I recently tried a 5.3 Blade pro and was so stoked at how it felt that after weeks of deliberation I've just bought a 5.7 Blade pro, took it out today in some light winds I couldn't get the smile of my face. A couple of easy pumps and bang I was up on the plane, planes earlier than my standard 5.7 blade when the wind came in a bit I could really feel the sails smooth instant pull, my standard 5.7 has a more gradual pull. This sail feels like the sail almost isn't there, as in there's no rapid movements or noises of the sail eg leech movement or noise, it's just so smooth and quiet and very balanced, it gybes nicely, in the batten rotation during the gybes there was no forceful movement during the sails rotation just smooth and quiet and then rapid acceleration. Top end speed feels the same as my standard blade. The best way to describe it on a wave is its like I'm holding onto my standard Blade 5.3 yet it a 5.7 it just feels easier to hold onto and move around. My only concern is I'm not sure how durable its going to be if myself, harness hook, another board, rocks or reef impact with this sail (they're going to damage any sail I just think less force will be required) This would have to be the nicest feeling sail I've ever used in 30 years of windsurfing! Well done Ben.
If anyone's interested in my standard 2016 Blade its up for sale on seabreeze.
Select to expand quoteR1DER said...
during the sails rotation just smooth and quiet
I'd like to retract this statement cause when I was sailing it very baggy with little outhaul it made the usual loud noise when the sail rotated in the gybe, as to be expected when forcing the battens around the mast.
