At A Glance
In sizes 5.9m to 7.4m is the O2; The Loft’s Freeride Concept sail, designed for sailors who want easy speed in a light and friendly package. This is the 2005 version, as the new season’s model wasn't available in time for the test unfortunately, although it is in stock now.
Refining his two-sail range each year, Monty Spindler avoids making change for changes sake, preferring to evolve the designs through constant R&D at his test bed of Tarifa. Built as robust as they come, the O2 is a particularly well-engineered sail, and thanks to the brand’s now familiar Sensitip head, has one of the most eye-catching outlines on the water.
Rigging and SetRequiring significant downhaul tension, the O2 has masses of tuning range, the leech twisting off almost right down to the clew on maximum loading. Setting conventionally by playing the outhaul against the downhaul, it retains good rotation in the two main battens, and has some shape to its profile below the boom, before quickly becoming flat further up the sail.
Ride and HandlingOn the water, the O2 is a very interesting sail, combining the straight-line performance of a freeride sail with the balanced handling characteristics akin to a freemove foil. Taking a closer look at the sail’s cut goes someway to explaining this, with the large sail area below the boom supported by just a single batten and a relatively high clew eyelet. As such, the O2 is a stunningly versatile contender,
catering for any rider style or board type.
Providing a great deal of bottom end power, the centre of effort is placed well forward in the sail, efficiently transferring energy directly to the board to coax it onto the plane.
Accelerating smoothly to an impressive speed, the O2 is solid yet supremely balanced and comfortable in the hands, which, combined with the sail’s awesome tuning range, allows the rider to adopt the stance of their preference. In marginal conditions, it can be used to great affect cruising around leisurely, the sail breathing and responding to the smallest gust.
As the wind increases and the conditions become severe, the O2?s top end stability is incredible, the centre of effort secured by extra tension, opening the leech and
enabling excess power to exhaust effortlessly.
A great deal of fun to use for long periods, its composed handling and rock-steady stability make the O2 one of the top performers in this group over distance, easily handling any sea state.
For: Excellent all-round performance from a well built and engineered sail. Easy to rig and set, giving it an awesome wind range.
Against: As a user-friendly freeride sail, the O2 can't be faulted.
VerdictOffering easy, enjoyable and versatile performance across an impressive wind range, the O2 is a stunning freeride sail, whose handling nature can be altered according to its set. And at a very competitive price it comes well recommended by us.
