th batten), relatively small luff pocket, and lighter than 4 cam race sails.