Hi guys,

There was an old post with a couple of reviews about these sails which were positive.

I am seriously considering buying one of these in the 8.5 and so is a mate as we regularly are looking to sail in that 10/12 knot category.

Has anyone has some more experience with them?

Minimum wind capacity for you board size and weight etc?

I'm 90-95kg and can put up to a 130 lt Xcite ride underneath one of these. Looking for some feedback as they arent a real cheap sail but have the benefit (Im told) of being rigged on a 460, so I dont have to buy and carry around another mast.

Any help/reviews really appreciated.

Cheers,
Ello

I've had an 8.5 since they got released and have had many good days on it and i think for myself it was a very good purchase. I weigh in at 90 kegs and use a 145L and a 50cm fin for this sail and get it to plane in 12 knots(with some pumping)but it seems to be more happy at about 15 knots. I get to sail on days when normally I would only see the formula guys out. I've had it out in winds upto about 20 knots and have been quite comfortable, above this the sail gets very heavy on the back hand. Overall the sail is very light and easy to handle and points upwind well, i did have to buy a 460 mast and a boom that goes out to 240cm but it was worth it. I live inland so i tend to sail in less than perfect condition and fresh water but it still performs very good, Where it came into its element was on a trip to WA. We stayed at Monkey Mia for 5 days and only got light winds between 12-15knots, i had this puppy out and flying every day i was there. Consistent wind is where the helium really shows what it can do. I've had it on a 120L and had no issues with it and can uphaul easily so i think the 130L will be perfect for this sail. But don't think your going to break any speed records with it as the helium is not a bullet, you will be out in 20 knots and some one on a 6.2 will run you down but for its intended purpose it is an awesome sail.

Have a look at this video of a 7.5 in action on a 118L with a light weight on board.

http://www.rikswindsurfing.com/news/2008/07-08/helium/bnp9v8h-vt-action.html

If you want to know more just let me know...Cheers.

www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=42686

Cheers Elmo,

I saw that post but I was just hoping there might have been some more reviews. It was too old to revive. Have you or anyone else had some further experience with it. Ive got an Loft o2 7.4 but its not enough to get me cracking in that sort of wind.

Looking for alternatives to a bigger sail but just want to gauge opinion as to whether these sails are real good or a bit hyped up. Unfortunately Im nowhere neat anywhere I could test one out so any opinions are appreciated as I have to buy blind.

JH2703 - info much appreciated

Hi,

I have a 08 Helium 7.5 and a 07 Gaastra Matrix 8m, bought the NP with a view to sailing in light wind days but to be quite honest the helium and the matrix have very little difference in them and I'm not convinced the helium is really worth the extra money.

Having said that I need to sell one of them and I'll probably keep the helium but think thats nothing more than having had it for less time that the matrix.

Boards magazine in the UK did a review of the helium, the plasma and a couple of other light wind sails, might be worth seein gif you can download that.