Tested Luff: 447. Boom 178, 5 Battens
The third generation for the maneuver-oriented Lip from Loft Sails. The Lip is gaining popularity each year. Not a radical departure from the '03 layout, only the boom panel and upper luff panels have been visually redesigned for a cleaner look. We loved the Lip last year and this year's is just as good!
This is a soft, luff shaped 5.7m wave sail that reacts to sheeting angles as well as any wave sail tested. Nimble in the hands with precise control available, this may not be one for beginner straight-line riders just looking for a smaller sail. When it's powered, this Loft has the needed pull to get you going and keep you there when you need it. More power has been shaped into this years Lip compared to last.
The Lip will tune for a lot of wind range, and the draft only becomes backhanded in the biggest of gusts, but otherwise stays balanced and sensitive to trim. The forward-and-low sweet spot is suited for a true wave board in pure wave conditions where instantaneous maneuverability and power control is expected. The nice thing we found with the Lip is how well it worked for blasting and B&J conditions. Keeping in mind this is a dynamic sail, the stability, power and speed combination works well for B&J and transition-based freestyle. Setting the draft higher will help it for flat-water aerials.
Designer Monty Spindler was on-site to point out what we already had discovered and more: A quick glance tells you that this is a well built sail with lots of detail, and Monty showed us the hidden details within. The Lip isn't the absolute best bomb-proof but is plenty good enough. Lots of grid surrounds a core body of monofilm. With above average lifespan features, this Lip will withstand the test of time.
We also liked the many user details included: a rubber luff-sleeve opener above the boom cut-out for easy rigging, a hidden batten tensioner key, grab handle and rope-stash were all tucked away inside the mast pad as well. It may be worth using a pulley hook to get the most range out of this Loft.
A durable wave-oriented sail, the Lip 5.7 will satisfy anyone wanting balanced handling and sheeting control for higher winds. This sail pretty much does it all when the wind is up!