2001 Windsurfing (USA)Magazine Tests

Sent: Thursday, January 11, 2001 10:52 PM
Subject: Windsurfing Mag Sail Issue
"Monty, this is Eddy Patricelli from Windsurfing Magazine.... attached are the results from our test...." 

Loft Sails Free Wave Concept Lip 4.5
Luff: 405 cm
Boom: 166 cm
Battens: 6
Cams: 0
Weight: 7.00 lb.
Rec. Mast: 400/19
Supplied Mast: Fiberspar Reflex Wave 400/19
Price:

Low-End Power Sailor [halo]: It's capable of being rigged with a tight leech and deep pocket for low-end grunt and acceleration. The draft locks low in the sail and the head and leech are responsive to pumping for extra grunt. At minimal settings, shape in the sail runs from head to foot.

High-End Control Sailor [halo]: This is a stable, fast and maneuver-oriented wave sail. The leading edge remains crisp and the draft locks into place in the boom region of the sail. The head reacts quickly to wind velocity or angle changes to relieve pressure and maintains constant pull.

Onshore Sailor [halo]: Ample boom length and a fairly tight lower leech section give the Lip positive drive and acceleration. The foot is high cut for maneuvers either backside or down the line. The foil is stable, allowing top speed and big air when charging through the surf.

Down-the Line Sailor [halo]: Rig with a tighter leech and positive outhaul for front-hand drive and the ability to release power instantly. It's stable at speed, both going out through the surf and on the face of a wave. The head is quite responsive and quick to spill unnecessary power.

Comments: The Lip is an excellent all-around sail that can change its feel like a chameleon. It can be rigged flat with plenty of outhaul for instant on/off power and acceleration or rigged for speed and backhand power with an extremely loose leech and minimal outhaul. It's your preference.




Loft Free Ride Concept O2 5.9
Luff: 444 cm
Boom: 188 cm
Battens: 7
Cams: 0
Weight: 8.25 lb.
Rec. Mast: 430/21
Supplied Mast: Fiberspar QT 6000 430/21
Price: $359.00

Easy-Rigging Sailor[halo]: Thread the mast into the sleeve, downhaul, outhaul and go sailing. A pulley hook for the tack grommet and a downhaul tool are recommended to simplify tensioning and fine-tuning the sail. It's a high-tension sail, but really easy to rig and rig right.

Low-End Power Sailor[halo]: The lower leech section is fairly tight for positive drive and acceleration; the pocket can be set deep for power; and the upper region of the sail is responsive to pumping. Testers said they liked the way the draft locks low in the sail and the foot is cut to combine power, speed and maneuverability.

High-End Control Sailor [halo]: This is a camless sail that rotates effortlessly but pops similarly to a cambered sail. The battens lock in shape, create a rigid and stable leading edge and have a clean release off the leech of the sail. Testers liked the Sensitip head design, which twists and opens efficiently.

Speed Sailor [halo]: Incredible stability allows you to stay on the gas, even through the big puffs. The O2 is fast enough to drag race your friends and win in steady conditions, but the lack of cambers slightly decreases windward performance if you're racing to weather.

Comments: The Loft O2 combines speed, power and maneuverability exceptionally well. The draft is set low near the boom region of the sail, the Sensitip system is efficient, and the foot is cut conservatively for maneuverability. The O2 best suits flat-water, bump and open-water conditions.