LOFTSAILS SWITCHBLADE HD 7.8M TEST REVIEW 2024

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LOFTSAILS SWITCHBLADE HD 7.8M TEST REVIEW 2024

The Verdict

A champion in terms of stability, the Switchblade is dependable, working with you to squeeze out every extra knot of speed as its efficient design becomes an almost automatic power horse – allowing you to enjoy its user-friendly performance which always has stability and the rider at the forefront of its mind.

The Lowdown

Immediately feeling well-made and robust, the Switchblade screams stability with the use of X-Ply throughout, where varying thicknesses are employed to match areas of high load and stress. Downhauling requires minimal effort, and similar ease is experienced when rigging the rest of the Switchblade with the cams slotting in nicely once a little downhaul has been released. Fine-tuning the Switchblade is made possible with the tack strap, tuning diamond guides, and two clew eyelets, which are positioned above and below the second batten from the bottom, aiding both its low-end and top-end ability. Rigged and stepping back to look at the Switchblade as a whole, its 7-batten and 3-cam outline display quite a taut appearance, which again suggests ultimate stability. The depth in the Switchblade doesn’t seem to be concentrated upfront; instead, it appears to be spread relatively evenly throughout its width and extends down into the foot, which is more angular and carries a little more real estate than others on test. Shades of orange and black detailing encompass the Switchblade, while there is a large, well-placed window which offers great visibility. At first glance, the Switchblade looks fast, well-made, and super stable.

Brand Claim

“Adopting the performance-based Racingblade design into a more approachable freerace 3-cam profile, the Switchblade is a fast-paced sail with relentless acceleration and a massive tuning range.”

Performance

Like a firm handshake, the Switchblade provides the rider with stable, firm power to use and direct. Powering up, you immediately notice how stable the Switchblade is; it holds itself and manages the power while you work your way into the straps. Once positioned in the straps and committed to the harness with the rig back and down, the Switchblade is light in the hands and it accelerates extremely efficiently. The faster you go, the better the Switchblade feels, and the good news is that speed goes hand in hand with the Switchblade. Throughout riding, the Switchblade works for you, opening and closing its leech naturally to suit conditions. It automatically turns gusts into a surge of speed and pulls you through lulls with the slightest of adjustments to your sailing line. The Switchblade is an efficient engine, and with all that taken into consideration, you are encouraged to keep pushing yourself and the Switchblade to unlock impressive freerace performance. Meanwhile, top-end control, and the Switchblade’s wind range, are increased with the clew eyelet and a little extra downhaul beyond the trimming guide, but only slightly more than suggested. In the low end, the Switchblade pumps well as its leech and luff curve spring back and work with you rather than against you. Through gybes, the Switchblade’s evenly distributed depth allows you to slice and move the rig to suit the rider, while the cams rotate smoothly – they don’t pull you in or out aggressively – instead they put you in control throughout the gybe, allowing you to concentrate on the board and the radius of your gybe. Pushing your Freeracing performance, the Switchblade is your stable and efficient teammate to help carry you there.