LOFTSAILS WAVESCAPE 5.0 2021 TEST REVIEW
LOFTSAILS WAVESCAPE 5.0 2021 TEST REVIEW
LOFTSAILS WAVESCAPE 5.0 2021 TEST REVIEW
VERDICT
A smooth operator, easy handling and a neutral feel that helps you make the best out of every wave. A light handling sail rather than a powerful brute, that continues its controlled character even in the most challenging conditions.
THE LOWDOWN
The Wavescape has seen a redesign for 2021 and is positioned in their range as the 4 batten “manoeuvre wave” sail, alongside the predominantly 5 batten Purelip “hardcore wave” sail. The aspect ratio of the sail has been changed towards a more high aspect shape, with a reduction in boom length of around 4 cm. To build on this move and to make the sail feel more compact, the head width has also been reduced compared to the 2020 version. The Wavescape features a Dacron luff panel to soften up the feel of the sail, and also aid a lighter handling feel. It comes in a full X-ply construction and the clear X-ply window continues above batten three, almost up to the second batten for maximum visibility of the lip in turns. The Wavescape’s window is dissected by two radials emanating from the clew across the window to the Dacron luff panel and upper body X-ply. In terms of features and construction, Loftsails have done away with the head plug finish, instead going for a closed sleeve top, except on the 4.0 and down that maintain a vario top. Foot, leech and luff areas are triple reinforced, and there is a fully opening tack fairing to allow full access to the extension when rigging. The Wavescape is almost unique in the fact that is compatible with both RDM and SDM masts across all sizes. There are two colourways, Fuchsia and Green, with sizes from 3.7 up to 6.2 all maintaining 4 battens.
BRAND CLAIM
“The Wavescape 2021 is the ultimate Loftsails design for wave mobility and expression. For the wave rider, this specialized design is freedom.”
PERFORMANCE
Rigged on the Loftsails team edition 400 mast, the Wavescape sets with positive rotation on the bottom two battens and relatively flat profile until the Dacron luff panel starts to be engaged. Whilst tweaking the tuning of the Wavescape does enhance its lower end, this is by no means a powerful brute, but much more a precise handling tool. The power delivery is smooth and feels incredibly light in the hands, maintaining shape through lulls but is incredibly well behaved in gusts. It has a very neutral feel, never becoming back handed. In jumps and rotations, it’s very easy to handle the rig and pull the power on when needed, rather than getting flung uncontrollably into moves. On the wave it gives you everything you need to drive through the turn, giving one of the best surf style feelings, staying neutral and light in the hands, allowing you to get on with the task of driving the board. The light and compact handling make the transition from bottom to top turn easy and as long as you were powered enough, it worked well through the range of conditions from onshore through to side-shore. We used both clew eyelets and whilst the sail felt controlled on both, the bottom eyelet certainly gave this sail a top end that few others possessed, allowing you not just to hang on, but to continue to enjoy your session when many others would have headed in.
Vital stats
Size: 5.0
Luff: 408 cm.
Boom: 166 cm.
Battens: 4
Ideal mast: Loftsails Team Edition 400 RDM/SDM.
Sizes: 3.7, 4.0, 4.2, 4.5, 4.7, 5.0, 5.4, 5.7, 6.2.
Price: £669
LOFTSAILS WAVESCAPE 5.0 2021 TEST REVIEW
Other sails in this test:
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