8M MULTI CAM SAIL TEST 2024
8M MULTI CAM SAIL TEST 2024
8M MULTI CAM SAIL TEST 2024
BUSTING MYTHS ABOUT MODERN CAM SAILS
With a reputation of being somewhat cumbersome, our Test Editor sets about busting some of the myths associated with modern cam sails, while highlighting their cutting-edge performance, which make them a must for any flatwater quiver.
TEST EDITOR: JAMES HARDY // PHOTOS: OTC // LOCATION: HAYLING ISLAND & PORTLAND HARBOUR
OVERVIEW
Big cambered sails always tend to split opinion in the general windsurfing community you see at the local flatwater spot. Why? Well, you mention the word cams and I can guarantee almost immediate thoughts of heavy, difficult to rig, too performance-oriented and the cams are just too difficult to rotate, all spring into people’s minds and is quickly written across their faces. Well, this test definitely squashes some of those myths and facts that have unfortunately been passed on through generations of windsurfers.
Personally, I have never been a big user of cambered rigs, and I was neither here nor there when it came to starting this test category. However, just like the 120L freeride board test a few issues back, I have gained an appreciation for what the cambered rig has to offer, which has 100% sparked up my interest again.
The sails within the category deliver the whole spectrum when it comes to what a cambered sail has to offer the rider – from super easy rigging and accessible performance that comes with a 2 cam rig, all the way up to 4 cams, which offer top performance, while allowing you to nudge yourself into as much performance as you desire. This category has something that will either interest, or at least leave you wondering why you haven’t added a cambered rig to your flatwater blasting quiver yet.
What was present across the board of all the rigs is the weight – all the rigs shared a nice weight to them, of course some were noticeably lighter than others, but generally when picking up the rigs, at no point did the thought or feeling of “this is a bit heavy” spring to mind or left our lips. The rigging is also easier than ever, the two cammed sails in the category were exceptionally simple to rig, even the more performance orientated 4 cammed sails had a simplicity to them when it comes to rigging. If you don’t believe me, go and learn how to rig one, it’s really not as long winded or arduous as you may believe, and if it’s going to allow you to access a whole new level of performance and enjoyment when it comes to your riding then surely, it’s worth it.
Predominantly tested in what I would describe as champagne conditions on Hayling island – low tide and sunshine accompanied by a cross-off northwesterly wind, with flatwater and a noticeable range between the gusts and lulls which comes with this wind direction. What was surprising on the days testing was that there were no other windsurfers out, instead there was a lot of wingers that would occasionally run into the sand bar, but I knew that I was the one having the most fun on the water – blasting back and forth at speed.
So, let’s get to it!
First up in the lineup we have the ultra-usable and comfortable GUNSAILS SPECTRO, feeling like a conventional rotational sail, but with the added benefits of twin-cam stability, a simmering power delivery and a decent low end. Moving over to the Goya Mark 2, which hits with obvious bold power at the low end that delivers quick acceleration together with fast and easy rigging. Sticking with the easy to find power and exceptional low end we have the Duotone S-Pace, which provides power on tap that requires a little tuning attention at the top end of its wind range. Handling like a freeride sail, the PATRIK GT3 FRC relishes a little more active input to really let its personality shine with good speed, quick acceleration and stability at the top end. Sticking with stability the Loftsails Switchblade is a real champion here allowing you to access performance easily as the Switchblade works for you through the gusts and lulls. Moving into the last two in the category, and towards the more performance end of the spectrum, the North Freerace will take your blasting up a notch, remaining stable, rapid and making gybes effortless. Lastly in the category we have the Severne Mach 7 – which is a total engine that desires its character to be matched in order to reap the rewards of lightning quick acceleration, superior upper end stability and speeds that will always impress.
THE LINEUP
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