NP Hornet & Hellcats 2015/16

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BSN101 > 9 months ago, 24 Mar 2016

BSN101

2378 posts

24 Mar 2016 1:18pm

Has anyone out there used these sails? Im looking to upgrade and in the NP range they appear to be the way to go for me.

Slalom 90-124 ltr and on RBs, 5.7, 6.7, 7.7, 8+.

I already have NP masts so not looking at other brands for now.

Looking to hear about wind range ease of rigging and sailing and tune-ability.

Cheers Dave

Childsplay

NSW

74 posts

25 Mar 2016 2:49pm

Dave I have had a hornet for about 6 months now, used about 6-8 times 8.7m. I bought it to team up with a jp super sport 124 as my light wind sail, it is probably one size too big for the board, causing it to bog a little until it releases and gets on the plane. I'm still trying a few different things to get the most out of the sail, my initial observations are; rigging - a bit of a pain to rig, the combination of the long luff length, narrow luff tube and considerable luff shape (mast Bend) and monofilm right up to the luff tube, mean that it is almost impossible to rig and de-rig without adding a couple more creases to the film each time. I need a winch to get adequate down haul tension without popping a poopoo valve. Once set though, looks bloody fantastic - very similar to the race sails. Whilst probably not developing as much lift in the bottom end as I had hoped, once up to speed, it is very balanced and well behaved. Has great range at the top end, still manageable for me in 18 knots (I'm 95 kg) I normally set and forget the down haul close to max and tune with the out haul (an adjustable out haul is helpful with this sail). It responds well to out haul tuning for extra height up wind and in maxed out conditions. Overall it does what I expected, a bit lighter and easier to handle that a full cammed sail (without as much low end grunt), but a more stable foil shape and locked draft than a no cam sail (at the small expense of rigging time and a little more weight). It is a good compromise for this size sail for light wind. Having said that, I also have a 2014 6.7 Hornet, it feels like a wave sail compared to my 7.0m cammed Naish. In this size, for flat water I grab the cammed sailed every time. Hope that helps

Orange Whip

QLD

1074 posts

25 Mar 2016 8:12pm

is there a sail you 'can' rig and de-rig without creasing the mono film? Certainly can't with a 2016 NCX

Orange Whip

QLD

1074 posts

25 Mar 2016 8:16pm

For info, I would think the Hornets and Hellcats for 2015 and 2016 would be vastly different sails, from memory I think they've both gone from 6 batten to 7.

BSN101

2378 posts

25 Mar 2016 9:37pm

Select to expand quote

Orange Whip said..
For info, I would think the Hornets and Hellcats for 2015 and 2016 would be vastly different sails, from memory I think they've both gone from 6 batten to 7.

I thinks that the 2016 & 2015 sails are there same kept for colour where as the 2014 were with less battens.

Although the 2014 Hellcat looks like it had more battens than the Hornet,

BSN101

2378 posts

25 Mar 2016 9:47pm

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Childsplay said..
Dave I have had a hornet for about 6 months now, used about 6-8 times 8.7m. I bought it to team up with a jp super sport 124 as my light wind sail, it is probably one size too big for the board, causing it to bog a little until it releases and gets on the plane. I'm still trying a few different things to get the most out of the sail, my initial observations are; rigging - a bit of a pain to rig, the combination of the long luff length, narrow luff tube and considerable luff shape (mast Bend) and monofilm right up to the luff tube, mean that it is almost impossible to rig and de-rig without adding a couple more creases to the film each time. I need a winch to get adequate down haul tension without popping a poopoo valve. Once set though, looks bloody fantastic - very similar to the race sails. Whilst probably not developing as much lift in the bottom end as I had hoped, once up to speed, it is very balanced and well behaved. Has great range at the top end, still manageable for me in 18 knots (I'm 95 kg) I normally set and forget the down haul close to max and tune with the out haul (an adjustable out haul is helpful with this sail). It responds well to out haul tuning for extra height up wind and in maxed out conditions. Overall it does what I expected, a bit lighter and easier to handle that a full cammed sail (without as much low end grunt), but a more stable foil shape and locked draft than a no cam sail (at the small expense of rigging time and a little more weight). It is a good compromise for this size sail for light wind. Having said that, I also have a 2014 6.7 Hornet, it feels like a wave sail compared to my 7.0m cammed Naish. In this size, for flat water I grab the cammed sailed every time. Hope that helps

Cheers for the write up.
I have a JP SS124 too and have read that 8.2 is ideal max size sail for it.
I use a RB a bit so want to look for a sail to go on both. I think that I'm kidding myself! Yay more toys for me.
How would you compare the 8.7 vs 6.7 in rigging behaviour feel speed looks anything etc
Have you used any sails this large before?

Cheers Dave

Childsplay

NSW

74 posts

26 Mar 2016 7:42am

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BSN101 said...

Dave just ordered an ezzy cheetah 8.0 for the ss124 and a Picked up a Jp slw for the light stuff. I've had formula gear in the past 9.8 and 11.6 np race. They are no slower to rig than the hornet. In all, I like the 8.7 hornet I'm rigging on a 520 mast, it may be a little easier on the 490 - it should make a good med wind sail for th slw! I'll use my 9.8 and maybe the 11.6 on the slw for the lighter conditions. Both 6.7 and 8.7 are nice sails, I just think they work better toward the upper end of their respective wind ranges. Don't rely on them to give your board that extra 'coast' in marginal or fluky conditions - maybe I've just gotten too used to the cammed sails! The ezzy, whilst completely camless is supposed to be quite pump able and suitable for lighter conditions- we'll see how that works out! The 6.7 is a good match for the 124 when it's really honking, nice and light in the hands, quite flick able and a good top end. If you already have NP masts and are used to the brand - I'm sure the hornet will suit you well. I believe the current hellcat is slightly racier than the hornet, but really needs to be powered up fully........mmmm maybe a 6.2 for those days that are really honkin! I'd definately try the 8.2 rather than the 8.7 hornet on the SS124 though!

BSN101

2378 posts

26 Mar 2016 9:52am

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Childsplay said..

BSN101 said...

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Great, you are well experienced. You have a real mixup of gear (boards appear ok).
If i saw a SLW here in WA i think that id look at it. My sailing buddy, 65kg has a 135 isonic and in the light stuff is all over me. SLW might tip the scales back to me.
But when my other RB comes back from the shop it might be a different story with 8.5.
Id like to hear your impressions on the SLW vs formula.
Do you swap fins a lot? Is there a favourite set up for sail wind that you have as a go to setting?

cheers Dave

BSN101

2378 posts

13 May 2016 10:19pm

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Orange Whip said...
For info, I would think the Hornets and Hellcats for 2015 and 2016 would be vastly different sails, from memory I think they've both gone from 6 batten to 7.

Orange Whip what's your kit going to be now that your NCX has moved to WA, my buddy here in Busso? Another Hornet?
When the 2017 NP sails come out I will get a Hornet or Hellcat to replace my 6.5 Ryde.
Cheers Dave

Orange Whip

QLD

1074 posts

14 May 2016 8:08am

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BSN101 said..

Orange Whip said...
For info, I would think the Hornets and Hellcats for 2015 and 2016 would be vastly different sails, from memory I think they've both gone from 6 batten to 7.

Mate, it'll be a 2 cam NP since I've got the mast to suit. Might even get the two holed panels in my old 6.5 V6 replaced, love that sail

Piv

372 posts

14 May 2016 1:38pm

I havent had an np sail for 20 years but the jp slw is a gem. With a 9.7 and the stock 56cm fin i can finally get my 105kg on the plane when the lightweights do. It carries big sails well. Gybes fantastic. From that i can jump straight onto rrd firestorm 111 68cm wide and 7.8. Really good overlap between those two setups.

BSN101

2378 posts

14 May 2016 6:21pm

Where do you sail Piv? Perth, apple cross? Id love to catch a look at the SLW although i can't remember the last time i sailed in Perth

Orange Whip

QLD

1074 posts

14 May 2016 9:14pm

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Piv said..
I havent had an np sail for 20 years but the jp slw is a gem. With a 9.7 and the stock 56cm fin i can finally get my 105kg on the plane when the lightweights do. It carries big sails well. Gybes fantastic. From that i can jump straight onto rrd firestorm 111 68cm wide and 7.8. Really good overlap between those two setups.

So what's the wind strength and water state when you look to go down to the RRD?

Piv

372 posts

15 May 2016 10:08am

Quite a big overlap. Usually it's pretty clear which one I will rig up. If its a good solid swan river sea breeze I go with the 7.8 and rrd. If I get there before the breeze has come in or it's a yellow arrow day I rig up the jp slw and reflex 9.7. I can sail that until the breeze really fills in. I would say I haven't really found the top end of its wind range. I mainly change because if I drop it wrong it is extremely tiring to get it out of the water. For that reason I have only had the slw between the beach and bar at Melville so can't comment on how it goes in mid river chop. I haven't yet had it out with the 7.8 but will try next time conditions are right.

BSN101

2378 posts

13 Jul 2016 3:56pm

I have ordered the 2017 Hellcat in 6.7 & 5.7.

I will be trading/selling my 2015 5.5, 6.5 & 2016 7.5 NP Rydes.

And also looking for a 7.8 NP EVO.

The Cats should be here in Sept just in time for me to swap them over before i go to Exmouth.

I appears that Hornets are no longer available... grow mullets for the New V8s!

I will post when i have the new toys.

Orange Whip

QLD

1074 posts

13 Jul 2016 6:50pm

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BSN101 said..
I have ordered the 2017 Hellcat in 6.7 & 5.7.

I will be trading/selling my 2015 5.5, 6.5 & 2016 7.5 NP Rydes.

And also looking for a 7.8 NP EVO.

The Cats should be here in Sept just in time for me to swap them over before i go to Exmouth.

I appears that Hornets are no longer available... grow mullets for the New V8s!

I will post when i have the new toys.

Where'd you get the specs on the 2017s?

spanishwog

QLD

121 posts

13 Jul 2016 7:58pm

Did you not like the Rydes?

BSN101

2378 posts

13 Jul 2016 8:22pm

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Orange Whip said..

Where'd you get the specs on the 2017s?

Unfortunately not specs as such, they all get revealed at the end of the month.

NP suppliers have recently been to 2017 launch on east coast.

BSN101

2378 posts

13 Jul 2016 8:33pm

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spanishwog said..
Did you not like the Rydes?

Yes the Rydes are real nice.

Easy to rig & tune. Rig on the same mast (430) & boom 160-210. 5.5 - 7.5 sizes

I was new back after being off the board for about 6 yrs and persuaded (correctly too) to go for the Rydes.
I certainly don't regret having them at all. They've been very good to my learning curve.

I have a GPS Team (One More Knot) and I now want to up the anti with something racier but still without cams.
I have NP masts so Im keeping this brand.

I sail with a mate who has new NCXs and they are great. I will take one out in the near future.

As mentioned before, I was also interested in the NP Hornets with 2 cams. Im taking steps to get to the correct style for me.

Tardy

5292 posts

14 Jul 2016 1:38pm

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Orange Whip said..
is there a sail you 'can' rig and de-rig without creasing the mono film? Certainly can't with a 2016 NCX

Yep ....the Ezzy cheetah .
it has a good size luff pocket for Sdm and rdm .plus the reinforced mono film .
and it will work on a Neil pryde mast .I have a X6 that I use at times.you get a nice Flicky top .sweet.
you should seriously try one .

BSN101

2378 posts

14 Jul 2016 3:21pm

Hi Piv,

Google JP SLW Sebastian Kornum early planing on the SLW 90, silver model.

Its great to see him doing very short runs then gybing to stay close to the camera. Nice clean gybes & a tack too

What yr is your SLW?

Are there any others in Perth ?

My next wish list item!

cheers Dave

Piv

372 posts

14 Jul 2016 7:58pm

Hi dave, my slw is 2015. Orange and green fluro with a blackish silver bottom. Pretty loud graphics you cant miss it! in flat water it is my favourite gybing board. The way you can go upwind on it makes short runs a dream. The stock 56cm fin in it seems ideal, but you need to be carefull about water depth. I think reg had a couple of earlier silver ones in his shop last summer, but they are different, wider squarer tail than mine. Rrd and starboard make similar concept boards but ive not seen or sailed them. I havent seen any others. A few people tried to warn me off the slw but i am glad i ignored them, none them had actually sailed one. As far as i am concerned the slw with the severne reflex 9.7 is the est yhing since sliced bread. I will pm you.

BSN101

2378 posts

16 Jul 2016 12:19pm

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Piv said..
Hi dave, my slw is 2015. Orange and green fluro with a blackish silver bottom. Pretty loud graphics you cant miss it! in flat water it is my favourite gybing board. The way you can go upwind on it makes short runs a dream. The stock 56cm fin in it seems ideal, but you need to be carefull about water depth. I think reg had a couple of earlier silver ones in his shop last summer, but they are different, wider squarer tail than mine. Rrd and starboard make similar concept boards but ive not seen or sailed them. I havent seen any others. A few people tried to warn me off the slw but i am glad i ignored them, none them had actually sailed one. As far as i am concerned the slw with the severne reflex 9.7 is the est yhing since sliced bread. I will pm you.

There is a thread about the SLW & UltraSonics. SLW is a bit more forgiving & friendly

BSN101

2378 posts

21 Jul 2016 8:47pm

And here is a new V8.

Ive not found the Hellcat yet but they are the same colours with this being C2.

BSN101

2378 posts

21 Jul 2016 8:51pm

And here his the brochure picture

whippingboy

1104 posts

22 Jul 2016 8:17am

So the Hornet has morphed into the V8 ?

BSN101

2378 posts

22 Jul 2016 1:05pm

Yep.

Masts are also sourced from else where, Italian made.

Im still looking for Hellcats.

Piv

372 posts

22 Jul 2016 9:34pm

Italian masts, i wonder if its the same source as rrd?

Orange Whip

QLD

1074 posts

23 Jul 2016 10:26pm

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BSN101 said..
Yep.

Masts are also sourced from else where, Italian made.

Im still looking for Hellcats.

So Dave, has your re-con on 2017 gear showed up any pics of the rumoured new 95-100 LTR Severne free ride board?

BSN101

2378 posts

23 Jul 2016 9:40pm

Mate I've not even heard that rumour over here yet!

Who's your source?

Stuthepirate

3591 posts

24 Jul 2016 8:38am

I think i saw a proto of that board in WA late last season.

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