The design

Developed by the well known Monty Spindler, the O2 has a relatively flat body stabilized by 7 battens, of which 4 are tubular battens: stability is a given!
The O2 is the sail with the largest proportion of X-Ply in his category and is very well reinforced, more than other sails. We feel the experience of the designer in all the details, like the huge mast protection to be open with a velcro. The twist of the leech is regular and goes very low.

The test team point of view

Gifted with power, the O2 Freeride appears heavier in the arms than its rivals. It is easy to close down to the board and the O2 is one of the sails that is easier on the arms because of a profile that really works very well when wind hits it. It is a sail that does not cease accelerating by offering an incredible general balance. A flexible sail that nevertheless has limited back-hand pressure which is limiting when going upwind. Its strong point?…the reaches and especially broad reaches; a dash of speed equal with the best "0 cam" sails on the market. The O2 is fine in control, with the feeling not to force; a very pleasant feeling that one does not find in any other sail. Concerning manoeuvrability the O2 does not remain about taking into account its very effective passage of battens.

Conclusions

For top-speed the O2 does not miss a charm through feelings that it releases in navigation. It is a particular sail intended for those in love with speed and jibing without effort. A success.

+ : flexibility, performance of broad reaches, smoothness of control, excellent quality/price ratio
- : slightly diminished upwind ability, slightly heavy