Last winter I brought a quiver of 2013 classic Superfreaks: 4.0, 4.7 and 5.3. I have been using them all summer. Below are my experiences, both good and bad. Keep in mind when reading the info below, it is anecdotal - I am an underpowered sailor, and have specific equipment needs. The info most probably is only applicable to people who sail like me and if you sailed the same quiver, you may have a completely different experience. Note also that I have tried all possible combinations of downhaul, outhaul, clew, and boom height settings and concluded my opinion on a given sail using the setting that seemed to work the best for it.


Superfreak 4.0: The start of the season (October 2013) was really windy and got to use this sail a lot. I knew from the very first run this sail suited me. It does everything I expected. It's light and easy to handle, soft, yet responsive, very configurable and has enough bottom end for my style. It has a pretty large wind range for it's size, and behaves itself when I'm over powered. I did a back to back test against my 2008 4.2 Severne Gator one session, and the Superfreak feels a lot nicer. This sail is a keeper and will be using it for those 20-30 knot conditions. Note: I use this sail either with my 2011 JP 85L FSW board, and my 2010 JP 69L wave board.

Superfreak 4.7: I hate this sail !. It's a twitchy, gutless piece of crap. The centre of effort wanders around the sail surface depending on the apparent wind speed. The harness line settings are therefore never correct. This causes my arm/wrist muscles to burn out. After an hour of using this sail, my wrist muscles pack it in and that's the end of the session. It's got no bottom end, and trying to pump on the plane is no point. When I use this sail, people I am normally blasting past in marginal conditions on my 4.7 Gator are blasting past me in windier conditions. I also struggle to stay up wind on this sail. This sail also aggravates an old sports injury in my right elbow. I have tried all possible settings and persevered with it for about a dozen sessions giving it the benefit of the doubt. I tested this sail back to back with my 2009 Severne 4.7 Gator. The Gator ****s over this sail in every aspect and then some. Why is my 4.0 such a compatible sail and the 4.7 isn't I can only speculate, but hand on heart, this sail is ****. It's up for sale if anyone wants it. Note: I used this sail with my 2011 JP 85L FSW board.

Superfreak 5.3: This sail is in-between the 4.0 and 4.7. It's not perfect, but it's at least usable and in some conditions is perfect. It's got a slightly lower bottom end (maybe 1-2 knots), but a smaller wind range then my Severne 4.7 Gator. However, I am using this sail to learn duck gybing in 15-20 knots and it feels really easy and light to flick around. Even on the big board in light seabreeze winds, this sail is a lot of fun. However, it misbehaves when over powered. Like with the 4.7, the centre of effort moves around depending on the apparent wind speed. I've noticed that this sail goes very back handed if a big gust hits my sail, and a couple of times when big gusts has hit my sail, the sail has sheeted itself out, stalled, back winded and then slammed me into the water leaving me trapped under the sail hooked in :(. For now, I am going to keep it. It's a good sail to learn tricks when the conditions are right. Note: I use this sail with my 2011 JP 85L FSW board and 2012 JP 109L Supersport.

Interesting experience, I have a 4.0 and 4.7 but couldn't get 5.3 since it was sold out so I bought a bolt (4.0 is 2010 and the other 2 are 2012)...Basically I like them all and my experience with all of them is like you described 4.0... 4.7 or 4.0 no difference (in their own range), for example I was once really really overpowered on my 4.7 in Morocco last year, people went in the water with 3.5 (I was already in for about an hour before when the conditions were perfect for 4.7 and then it picked up) and I stayed on 4.7, it was a struggle holding my shiat together but the sail didn't twitch at all, it remained really calm.
For low wind I found it good when really shortening the outhaul, 2cm less than recommended, the sail almost wraps the boom on the outer side, but has really a big belly and gains power.

What masts did you use JN? because Severnes stifftop masts and the CC/flextop cut Hotsails don,t match that well.

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Jeroensurf said..

What masts did you use JN? because Severnes stifftop masts and the CC/flextop cut Hotsails don,t match that well.

I'm using the recommended Hot Sails Maui Ultra RDM masts. The Ultra 370 with the 4.0 sail and an Ultra 400 with the 4.7 and 5.3 sails.

I've only briefly sailed with a HSM Super Freak. It was I think a 5.3m in strong winds. As it was a brief sail and it was a couple of years ago I can't give an opinion on it. I'm sure if you posted your review on the HSM forum there would be people there who could give you a very considered opinion as to why the different sizes are so different. Its a good review, thanks.

I'll add my experience for those that are interested in Super freaks as I also have 3 classics including a 4.7. I've only been windsurfing a few years and primarily went for the SF for long term value. I don't see myself updating gear often and wanted sails I could stuff in the car, lash on the roof rack, get walked on by kids and dogs, dragged over rocks and crashed on jetties by friends, etc. So far they've passed all these tests and more with no sign of damage.

Also, for the sake of my budget I have a fairly minimalist quiver - 4.7, 5.8 and 7.0 - with HotRod masts (not ultra) for the 4.7(400) and 7.0(460), but still using a not-so-ideal naish 430 on the 5.8. (I have used the 400 with a long extension on the 5.8 once and it felt good - I only weigh 67kg). Mostly sail Lake Macquarie and prefer chop over flat water.

7.0 - great for cruising on a 145 or blasting/jumping on 116. Massive range. Pretty long luff (492cm??) makes it harder work when uphauling or water starting, but when it's vertical, the short boom means it handles great in gybes, tacks and jumping.

5.8 - most used. Very sweet, easy sail on 116 or 95 boards. Replaced a Naish Boxer and feels soooo different. Boxer would plane marginally earlier I reckon and felt very direct and responded instantly to gusts. Had to sail it very assertively. SF is just so much more relaxed. Not in a boring way, but means I can concentrate less on the sail and more on the board and water, and sail for longer without getting worn out. Still utilises all the power in a gust but it comes on as a manageable surge of power rather than a sudden snap. (that applies to all my sizes, just most apparent in the 5.8 for me because I compared it directly to the boxer)

4.7 - This big jump was a bit of a gamble, but I think it's OK. I haven't had this long but have used it a lot already on a big boasrd for teaching others to sail, taking my little kids out with me for a sail, and just generally cruising around in super light winds. As with any small sail I guess, it's light and nimble. I finally used it properly recently on a good nor-easter (95L board). Rigged it like I rig my others and just took a guess at where to put the harness lines. WOW! One and a half hours of solid sailing later I hadn't adjusted anything, sail felt really stable, could sail one handed easily and briefly no hands. Soaked up gusts so smoothly and is so forgiving that I wasn't tired at all. As the wind dropped I let out another cm or so of outhaul and kept going for another half hour. Had to get home for dinner after that but could have comfortably swapped up to a well outhauled 5.8 at that stage.

Seems like a very different conclusion than jn1 with the 4.7, not sure why that might be the case. I know for me, too little downhaul creates what he described - especially noticeable in the bigger sizes for me - but given he likes the other sizes I'm sure he's getting the downhaul right and knows what he's doing. I can't compare them to much else, but hope that's helpful.

I think that with superfreaks is either you love them or hate them :D
For the record I use aftermarket 60 and 80%C masts with constant curve and they work ...

When I was researching this product about this time last year, there was very little testimonials from every day people. I ended up seeking advice on the HSM forum. I know I have sort of called the baby ugly, but this is based on my experience with them for half a season. I wish I was able to deliver 100% good news. Again, this is my opinion/experience and I sail very differently to most sailors. My advice with this sail is to try to find somebody who owns one and ask them for a few runs. On the first run, if you're going "WOW, this is awesome !", then buy one (and only one) and take it from there. If you're saying "Hmmm, I don't like this", then have a few more goes. If your opinion hasn't changed after a few more runs, then it's not for you.

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jn1 said..

When I was researching this product about this time last year, there was very little testimonials from every day people. I ended up seeking advice on the HSM forum. I know I have sort of called the baby ugly, but this is based on my experience with them for half a season. I wish I was able to deliver 100% good news. Again, this is my opinion/experience and I sail very differently to most sailors. My advice with this sail is to try to find somebody who owns one and ask them for a few runs. On the first run, if you're going "WOW, this is awesome !", then buy one (and only one) and take it from there. If you're saying "Hmmm, I don't like this", then have a few more goes. If your opinion hasn't changed after a few more runs, then it's not for you.

Exactly. I use them for 2 seasons now and was stoked on the first run, some of my friends have tried them and don't like them and some do, it is a specific sail with a specific user group.

Have to agree that people either love or hate Superfreaks. I have a 4.2, 4.7, 5.3, 5.8 and 7.0.
The plus side is durability, comfortable, forgiving gust response, depowering for transitions and wave riding. These all suit me at the moment.
They can be hideous if you choke the belly out them with too much downhaul and/or outhaul. I had to forget everything I learned about tuning other sails - even the sheeting angle is different. I prefer a tighter leech (lower range of recommended downhaul), and a bit of fullness down low around the boom. I'm happy to pump the sail a lot to get going - they are only full with the wind in them. That's the whole idea.

jn has the unusual problem of loving or hating particular Superfreak sizes. I know that feeling of wanting to bin a sail after a crap session jn, but I suspect it's only tuning that is the difference between your 4.0 and 4.7? Not easy to figure out what the difference is though. If it's killing the buzz for you, yeah ditch the sail.

I've a 6.3 and 5.5, and also a yet-to-be-used 4.7 Maui edition.



Rigging & Tuning

I use a Pryde 430 Carbon RDM for the 5.5. and 6.3, which is a bit softer at the top than the recommended Hot Sails Maui HotRod masts. I found rigging them just right to be an experimental process at first. I had a 5.8 on loan for a few days and on the Pryde mast the leach just couldn't be set right - far too loose. Tragic even. However I've found my 6.3 and 5.5 to be just fine on the same mast. Go figure.

They take a lot of outhaul, requires a foot on the boom. Perhaps +6cm from neutral position after downhauling. I rig them so the sail almost touches the boom when powered up for a medium setting.

I think after using them perhaps a dozen times each I've got the rigging and tuning down pat. I've tightened the battens a couple of times and the sails now seem "broken in".

I've only rigged my 4.7 in the garage so I can't speak for it. (I missed yesterday's session ). It rigged perfectly however, as per specs; looked good. That's on a hot rod mast btw.



4.7 Maui Edition (It's fluro!!!)


On the Water

The experience so far with the Super Freaks has been exactly as the brochure advertised. They're so piss easy to sail, which as rande said, allows the sailor to concentrate on other things, or just relax and have a good time. Gusts are absorbed by the sail keeping it all super stable.

Wind range, especially at the top end is huge. Gybing is effortless as the battens are nowhere near the mast anyway. The sail itself is eerily silent - there's no monofiilm to bang around at all. As an added bonus you can actually see through these sails. Visibility is second to none. Build quality is luxurious.

Power is good, the delivery very smooth. Top end speed is lacking. Can't have it all.

They're good sails for freeriding, they'd be ok for freestyle, nice for bump & jump and excellent when things get a bit scary.

Comparison

I previously had a pair of Neil Pryde Alphas; a 5.4 and 6.2 (2011? The last of the shiny ones). The Alphas would go pear shaped when overpowered - very back handed. I'm not sure about the Alphas having more power, maybe slightly. This surprised me the most although the SFs are ever so slightly larger. The Alphas were faster (they ain't a slow at all actually). Actually if there's one complaint I have about the Super Freaks it is their top end, it's a little lacking but I guess you can't have everything. The Alphas were certainly noisier. In fact so much so they drove me a little insane. They were like cans being crushed overhead. The Alphas were all about direct power for south east Qld. light winds and they were excellent for that. The SFs are almost the other end of the scale; indirect smooth power.

All-in-all I prefer the SuperFreaks. They are so damn stable. If I was thrown out into a storm at sea and asked to pick a sail it would be these, or perhaps something from Ezzy. You can put your weight in the harness and almost let go the entire session and flipping the rig is a pleasure too. Except for top-end speed I prefer the Super Freaks over the Alphas.

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I've no idea about your 4.7 jn1. Twitchy to the point of being back-winded?! That's really bizarre, especially since your 4.0 is so good. I'd ask Mr. Hot Sails Maui/Jeffrey Henderson himself, apparently he's always available on his site's forums.
www.hotsailsmaui.com/forum/viewforum.php?id=1

Richard: Joe Belluzzo rigged my sails a few times and gave me tips. LIke you said, I noticed the best downhaul setting is the lowest recommended extension range. I find the best setting is 2cm less than the lowest recommended extension range (ie: My 5.3SF has a recommended extension range of 24-26cm, so I set my extension to 22cm). Over downhauling or outhauling seems to amplify the bad points I mentioned.

evlPanda: Yep, you are definitely right. They are the best built sails I've ever used.

Last run at Sems today on the 5.3 Superfreak Classic and 85L Free-style-wave board. Very marginal conditions, but good fun

...steamer?

What'dya mean ?. Is that a move ?

Who takes a photo on the water like that? Very cool it is.

jn1, what mast are you using for each sail?

Normally a mismatched mast will give you the feeling you describe in your 4.7.

Sorry, missed the topic and reply on the mast.

I,m sailing Hots since 2005 with a 2 year break that I was using custom sails and have used all there wavesails including there Freaks.
The Freak is a marmite sail. You like it or you don,t and there isnt much inbetween although it shines more in certain conditions as others.
The thing absorbs gusts and chop making it very comfortable and because of that i love them in 4.0-3.7.
At the same time this comfort/ taking the pain out of the condititions makes them a bit boring when everything is already easy, so in the bigger sizes i prever a more direct sail.

Then there is the trim:
They are very different to rig and that the specs have been not correct for most years until recently didnt help in that aspect.
Luckily the write up in the rigging guide is pretty good:
www.hotsailsmaui.com/images/products/superfreak/2011SUPERFREAK_rigging.pdf
If you got t right its on the beach still a pretty tight leeched sail that opens up beautifully on the water. The problem is that I can,t tell from the beach how its gonna behave.
Boom: lots of OH so the sail is only in really strong gusts kissing the boom.
With what you desribe I think about not enough downhaul OR over downhauled with by far not enough Outhaul.

a 3th option could be a just a bad sail. The 5.3 and 4.7 are always tested a LOT, but there is always the option of a f#ck up in the factory.
If retrimming won,t help I would take pictures and email Jeffrey Hernderson about it. The guy is always very helpfull.

Really, a lot of outhaul? I usually loosen it to less than recommended outhaul to "embrace" the boom when powered up (double belly you could say )...
I remembered I had my 4.0 last year in Moulay outhauled to lower recommended length and could not plane that day, then I reduced it by another 2cm and it got me going pretty nicely.

The specs on the sails have been horrible for years, but if yoy rig them by the specs on the site you have a pretty good idea.

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sideskirt said..
Really, a lot of outhaul?

Yeah - a lot of outhaul. On my 6.3 I need the assistance of a foot. On the 4.7 today it was perhaps +5cm of outhaul from neutral position.

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I just took my 4.7 Maui Edition Super Freak out for its first ever run, in Botany Bay.



You could probably see me from space.

The graphs had it at high twenties with gusts in the low thirties. I concur. Chop was what I'd call 2-3 ft, but that means 4-6 ft faces on the swell.
Fantastic conditions!!!

Overall the 4.7 shined. Control, control, control.

I was disappointed when the wind dropped to low-mid twenties - the SuperFreak was really shining when it was fully lit.
I think they are best when on fire!

I do agree with Jeroensurf's comment about the SuperFreaks being perhaps a tad boring in lighter winds and large sizes. Too stable and not edgy enough. But in wild conditions they turn terror into fun - I was easily sheeting in and going for it where on some of the other gear I've owned it might have been borderline survival at times. The Freak just came alive and felt like a feather in the hands.

The top end on the 4.7 was surprisingly good today, awesome even, and it feels like it doesn't have the drag my larger sizes do. I put my larger sizes on a Pryde mast and I'm wondering if there isn't too much of a loose leech with them.

I think that good equipment, not just windsurfing equipment but any equipment, is defined when it kinda disappears while using it. It's just you and the experience be it a car, a hi-fi system, a computer, a kitchen, whatever. The equipment becomes invisible. The SuperFreak did just this today.

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I had it attached to an old 80l StarBoard Evo to which I've just added a 23" JP Wave to my 80l Starboard Evo - fin is niiiice too by the way. Great upwind, heaps of grip when gybing or landing. I can't quite describe the feel but I like it. I'll edit if I can think of how to describe the feel of this fin.







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...you know when you rig everything just right and the conditions are just right for your gear too? The sweet spot? It was one of those sessions today. After the first run I was smiling to myself knowing I'd put together a really nice, random collection of kit. (Starboard, JP, Hot Sails Maui and North). Got some nice air time too.

tl;dr SuperFreaks are at their best when it gets rough - that's when they really come alive.

Jeroensurf: Thanks for the tips. Yeah, I used this site plus tips from an SF guru at my local :). I haven't had Marmite since I was a kid in England :). I'm a Vegemite convert now :)

Mobydisc: The camera is a Pentax W80, which is an old camera now. It's water proof and it has a mode where it takes 15 shots in 1.9s.

I bought a 5.3 Superfreak after trying a friend's sail, and then upgraded it to a Maui Edition version of the same sail a few years later. Our local conditions are very light (usually no more than 15 knots), and get very gusty when they get strong enough for a 5.3. So for me the Superfreak was the best solution and I really noticed that I could sail longer than others when it is gusty, and I would have less muscle ache afterwards. The Maui Edition version of the Superfreak has better low end than a classic Superfreak, and also goes neutral more easily on a wave.

I seem to remember reading on the Hot Sails Maui forum that the 4.7 was recut for some reason. Maybe that's your answer? Why not email the sailmaker directly?

I wanted to like my SuperFreak 7.0 in the worst way. I loved the idea, quiet, durable, forgiving.
In short I hated the sail (matched with HSM Hot Rod mast) It felt very heavy and unforgiving. I was disappointed in the build quality too. The craftsmanship and attention to detail was poor compared to my Ezzy sails.
I'm back with Ezzy and have nothing but praise for their quality, performance and especially the unbelievable customer service.

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Jeroensurf said..


The Freak is a marmite sail. You like it or you don,t and there isnt much inbetween although it shines more in certain conditions as others.

Marmite? I looked it up and it still doesn't make sense in this context.
I will agree however that the sail is "take it or leave it". For me it was please take it back!

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jmach said..

Jeroensurf said..





The Freak is a marmite sail. You like it or you don,t and there isnt much inbetween although it shines more in certain conditions as others.

Marmite? I looked it up and it still doesn't make sense in this context.

I will agree however that the sail is "take it or leave it". For me it was please take it back!

Marmite - people either love it or hate it. No one ever tastes Marmite and thinks "Hmm...it's ok, I guess. Maybe I'll try another bite and see if it improves." -it generates polarised opinion...just like these SFs seem to do.

That's a really good analogy. It's almost as good as Marmite, but the Superfreaks are definitely Vegemite and I suppose we are now in a disagreence

Ok, thanks, I now understand. Too much bourbon the other night!

I bought a 2014 5.3 SF maui edition a couple of weeks ago and it seems really great, I rigged it with much ease, on the same mast rigs 100x better than HSM bolt. I haven't sailed with it yet, but can't wait. The local distributor for HSM told me they had to remake the 4.7 2014 from scratch, because the first couple of series were not performing good at all.

My 4.7 was a 2013, so that is good to hear I suppose (means I wasn't going crazy). I ended up selling my 4.7. The new owner seems to like it.

Don't know about 2013, but first models of 2014 were supposed to be crap and then they redesigned it. I have 2012 model and it works perfectly.