I've just taken delivery of my new sails for next summer, I'm a long time Neilpryde sailor but I've made the decision to try something different for next season. My quiver consists of the Goya Banzai 4.7, 5.0, 5.3 & 5.7 all in the Marcilio Browne Pro edition, They retail for $850 each which I think is outstanding value for money. Looking at the sails they are built so well and nicely finished, They weigh in at 3.2, 3.4, 3.6 and 3.7 kgs (on my bathroom scales)....They feel very light compared to my current season Atlas, The new scrim material they use makes them strong as it's heavily reinforced but yet somehow still light. The mono film is thick, They claim that it's this way so it will only break when it must. I also liked the fact that Neilpryde masts are compatible so I didn't need to buy new masts as well, This was one major consideration when it came to choosing Goya for my new sails.
I was lucky enough to get a lend of a 5.3 from Core Boardsports for a few weeks to try before I committed to buying a whole quiver of unknown.....I was told I'd like them and wouldn't want to give it back. Well they were right, From the very first sail I was completely at one with the Banzai.
They rig very similar to NP sails with setting the downhaul to the recommend setting, There's a indicator on the sail so you can never get it wrong. Then you play with the outhaul depending on how much power you want...No fuss which is what I like about my old NPs and these new Goya's. One nice touch is the double eyelets in the clew which change the way the sail delivers power to you and the board. The upper gives you a more direct feel (Power), The lower a more flexible feel (softer) and you can even use both to give you a blend of both. This is accomplished by what Goya calls "Stretch control tendons" which depending on which eyelet you use tightens or loosens these tendons to give the sail the desired feel....What it translates to is a sail with super stability and a big wind range. I've had the 5.3 out in wind from 15 knots to 30 knots and been totally comfortable at all times. When you start off in the power setting and start to get over powered you just drop to the the softer setting and it's like changing down 1/2 a meter in sail size.
They have plenty of power for low end get up and go, Just as much as the Atlas but not as aggressive. The Atlas gives you the feeling that it's going to rip you arms off....The Banzai is smooth power, Very smooth indeed. I've always loved the Atlas for it's grunt, Stability and wind range but they were hard on the body and they zap your energy real quick as you're constantly fighting the surge of power. The Banzai gives you all the good things but none of the bad, It's pure joy to sail ...All-day everyday.
Overall an outstanding well built sail with grunt, Stability and wind range....Perfection.