The reflex 5's are a totally different beast to the 3's and 4's !
They are a much more softer feel and stable locked in sail. The head of the sail as you view it from the side is a lot more open and twisted than the previous reflex's
I have used the
6.2 , 7.0, 7.8 , 8.6 and the 9.5Basically stretched each sail in over 30 or 40 mins and tensioned the battens and reflex tensioners as I sailed to get the shape into them. I Adjusted the downhaul to get the optimum setting and it was a joy to use.
All the sizes amazingly rotate like a dream , I have never had a sail of any size rotate like the R5's, they even rotate when you are just holding them in the water before water starting.
The 9.5 I had used for 30 mins on the river where I stretched it in and found optimum downhaul and boom height. I then rigged it for the second time at the Ledge to Lancelin and had my boom lower in safety of the wind picking up in the open ocean on big gear, and I came 2nd. It felt so light and easy on the arms and gybing was awesome.
I think with the decrease in the mast curve of the sail and mast tension together with an extra batten, the sails are actually keeping the boards down on the water with better downforce and reducing the fin lift , helping control in the gusts.
The
sdm 90 masts also work exceptionally well and are just as competitive in performance at the top level.
All in all I am totally satisfied with the R5's, and honestly think they are the best sail I have ever had. Don't know what Severne are going to do to improve this one