Anyone used the new gen 2 North Free speed 6.8 or 7.7, no cam slalom sails, rigs on North MDM mast and extension. Looking to partner with a new 120L, 70 wide free race board.
I've had EZZY lions 2 cams before 7.5/6.5 m, I chose them prior as I was in and out through surf and wanted durability and to use existing masts, rdm wave mast 430/460.
I would be interested in Patrik sails, point 7, or the norths.
They look like a great, light strong options and obtainable on the east coast of Australia as well. Minimal mono film, light strong and no cams?
Anyone using them either OS or in Australia, and have any feedback?

Check out the Aerotech website.

Their sails are extra light. Performance is so so.

What I'm getting is, Norths are not as great as they make out and expensive, Point 7 are great when powered up, fast but a bit heavy, Havnt really heard anything about the Patriks but I would love one of their air inside boards.

Here is the weight of North 3DI sails.

I've ordered a North- Free speed, to test out and MDM mast and extension to suit. I'm looking forward to testing it out and will put some pics up, hopefully here with in 2 wks.

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Nerdburger said..
Anyone used the new gen 2 North Free speed 6.8 or 7.7, no cam slalom sails, rigs on North MDM mast and extension. Looking to partner with a new 120L, 70 wide free race board.
I've had EZZY lions 2 cams before 7.5/6.5 m, I chose them prior as I was in and out through surf and wanted durability and to use existing masts, rdm wave mast 430/460.
I would be interested in Patrik sails, point 7, or the norths.
They look like a great, light strong options and obtainable on the east coast of Australia as well. Minimal mono film, light strong and no cams?
Anyone using them either OS or in Australia, and have any feedback?

Certainly nobody was using any North at Pozo Slalom! I still think that the use of the north 3D for a windsurfing sale is a bit of a gimmick, and they end up costing twice as much as other sails.

Strongly second the Point-7. I have been using them for years and they are cheap, very durable, and very fast. I used ACX and AC-2 and just received two AC-0. Too early to say anything, I used the 5.4 for 15' (wind dropped), but it looks great. Just a touch too much downhaul in the photo. Look at that belly! Zero cams.

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Nerdburger said..
Anyone used the new gen 2 North Free speed 6.8 or 7.7, no cam slalom sails, rigs on North MDM mast and extension. Looking to partner with a new 120L, 70 wide free race board.
I've had EZZY lions 2 cams before 7.5/6.5 m, I chose them prior as I was in and out through surf and wanted durability and to use existing masts, rdm wave mast 430/460.
I would be interested in Patrik sails, point 7, or the norths.
They look like a great, light strong options and obtainable on the east coast of Australia as well. Minimal mono film, light strong and no cams?
Anyone using them either OS or in Australia, and have any feedback?

Have a read of this, they just tested the Free Speed 7.7m, I'm not sure how biased the test will be though.

www.windsurf.co.uk/north-free-speed-7-7m-test-review-2024/

The Windsurf Magazine reviews are almost always puff-pieces. If a sail is gutless they say it "loves power" or "requires positive rider input..." If a sail is an unruly beast they say "it demands the rider to have full confidence..." If a sail costs 40% more than any other they say - nothing.

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Pcdefender said..
Here is the weight of North 3DI sails.

That must be the Free Race.

Free speed weights:

5.2 - 3.1kg
6 - 3.4kg
6.8 - 3.6kg
7.7 - 4.1kg

No cam slalom sails should have one of the biggest benefits from moulded panels- creating shape without cams.

Ben Proffits new series on windsurfing.tv about slalom racing is very interesting. There is a comparison of full race vs 2 cam vs no-cam

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windsurftom said..

Pcdefender said..
Here is the weight of North 3DI sails

That must be the Free Race.
Free speed weights:

5.2 - 3.1kg
6 - 3.4kg
6.8 - 3.6kg
7.7 - 4.1kg

No cam slalom sails should have one of the biggest benefits from moulded panels- creating shape without cams.

Ben Proffits new series on windsurfing.tv about slalom racing is very interesting. There is a comparison of full race vs 2 cam vs no-cam

Which goes to show that even if you believe those weights (last year North was claiming that the 6.0 race sail was 2.7 Kg!), there is absolutely nothing special, weight wise, about these sails. The race sails are heavier than some, and the freespeed weights are just in the range of plenty other 5/6 battens freeride/race sails ...

My 6.3 slalom sail from another not so popular brand, on their website its claimed to weigh 5.4lgs. I weighed it on my digital scales when dry and its 6.1 kgs so 700g difference.

The weights of the Severne Moto from their website - it is a 2 cam sail.

5.2 - 3.99 kgs

5.8 - 4.2 kgs

6.4 - 4.44

6.8 - 4.56


The NCX is their no cam 7 batten sail


5.0 - 3.63 kgs

5.4 - 3.78 kgs

6.3 - 4.21 kgs

6.7 - 4.36 kgs

Hroar,


Looks good, hopefully my 6.8 m Free speed and kit turns up in the coming days. How do find it, does it require much tunning or easy rig and blast set up?

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Pcdefender said..
My 6.3 slalom sail from another not so popular brand, on their website its claimed to weigh 5.4lgs. I weighed it on my digital scales when dry and its 6.1 kgs so 700g difference.

The weights of the Severne Moto from their website - it is a 2 cam sail.

5.2 - 3.99 kgs

5.8 - 4.2 kgs

6.4 - 4.44

6.8 - 4.56


The NCX is their no cam 7 batten sail


5.0 - 3.63 kgs

5.4 - 3.78 kgs

6.3 - 4.21 kgs

6.7 - 4.36 kgs

A long batten adds around 200 grams and that is around the difference btw North Racespeed and Severne. Sticking with 6 battens: Hot Sails Maui has a freerace, ultra-strong with a real size x-ply window (not the frankly ludicrous north portholes!), and they are about the weight of the Severne NCX. Duotone E-pace SLS weight is 100 grams from North.

These are all irrelevant weight differences. You are most likely comparing the weights of battens, or mast protector, or mast sleeve ...

Moral of the story (I think): 3Di is cool, but, even assuming it is lighter than other sail body materials by square meter, it is clearly not light enough to make a difference for windsurf sized sails.

I have a Aerotech 5.4 slalom sail that has 7 battens and 4 cams and weighs 4.4 kgs.

I have since removed the 2nd bottom camber inducer as half the camber broke off and i guess it now weighs around 4.3kgs. It feels insanely light as it is insanely light.

My Patril 5.6 m 7 batten 4 camber sail on the same scales weighs 5.4kgs so 1.0 to 1.1 kgs heavier.

Can i tell a difference in weights? It feels like night and day especially on the gybing.

The Patrik has a touch more top end speed but for pure enjoyment and throw about feel the Aerotech wins hands down.

I remember 10 years back using a superlight 1.5kg 430 mast that snapped after 6 sessions.

Could i tell a difference with my other 100 percent mast that weighed 200 to 300g more - absolutely.

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Pcdefender said..
I have a Aerotech 5.4 slalom sail that has 7 battens and 4 cams and weighs 4.4 kgs.

I have since removed the 2nd bottom camber inducer as half the camber broke off and i guess it now weighs around 4.3kgs. It feels insanely light as it is insanely light.

My Patril 5.6 m 7 batten 4 camber sail on the same scales weighs 5.4kgs so 1.0 to 1.1 kgs heavier.

Can i tell a difference in weights? It feels like night and day especially on the gybing.

The Patrik has a touch more top end speed but for pure enjoyment and throw about feel the Aerotech wins hands down.

I remember 10 years back using a superlight 1.5kg 430 mast that snapped after 6 sessions.

Could i tell a difference with my other 100 percent mast that weighed 200 to 300g more - absolutely.

Oh, I agree, you can definitely feel 1-1.5 Kg, especially with different # of cams and size of the double sided luff. What I was saying is that the differences among the camless Freerace/freeride 6-7 battens Severne/Point-7/HSM/North/Aerotech are in the 0.1-0.3 Kg. And those I do not think are relevant.

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duzzi said..

Nerdburger said..
Anyone used the new gen 2 North Free speed 6.8 or 7.7, no cam slalom sails, rigs on North MDM mast and extension. Looking to partner with a new 120L, 70 wide free race board.
I've had EZZY lions 2 cams before 7.5/6.5 m, I chose them prior as I was in and out through surf and wanted durability and to use existing masts, rdm wave mast 430/460.
I would be interested in Patrik sails, point 7, or the norths.
They look like a great, light strong options and obtainable on the east coast of Australia as well. Minimal mono film, light strong and no cams?
Anyone using them either OS or in Australia, and have any feedback?

Certainly nobody was using any North at Pozo Slalom! I still think that the use of the north 3D for a windsurfing sale is a bit of a gimmick, and they end up costing twice as much as other sails.

Strongly second the Point-7. I have been using them for years and they are cheap, very durable, and very fast. I used ACX and AC-2 and just received two AC-0. Too early to say anything, I used the 5.4 for 15' (wind dropped), but it looks great. Just a touch too much downhaul in the photo. Look at that belly! Zero cams.

I notice no-one using point 7 at the feurte foil. Better sell your sails now

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Gestalt said..

duzzi said..

Nerdburger said..
Anyone used the new gen 2 North Free speed 6.8 or 7.7, no cam slalom sails, rigs on North MDM mast and extension. Looking to partner with a new 120L, 70 wide free race board.
I've had EZZY lions 2 cams before 7.5/6.5 m, I chose them prior as I was in and out through surf and wanted durability and to use existing masts, rdm wave mast 430/460.
I would be interested in Patrik sails, point 7, or the norths.
They look like a great, light strong options and obtainable on the east coast of Australia as well. Minimal mono film, light strong and no cams?
Anyone using them either OS or in Australia, and have any feedback?

Certainly nobody was using any North at Pozo Slalom! I still think that the use of the north 3D for a windsurfing sale is a bit of a gimmick, and they end up costing twice as much as other sails.

Strongly second the Point-7. I have been using them for years and they are cheap, very durable, and very fast. I used ACX and AC-2 and just received two AC-0. Too early to say anything, I used the 5.4 for 15' (wind dropped), but it looks great. Just a touch too much downhaul in the photo. Look at that belly! Zero cam

I notice no-one using point 7 at the feurte foil. Better sell your sails now

You so funny!!!! although I am not so sure why what people are using PWA foiling, or fining, or IQ-foiling, or winging for that matter, should make me buy or sell anything. (And talking of IQ-foil: you are missing that Johan Soe is not in Fuerteventura because is competing in the Olympics. Unless he is gobbled up by the big money NP/Severne he should still be on Point-7 after that. He did dominate the 2023 season with Point-7 ...)

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windsurftom said..

Ben Proffits new series on windsurfing.tv about slalom racing is very interesting. There is a comparison of full race vs 2 cam vs no-cam

do you know in which episode is Ben comparing full race v 2 cam v no cam?

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duzzi said..

Gestalt said..

duzzi said..

Nerdburger said..
Anyone used the new gen 2 North Free speed 6.8 or 7.7, no cam slalom sails, rigs on North MDM mast and extension. Looking to partner with a new 120L, 70 wide free race board.
I've had EZZY lions 2 cams before 7.5/6.5 m, I chose them prior as I was in and out through surf and wanted durability and to use existing masts, rdm wave mast 430/460.
I would be interested in Patrik sails, point 7, or the norths.
They look like a great, light strong options and obtainable on the east coast of Australia as well. Minimal mono film, light strong and no cams?
Anyone using them either OS or in Australia, and have any feedback?

Certainly nobody was using any North at Pozo Slalom! I still think that the use of the north 3D for a windsurfing sale is a bit of a gimmick, and they end up costing twice as much as other sails.

Strongly second the Point-7. I have been using them for years and they are cheap, very durable, and very fast. I used ACX and AC-2 and just received two AC-0. Too early to say anything, I used the 5.4 for 15' (wind dropped), but it looks great. Just a touch too much downhaul in the photo. Look at that belly! Zero cam

I notice no-one using point 7 at the feurte foil. Better sell your sails now

You so funny!!!! although I am not so sure why what people are using PWA foiling, or fining, or IQ-foiling, or winging for that matter, should make me buy or sell anything. (And talking of IQ-foil: you are missing that Johan Soe is not in Fuerteventura because is competing in the Olympics. Unless he is gobbled up by the big money NP/Severne he should still be on Point-7 after that. He did dominate the 2023 season with Point-7 ...)

BTW, not that it matters but Taty Frans, on Point-7, just got 3rd place in the Slalom-X at Fuerte.

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Nerdburger said..
Anyone used the new gen 2 North Free speed 6.8 or 7.7, no cam slalom sails, rigs on North MDM mast and extension. Looking to partner with a new 120L, 70 wide free race board.

Anyone using them either OS or in Australia, and have any feedback?

Not in Australia or OS (where is that?), nor using the 6.8 or 7.7 but the 6.0 instead. I think it's a very good sail.

A friend just got the 6.8 and 6.0 (dumped his new Motos for them) and loves the 6.8. He does not post here to give you his feedback.

OS = over seas.

I've only had one questionable sail on the 6.8/460MDM combo, too early to tell. sail is very well made, light and looks good.

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Nerdburger said..
OS = over seas.

Thanks! I guess I qualify then of sorts.

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Nerdburger said..
Looks good, hopefully my 6.8 m Free speed and kit turns up in the coming days. How do find it, does it require much tunning or easy rig and blast set up?

The sails seem to need about two or three sessions of breaking in. After the first session on the 6.0, my reaction was along the lines of "meh". Then on the fourth session with it, it's like a switch flipped on. Had so much fun with it that I literally lost track of time.

Noticed a similar "break-in" pattern with the air-cam race sails.
And my friend also noted that his 6.8. He's rigging his on the 430 mast.

I've tried my 6.0 on the 430s (MDM and RDM) and the 400 RDM. I like it best on the 430 MDM with lots of downhaul. I've added some tension to the two bottom battens for a bit of extra shape (still rotates very well but not as automatically as the air-cam race sails). I use it with adjustable outhaul; sail is very responsive to those adjustments. Once it's broken in and you have the settings sorted, it's just downhaul and go. Goes fast, has good low end and upwind drive, easy gybes and is light in the hands.

Received my Freespeed 6.8 recently and finished the first session. Rigged it on a 430 SDM mast which worked fine. Sail has plenty of power, and is a dream to gybe. Didn't get to do any proper downwind runs to test speed, will do next time.