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Please find below test reports of international windsurf magazines about Gun Sails products.
The reports are reproduced in
translated form, click on
"Tests"
for the tests in their original language.New Test Reports on Gun Sails,
Copello boards etc.
(English translations)
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Surf Magazine
(German) |
Surf Magazine is recognised as the most influential
windsurfing magazine in the World and also has the largest circulation in
Europe. |
Planche Mag
(French) |
This is one of the top two French windsurfing magazines and
holds the top place in France along with "Wind" magazine |
Wind Magazine
(French) |
This is one of the top two French windsurfing magazines and
holds the top place in France along with "Planche Mag" |
Boards Magazine
(UK) |
This is recognised as the most influential windsurfing
magazine in the UK and the only UK magazine that accepts advertising and
press releases and undertakes some tests on some Gun windsurfing equipment. |
Windsurf Magazine
(UK) |
Windsurf Magazine have not yet to agreed to let Gun Sails advertise, test our
products or publish press releases within their magazine. |
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Wave
MC
"Surf
Magazine" 1-2/2002 – Wavetest
In
Brief:
One could characterize the Gun Sail
as a good sail for little cost.
Performance:
A good sail for little money - that's how one
could characterize the Gun Sail in few words. The MC gets planning quickly,
reacts well to control input via the boom and falls almost exactly between the
most stable and the most agile of the sails in the group. It is almost symbolic
that it lies in the middle at zero on our "revcounter" which indicates the
hardness of the sail profile. The correct trim is easy to find: the downhaul
never needs to be adjusted, a large range of adjustment is possible using the
outhaul, ranging from full to very flat - to suit your personal taste. The sail
displays a noticeably floppy leech and the battens are straight as arrows - the
best guarantee for being able to turn the power on and off really well. It is
only the subjectively heavy weight of the rig that prevents the Gun sail getting
top marks for handling: otherwise the sail rotates perfectly
Result:
The Gun works equally well in almost all conditions, from flat water to large
waves. The favourable price compensates for the fact that the sail feels
slightly heavier.
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Handling: |
9
of 10 points |
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Wave: |
6
of 6 points |
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Freeride: |
4
of 5 points |
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Freestyle: |
6
of 6 points |
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Manoeuvres: |
5
power < - - > 4 control (out of 5) |
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Overall: |
5
power < - - > 5 control (out of 5) |
Wave
MC 4.7
2003 test in "Surf
Magazine"
Largest windsurfing circulation in Europe
Click on image to enlarge\
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Sideshore: |
9
of 10 points |
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Onshore: |
9
of 10 points |
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Freeride-Wave |
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Control: |
10
of 10 points |
| Handling: |
10
of 10 points |
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Wave MC
Planche Mag Special Test
Similar shape to the Top Wave 2001, the Wave MC has more fullness than the
Impact and still uses heavy duty construction on the body of the sail. We could
not get the 5.3m sail for the test
Power
Powerful for a 5.0m, the Wave MC has more power in light winds than the Impact,
particularly on the backhand. Nippy, accelerations are there, but the sail has a
smooth feeling. We have been quite surprised by the softness of the sail’s shape
and the top leech twist of the sail in gusts. This sail covers more conditions
than the Impact. The medium/heavy sailors who sail on onshore winds, gusty winds
or Bump & Jumps will prefer this sail for its power.
Feelings
A bit more physical than the Impact during the surf, the Wave MC will be better
in messy waves or gusty winds. When the conditions turn to be down the line and
perfect, you just have to put more outhaul tension to obtain a neutral sail in
wave riding. We loved the softness of the sail in gusts and jumps landing where
all the top part of the sail twists.
Conclusion
Powerful but well balanced, the Wave MC is very versatile, ready to sail on
all sea conditions, even light winds because of its power.
Wind strength: between 4 and 6 beaufort
Locations: Le Dossen (Bretany) and Carro (Med)
Board used: between 74L and 88 L.
Waves: between 1 and 2.5 m
Other sails tested:
Arrows: Aerial 5.3
Ezzy:Wave SE 5.2 Gaastra: Grind
5.4 Hi-Tech
Universal Range 5.3
Naish: Force 5.3
Neil Pryde: Search 5.4 North Sails: Triple XXX 5.4
Simmer Onshore 5.3
YES: Wave On 5.3
Tested by Planche Mag Special Test 2002.,
Translation courtesy of Laurent Chadefaux
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Wave
MC
WIND (Sessions Test 02)
Introduction
Replacing the Top Wave, this Wave MC has been designed by R. Morlotti and the
development team to be effective in all wind conditions with the same rig
tension. The aim is a sail to covert all wind strengths into Onshore conditions.
As usual, we find a heavy duty make, heavier than the other sails on its scale,
but there is a lot of x-ply monofilm, a lot of reinforcement, and a well
finished sail where everything has been looked after (Kevlar, protections….). At
least now we even have a pulley! Rigging it on a 4m mast, this 5.0m is easy to
rig with a good downhaul and outhaul tension to get less power.
Sailing
Softer than last year, the sail is easier to handle, gets quicker on the plane
where the sail body seems more dynamic and effective. In saying that, you don’t
have the feeling of a light sail but the accelerations are prompt and very good.
Easy to control in gusts and very stable, this sail is hyper manoeuvrable in
wave sailing where you could forget you have a sail in your hands (requires a
good outhaul tension).
Overall
A sail with a lot of qualities, superbly manufactured, performs superbly on
water, softer and for all conditions
Wind strength: between 10 and 35 knots
Waves between 0 and 3 m all types
Boards used: Tiga Carve 84
Locations: Tarifa (Club Mistral spot, Rio Jara, de Valdevaqueros,
Canos de Meca and Getares)
Other sails tested:
Arrows: Aerial 5.3
Gaastra: Grind 5.4
Hi-Tech: Universal Range 5.3
Hot Sails: Sean Ordonez 5.2
Naish: Force 5.3
Neil Pryde: Search 5.4
Simmer Style: Onshore 5.3
Tribord: W5 5.5
YES: Wave On 5.3
Tested by "Wind Magazine" Special Test 2002
Translation courtesy of Laurent Chadefaux
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Impact
Wave 4.7
2003 test in "Surf
Magazine"
Largest windsurfing circulation in Europe
Click on image to enlarge
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Sideshore: |
8
of 10 points |
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Onshore: |
10
of 10 points |
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Freeride-Wave |
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Control: |
9
of
10 points |
| Handling: |
9
of 10 points |
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Impact Wave
WIND (Sessions Test 02)
Power
The Impact Wave 2002 replaces the Impact Wave 2001! The objective for this new IW
is to be lighter still with a full x-ply construction. The result is there,
with a very heavy-duty sail, plenty of reinforcements, but still heavier than
the other sails. A superbly manufactured finish, even with a triple pulley,
which allows you to give a good and easy downhaul tension. An important luff
with some fullness in lower parts of the sail and an important leech twist.
Feelings
Powerful, but does not pull out your arms, you don’t feel the heavy weight of
the sail and you get to plane quickly. Energetic accelerations with a top end
speed, the sail is also very stable and soft in gusts and the twist works
superbly. During jumps you don’t feel the sail. Neutral and well balanced where
during the surf you could push your ride and turns so well that you almost
forget you have a sail in your hands.
Conclusion
Heavy duty manufactured, a delightful sail to ride when it has been
correctly rigged (very strong downhaul tension), this Impact Wave 2002 model has
more than one quality. The only problem is that you may not find it in all surf
shops and you will have to mail order it..
Wind strength: between 20 and 40 knots
Board used: two AHD Maui Force 8.3 and two Tiga Carve 84
Waves: up to 1.5 m, heavy chop
Locations: Tarifa (Valdevaqueros, Bolona, canos de la Meca)
Other sails tested: Aerotech: Charge 4.75, Arrows: Impact 4.7, Ezzy Sails: Wave
SE 4.7
Gaastra: Manic 4.7 Naish: Session 4.6, Neil Pryde: Core 4.7 North Sails: DRx 4.7,
Simmer: W/ comp 4.7, Space Dog: Doggystyle 4.7
Tested by "Wind Magazine" Special Test 2002
Translation courtesy of Laurent Chadefaux
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Impact
Wave 2002
Planche Mag (Special Test 2002)
Tested only in 4.7 (could not get the 5.0) the new Impact Wave is a flat and
heavy-duty sail
with a lot of x-ply monofilm.
Power
Flat profile, the Impact Wave is not a powerful sail; you need wind to get to
plane. The sail is well balanced and you can hold it very well in strong winds.
The sail is very comfortable and does not strip off your arms.
Feelings
Flat in profile and less powerful than the Wave MC, the Impact is very smooth to
handle with a very easy rotation of the battens. Even if that sail is not the
lightest sail on the market, it will never de-stabilise you on your sailing. You
find during the surf that the profile is very neutral as soon you release the
pressure on the backhand. Her soft profile, plus elastic feeling, stops you
becoming over powered on the top of the wave during your surf. You find the same
softness during the landing of jumps where the top leech twists to evacuate the
extra air. The sail is very easy to rig; you don’t need a lot of downhaul.
Conclusion
Forgiving, flexible, soft, the impact is for light/ medium weight sailors in
side shore and windy conditions.
Wind strength: between 5 and 8 beaufort Waves: between 1 and 2.5 m
Board used: between 74L and 85 L. Locations: Le Dossen (Bretany) and Carro (Med)
Other sails tested:, Aerotech: Charge 5.0, Arrows: Impact 5.0' Gaastra: Manic
5.0,
Naish: Outlaw 5.0 Naish: Session 5.0, Neil Pryde: Core 5.0, Neil Pryde:
Zone 5.0
North: Voodoo 5.0,
North: DRx 5.0, Tribord: W5 5.0
(Decathlon)
Tested by Planche Mag Special Test 2002.,
Translation courtesy of Laurent Chadefaux
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Groove
2002
"Surf
Magazine" 4/2002 – Freemovesegel
Gun Sails Groove 5.8
Soft and positive just like a light wind
wave sail. We liked, the successful compromise of a
Freemove sail and Freestyle Wave and Freeride. The Groove is without weaknesses in all 3
categories. The Groove is very good in manoeuvres and is
powerful. The profile very flat without wind in sail,
this is very good for on/off power like a wave sail, and it reacts well to
every steering impulse. Only a very sensitive person will be notice
the weight of the sail. The exact trim is easy to find. There is
only one position of
downhaul.
The trim can be regulate with outhaul
alone.
Overall: A Very comfortable
sail, soft and has enough power, good for a whole range of conditions.
This
translation is from a test, published in the German SURF magazine 04/2002
Translation courtesy of Kristof Radowski
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Groove
2002
WIND (Sessions Test 02)
Introduction
Against stark competition last year, the 2002 Groove changed particularly on the
body panels. Built with quality products, with good protection where it is
needed, with also the use of thinner monofilm where there are no risks to gain
in weight. The profile now includes two carbon battens for better stability.
Still no pulley.
Sailing
The body sail is very rigid, where it is difficult to feel the sail in light
winds. The pumping needs to be energetic to get any reaction except with
negative outhaul tension. To get to plane is not that great, but the sail is
only a 5.8 in this test, but as soon the wind is strong enough you get instant
acceleration. In over power sailing this sail is the best where the profile is
always stable. Very comfortable and easy to handle, which allows you to push the
sail to its maximum speed. Very neutral in manoeuvrability, with a soft rotation
which pushes you to play in waves due to its heavy-duty construction. Bear in
mind you have two fragile carbon battens.
Overall
A very versatile sail, which has more than one trick: heavy duty construction,
stable, fast and manoeuvrable
Wind strength: between 5 and 30 knots (Levante)
Conditions between 5 and 30 knots (Levante; gusty)
Boards used: 2 x Naish Flyng Pig, 2 x JP Freestyle Wave 86
Locations: Tarifa (Valdevaqueros and Mistral Club)
Other sails tested:
Aerotech: Air 5.8 Arrows: Crazy 6.2 Gaastra: Pulse 6.3
Naish: Edge 6.0 Neil Pryde: Expression 6.2
Tested by "Wind Magazine" Special Test 2002
Translation courtesy of Laurent Chadefaux
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Groove
2002
Planche Mag (Special Test 2002)
With more X-ply monofilm than the other sails, the new Groove has a long boom
with a shape between wave and free-ride sails. The equipment is very good.
Power/ Performance
One of the most powerful sails, the Gun is also solid. Very nippy and direct
which transform every breeze into acceleration, including a good power in the
back hand. You should ensure putting more outhaul and downhaul tension to gain
more softness. It is more a sail for medium/ heavy sailors, which is very stable
with a central curve.
This sail covers all sailing conditions with a lot of performance with a fine
profile, which lifts up the board.
Feelings/ Manoeuvrability
The groove feels quite heavy and more physical than the other sails. The batten
rotation is very soft and the sail is very neutral during the surf if you had
cut the back hand boom tension (therefore, better to flatten the sail). You
could use that sail easily in onshore, side shore winds. It is also a very good
sail in Freestyle for heavy sailors
Conclusion
Explosive sail, which covers all sea conditions, very fast (superb for
blasting), which could turn to be very neutral in wave sailing
Wind strength: between 4 and 6 beaufort
Waves: 1 m, flat and choppy water
Board used: between 90 and 115 L (freemove style). Locations: Le Dossen (Bretany) and Carro (Med)
Other sails tested: Aerotech: Air 5.8 Arrows: Trixx 5.6, Bic Sport: Evolution
5.6,
Gaastra: Pulse 5.7 Naish: Edge 5.6 Pryde: Expression 5.7, North Sails: Disco 5.9
Rushwind: Vulcan 5.8, Simmer: Free Zone 5.7, YES: Move 5.
Tested by Planche Mag Special Test 2002.,
Translation courtesy of Laurent Chadefaux
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Mission
2002
"Surf
Magazine" 4/2002 – Freeracesegel
Gun Sail Mission 7.5
This no-camber sail has enough power and with a flat trim (for strong wind)
seems to be very light and direct.
The leech touches the boom, so there is sail flutter, nevertheless with strong
wind sailing the Mission sails amazing close to wind, with a high speed.
With the sail trimmed for low wind, you have a little more power but the sail
seems to be little heavier without so much downhaul, not direct and difficult to
control.
This translation is from a test, published in the German SURF magazine 04/2002
Translation courtesy of Kristof Radowski |
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Mission
2002
WIND (Sessions Test 02)
Introduction
The new Mission replaces the Freerace. The development team asked Renato
Morlotti to design a fine, lighter sail with a better high wind performance. The
result is a progressive fullness with a lot of twist topped by a short batten
called “Lightwing”. The quality of the sail is good, but the pulley is missing.
In saying that, the downhaul and outhaul tensions are quite easy despite the
luff at 4m90. After giving a good loose upper leech (Gun had to lose FRED on the
sail because of the North justice court case), you will decide how much power
you want regarding the outhaul tension you will put.
Sailing
The sail feels light, but at the same time powerful, quick to get to plane. A
nippy sail in light winds, easy to sail, prompt in accelerations. The top end
speed is good, on the upwind you lock the sail and in blasting the performance
is superb. Surprisingly, the handling in high winds is very good, the sail is
very stable in gusts (we just feel frustrated after a while with the noise of
the flapping leech!). The manoeuvrability is correct and the batten’s rotation
fine, with a good overall sail balance.
Overall
Superb sail which perform in all conditions, light or strong winds which could
be soften by the use of a shorter mast like 4.60m only.
Wind strength: between 5 and 30 knots (Levante) Conditions Flat
and choppy water and small waves on the shore
Boards used: Tiga Free Move 269. Locations: Tarifa (Valdevaqueros and Mistral
Club)
Other sails tested: Gaastra: GTR 7.5, Neil Pryde: Diablo 7. North Sails: Transam
7.3
Sioux Sails: Cheyenne 7.7
Tested by "Wind Magazine" Special Test 2002
Translation courtesy of Laurent Chadefaux
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Mission
2002
Planche Mag (Special Test 2002)
A race sail copy without the cams, the Mission has an important luff, eight
battens with a lot of fullness in the centre of the sail.
Power/ Performance
The Gun is very powerful sail in light wind; with instant accelerations. The
sail feels less stiff than the other sails, very well balanced and precise. On
the harness you lock the sail on the deck of the board with the power on the
back hand, which is useful for the upwind and accelerations. Performs very well
in all conditions (upwind, down the wind, or blasting). In that test, it is the
closest sail to a race shape by its profile stability and accelerations: the
profile is very twisty on top leech and lift up the board. If you compare it
with the Raptor, the Mission will lack in upwind conditions and high winds
Feelings/ Manoeuvrability
The profile is very good and the sail is very effective in gybes, lighter than
the Raptor. Saying that you still have 8 battens, which you feel heavy in you
arms
Conclusion
A sail with very good all round performance designed for competitive sailors. It
is very easy to find the correct downhaul and outhaul, which extend its wind
range: could be powerful in light wind or neutral in strong winds.
Wind strength: between 4 and 5 beaufort
Conditions Flat and choppy water
Board used: between 120 and 150 L (freeride style). Locations: l’Almanare (Med)
Other sails tested: Arrows: Burner 7.4, Gaastra: GTR 7.5 Naish: Evolution 7.6,
Neil Pryde: Diablo 7.4 Simmer Style: Zero, Seven 7.6
Tested by Planche Mag Special Test 2002.,
Translation courtesy of Laurent Chadefaux
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Raptor 2002
WIND (Sessions Test 02) 7.5
Introduction
The Raptor replaces the X-Race and it is not the Gun sails’ race foil, which is
the M-seven. The top part has changed with smaller and softer battens to gain in
weight and reactivity.
The sails’ shape is nice, with fullness in the lower part and a progressive
loose leech. The construction is clean, with high quality products and good
protections but still lacking for a real triple pulley. The rigging is easy
despite the 4.90m mast and no pulley
Sailing
Quite easy and lighter than the X-Race, this Raptor deliver good power and get
to plane easily after some pumping even in light winds. In blasting, the
acceleration is progressive. In sailing upwind, the performance is very good
with also a good top end speed due its stable and lock profile in the lower body
part of the sail. Always fast, the sail negotiates gusts easily and smoothly due
to an excellent twist (like on the Mission, the leech makes a lot of noise).
During gybes the profile rotation is okay, but the cam under the boom seems to
block.
Overall
Ambitious and effective sail in all winds, fast with a very stable ride in over
power conditions.
Wind strength: between 5 and 30 knots (Levante)
Conditoions Flat and choppy water and small waves on the shore
Board used: Tiga Free Move 269.
Locations: Tarifa (Valdevaqueros and Mistral Club)
Other sails tested: Arrows: Dragster 7.5, Gaastra: GTX 7.5 Neil Pryde: V8 Street
Racer 7.4
North Sails: Match Race 7.8 ,
Tested by "Wind Magazine" Special Test 2002
Translation courtesy of Laurent Chadefaux
Raptor 2002
"Surf
Magazine" (Sessions Test 02)
Raptor 7.5
A very, very powerful sail, in low wind and accelerates so that even a heavy
person reaches top speed quickly, but you need strong arms.
You can take the sail to right angles to the wind in overpowering condition and
it remains neutral and easy to control. During the gybe, it rotates very softly
and gentle, not too fast
Best feature: The one trim position for different wind condition.
Overall: Very, very good sail, especially for heavy surfers
This translation is from a test, published in the German SURF magazine 04/2002
Translation courtesy of Kristof Radowski
Raptor 2002
Planche Mag (Special Test 2002.)
Replacing the X-Race the Raptor, with its 8 battens and 3cams is the closest
to the race sail in Gun. The body curve is central under the boom
Power/Performance
It is the most powerful sail in the test for light winds to get planing, and the
most effective in pumping. The sail suffers from its weight; light sailors will
find it difficult to handle its power. The sail is perfect for formula type
boards used by medium/ heavy sailors in light winds. Performs superbly in light
winds, you lock the sail on the deck of the board and you go. You must ensure
putting a lot of downhaul to get a loose leech (more than the other sails in
this test) and the flat profile to avoid too much power. In upwind and blasting
sailing you are very stable, but the sail is still more physical than the other
sails. You do not need to sail over-powered.
Feelings/ Manoeuvrability
The Raptor has the best profile rotation with smooth cams. Its weight and
fullness make the sail difficult to handle in gybes and you need strong arms to
manoeuvre it.
Conclusion
A race type sail, ideal for heavy/medium weight windsurfers sailing on formula
board type in light winds.
Wind strength: between 4 and 5 beaufort Conditions Flat and choppy water
Board used: between 150 and 170 L (freeride style). Locations: l’Almanare (Med)
Other sails tested:, Aerotech: Free Race 8.5, Arrows: Dragster 8.6 Gaastra: GTX
8.5,
Neil Pryde: V8 8.4 North, Sails: Match Race 8.8, Tribord: RC5
8,0 (Decathlon)
Tested by Planche Mag Special Test 2002.,
Translation courtesy of Laurent Chadefaux
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Helix 125
Planche Mag (Special Test 2002) – Freeride-Boards
Length 263cm - Width 66cm - Volume 125L - Weight 7.5kg - Sail Sizes 5.5 - 8.5
The shape of the board is conventional (looks good), with thin rails and an
overall constant rocker with a very little flat section.
Construction
Carbon Double Sandwich Technology
Accessibility
With an even volume distribution, the Helix feels good, is quick to plane and
stable. In choppy water and high wind the board is comfortable, smooth and
controllable. It sails best with pressure on the fin.
Manoeuvrability
With thinner rails than the other boards, the Helix is responsive, which enables
you to execute powerful gybes in bouncy conditions.
Performance
The Sailboard gets on to plane and reaches maximum top end speed quickly, but
also progressively. A very easy board, which you could push to the maximum
easily. Prefers blasting to up wind sailing, which gives a lot of sensation, is
flat on water and has a good top end speed. One of the fastest boards. It still
remains easy to handle with a soft feeling
Conclusion
A Freeride-Slalom board, both very fast and extremely easy to sail, which allows
you to attack gybes. A nice board.
Wind strength: between 4 and 5 beaufort Conditions: Choppy-flat
Sails used: between 6.8 and 7.5 m Locations: L’Almanare (Med)
Other boards tested:
Airinside: Airride 130, Bic: Techno E-large Exocet:Speed Slider 67, Fanatic:
X-Ray 130
Mistral: Radar 125, Naish: Titan Medium
Tested by Planche Mag Special Test 2002.,
Translation courtesy of Laurent Chadefaux
Helix 125
"Surf
Magazine" 5/2002 – Freeride-Boards
The Helix 125 wins again in the German " Surf " magazine,
The most influential windsurfing magazine in Europe
The scores on the doors from " SURF " magazine:
| 9 of 10 |
Early planing |
| 9 of 10 |
Control at high wind |
| 9 of 10 |
Go upwind |
| 9 of 10 |
Planing through lulls |
| 10 of 10 |
Speed |
| 8 of 10 |
Freeride Surfing |
| 7 of 10 |
Slow Jibing |
| 9 of 10 |
Tight jibes |
| 10 of 10 |
Carving jibes |
| 8 of 10 |
Manoeuvrability |
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Krypton
Planche Mag (Special Test 2002). – Wave-Boards
Length 245cm - Width 53cm - Volume 80L - Weight 6.4kg - Sail Sizes 3.7 - 5.7
One of the smallest of the test, the Krypton is a very short board (2.45m). The
bottom shape of the board is flat with important double concave with a lot of
nose rocker.
Construction
Carbon Double Sandwich Technology
Accessibility
Short, the Krypton is a very easy board to sail on because of the volume
distribution. It is not the fastest to get on to plane, nor the snappiest board
but it is very comfortable. This board is very soft, like if you were sailing on
air, cushioned with a good high wind control and an extremely smooth ride on
choppy water. This G Sailboard is one of the easiest and most comfortable boards
to sail in gale force winds.
Waveriding
Very smooth, precise in wave sailing, where you have to put little pressure on
that leeward rail to carve off. Very effective in engaged bottom turns
(rollers), the board goes up to the face of the wave and really pivots on the
spot. A very good wave board, for which the bigger the wave the better. This is
the case in rough and difficult sea conditions where this board makes the
difference. The board absorbs everything and you don’t have to fight to control
it. It is a “universal” board for light/medium weight sailors that excels in
side shore/down the line conditions.
Conclusion
A very good wave board, which is seductive by its overall comfort, soft handling
in choppy water. The board allows precise and effective wave riding, and is very
tolerant.
Wind strength: between 5 and 8 beaufort Waves: between 1 and 2.5 m
Sails used: between 4 and 5.3 m Locations: Le Dossen (Bretany) and Carro (Med)
Other boards tested: AHD:Power wave 254, Mistral: Razor 8’3, Naish: Wave Quest 248
Bic: KP. Replica 8’3, Drops: Marker 8’3
F2: MP wave 8’2
Fanatic: Rip 52, JP Australia: Wave 78
Tested by Planche Mag Special Test 2002.,
Translation courtesy of Laurent Chadefaux |
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Fire
Reviews in German
2003
test in "Surf
Magazine"
Largest windsurfing circulation in Europe March 2003 - Test Waveboards
75 litres
Construction
Carbon Double Sandwich Technology
Marco Copello makes an impressive return to the [German] market after years of
absence with the "Fire" from the new G-Sailboards range of boards - made by Gun
Sails. The board requires a little more sail pressure to get out through
breaking waves, but makes up for it by accelerating all the more quickly down
waves. It is agile and lively turning on the edge and changes direction
instantly on the lip of the wave. The board feels much like the Bic Taboo
[overall the best all-round board], although it is a little more wobbly and not
as strong on the plane. The attractively priced board has hardly any weaknesses
on the water. Furthermore the G-Sailboards Fire should appeal to most sailing
styles by responding to both pressure on the back foot and carving the rails.
Conclusion:
An attractive offering from the mail order company, which isn't far behind the
best all round boards on test.
Application Range:
Wave: 5/5 (average mark 5) Flat water: 4/5 (average
mark 4.4)
Pure Waveriding:
Waveriding front foot: 9/10 (average mark 9.1)
Waveriding back foot: 9/10 (average mark 8.3)
Baltic waverider (conditions as on the south coast)
Typically with waves up to 1.5m and side-onshore wind) Waveriding
back foot: 9/10 (average mark 8.3)
Planning: 9/10 (average mark 7.9)
Freeride Wave:
Planning: 8/10 (average mark 7.9)
Easy surfing on the wave: 9/10 (average mark 8.7)
Tight gybes: 9/10 (average mark 9.1)
Carve gybes: 8/10 (average mark 7.5)
Suitability flat water/high wind: 9/10 (average mark 8.6) |
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Freeride Boom
Reviewed in UK Boards Magazine
March 2003 (Boom Megatest)
Gun Freeride, Size: 165-215cm, Price: £84
Construction: Aluminium
The
Gun Freeride boom has a Prydestyle clamp where a split, curved plastic collar is
pushed around the mast. Most people liked it but it needs a certain technique
and is tricky to put on until you know the knack (See the Pryde write-up for the
full story on this). The plastic used appears to be slightly less malleable than
the Pryde. The textured grip was universally liked,
as was the loop loop go back end.
The adjustment is OK but not exceptional and the pin locks were a little on the
flimsy side. Nevertheless, the Gun boom comes with
much the same features as the more expensive booms on test. It works well,
feeling solid and reliable in use, (see Note) and it scores OK in our stiffness test.
Overall
We’d certainly recommend it as a great value for money boom at almost half the
price of some others on test.Also Available:
Freeride 14-190 £83, 190-240 £87
Race 170-220 £93, 200-250 £95, 250-300 £97
Wave 140-190 £87, 150-200 £89
Carbon booms available soon, prices from £223
Notes
Our boom has the highest wall thickness listed on the test at 1.75mm |
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