Select to expand quoteGwarn said..mark62 said..
I think that 200 sessions a year is very selfish, you can redeem your selfish ways by sending some of that wind over to the UK. I'm lucky if I get 40/50 sessions each year :)
Sorry I don't think so I've cut the chains of capitalism and set my soul free of punching the clock and paying tax... duzzi said..Imax1 said..
Were talking 200 sessions on the one sail , not a mixture .
Where do you get 200 from? Read what Gwarn said: the sail broke at the 109th session. It is a sample of one, but there are plenty sails that last way more than that without needing a trip to a sailmaker. Some are immortal, like the Hot Sail Maui dacron freaks.
Given the flexibility of the technology North could probably make the sail bulletproof, but it looks like it decided to go uber-light and it is not surprising that the sail falls a part. Weight is the major advertisement appeal of these sails. Really, why would you spend at least fifty % more than anything else on the market if not to save a few hundreds grams?
BTW: they are sticking with the posted weight for the Freerace sail, somebody e-mailed back from North claiming that the 8.6 is indeed 2.3 Kg. I still think it is absurd claim... but I am sure that claiming the absurd will sell a few more of those $1250-1600 jewels!
Yes they could make it bulletproof. But it looks like they would rather use hype marketing to sell sail in the short term and not worry about the long term sales. I feel they are banking on that most people will use it a handful of time per year.ptsf1111 said..
Hmm idk, my sails last longer than 200 sessions for sure and when I replace them I can still pass them on as they are still sailable. Also, this is at 120 sessions so about half of 200.
Gwarn, how many sessions do you normally get out of your sails?
I can get up to 300 easy on my Ezzy Taka Sails (15 years on Ezzys).
I heard back from north in a email about the warranty and was told that they have no control over it and I need to contact the store that I bought it from. The store is only open on the weekends and is over two toll bridges and 50 miles away. So I'll just take to my local sailmaker down the coast in Davenport, Calf.
Basically They Kicked The Can Down The Road.
I'll have it fixed and then use it up and not look back.
North windsurfing is now dead to me.
RIP North Windsurfing.......................
Don't you guys have the lemon law over there?
"I heard back from north in a email about the warranty and was told that they have no control over it"
That sounds like bull s** to me. They do have all the control over it given they set the warranty policy. The store is just the point of contact for the end user and it's normal for claims to go through the store but it's not a promising or customer friendly response.
Have you contacted the North Australia Rep, he's on here and was constantly going on about the launch date in a forum.
Think his name is 40frothyknots or something like that.
Keep everyone updated as to his response, if this gets coverage it will either show them as a good customer/ dealer or not.
Thinking of getting a cross over sail and I knew from the first time that their batten ends looked fairly weak but before doing so I will wait and see what happens with you. customer support is soo important to everyone.
Select to expand quoteGwarn said..
I heard back from north in a email about the warranty and was told that they have no control over it and I need to contact the store that I bought it from. The store is only open on the weekends and is over two toll bridges and 50 miles away. So I'll just take to my local sailmaker down the coast in Davenport, Calf.
Basically They Kicked The Can Down The Road.
I dont know about where you live, but in the UK consumer laws state the contract & contact is with the shop you bought it from. The shop will then forward the warranty claim to North. Have you tried contacting the shop? Send them photos? I bought a board in France and did a warranty claim by sending them a video, which the shop forward to the brand, who forwarded it Cobra. The claim was successful.
Select to expand quotePhilUK said..Gwarn said..
I heard back from north in a email about the warranty and was told that they have no control over it and I need to contact the store that I bought it from. The store is only open on the weekends and is over two toll bridges and 50 miles away. So I'll just take to my local sailmaker down the coast in Davenport, Calf.
Basically They Kicked The Can Down The Road.
I dont know about where you live, but in the UK consumer laws state the contract & contact is with the shop you bought it from. The shop will then forward the warranty claim to North. Have you tried contacting the shop? Send them photos? I bought a board in France and did a warranty claim by sending them a video, which the shop forward to the brand, who forwarded it Cobra. The claim was successful.
That was my experience with the only warranty claim I ever filed. With Starboard, it went through the shop (Isthmus windsurf, in the USA). It was actually enough to send photos of the problem, so John, you might be able to do the same. BTW I continued my e-mail exchange with North about the weight of the Free Race sails (the eye watering 2.3 Kg for a 8.6!!!) and they realized they are incorrect. They say that they will post the correct ones (?) soon.
Yes I've emailed my local shop but they're only open on the weekends.
I'm sure something will be worked out.
Even if they give me a new one the same thing is going to happen.
This sail didn't even make it one full year for me warranty or not this is not acceptable in my world.
As I stated before this was a test to see if this sail would work for my style of riding and yes I do like it very much but I feel the quality of the finish work is not built tough for the long haul it's built to be light.
Yes I got sucked into the marketing hype of light and strong. Yes the membrane is strong and light but the hand\finish work is light and not strong.
It was fun while it lasted but I'm moving on to my next test sail. Goya fringe X which should be here in a day or so.
If the warranty is 2 years they must fix or replace for 2 years . If that means you get 3 sails to last you 2 years , so be it . That's what your paying for .
Select to expand quoteGwarn said..
Yes I've emailed my local shop but they're only open on the weekends.
I'm sure something will be worked out.
Even if they give me a new one the same thing is going to happen.
This sail didn't even make it one full year for me warranty or not this is not acceptable in my world.
As I stated before this was a test to see if this sail would work for my style of riding and yes I do like it very much but I feel the quality of the finish work is not built tough for the long haul it's built to be light.
Yes I got sucked into the marketing hype of light and strong. Yes the membrane is strong and light but the hand\finish work is light and not strong.
It was fun while it lasted but I'm moving on to my next test sail. Goya fringe X which should be here in a day or so.
Do the windsurfing community a favor and force this issue with the shop and North, we all want to see what their support is like. To me this should have been an immediate fix or replace - I'd be pushing for replacement, its failed under normal use
Select to expand quotecald said..Gwarn said..
Yes I've emailed my local shop but they're only open on the weekends.
I'm sure something will be worked out.
Even if they give me a new one the same thing is going to happen.
This sail didn't even make it one full year for me warranty or not this is not acceptable in my world.
As I stated before this was a test to see if this sail would work for my style of riding and yes I do like it very much but I feel the quality of the finish work is not built tough for the long haul it's built to be light.
Yes I got sucked into the marketing hype of light and strong. Yes the membrane is strong and light but the hand\finish work is light and not strong.
It was fun while it lasted but I'm moving on to my next test sail. Goya fringe X which should be here in a day or so.
Do the windsurfing community a favor and force this issue with the shop and North, we all want to see what their support is like. To me this should have been an immediate fix or replace - I'd be pushing for replacement, its failed under normal use
We'll see what happens
I rode my Ezzy yesterday and forgot how smooth and fast it rides...
Treasure Island, San Francisco Bay, USA
^^^
Surely you have time to look after your lawn a little better ? You know it's bad when you'd rather put your windsurf equipment on the concrete .
Select to expand quoteImax1 said..
^^^
Surely you have time to look after your lawn a little better ? You know it's bad when you'd rather put your windsurf equipment on the concrete .
Since the invention of windsurf foils, who has time to look after lawn? Im too busy sailing.. :D
Select to expand quoteImax1 said..
^^^
Surely you have time to look after your lawn a little better ? You know it's bad when you'd rather put your windsurf equipment on the concrete .
uh???? That is just around the TI launching spot. Nothing to do with anybody's personal lawn ...
But just in case you want to know, Treasure Island is just a fine example of San Francisco's Republican in disguise administration of public spaces. A military base until 1997, it has been left in a state of disrepair for a couple of decades. Now they are building luxury apartment buildings ($1,500,000 for one bedroom), while the affordable housing is let to rot. That building is, comparatively, in quite good shape. While access last, it also happens to be the best sailing spot in the Bay Area.
that's an interesting video
. The air cam technology seems interesting to allow a simple water start, but the price ....
Select to expand quoteImax1 said..
^^^
Surely you have time to look after your lawn a little better ? You know it's bad when you'd rather put your windsurf equipment on the concrete .
goo.gl/maps/HSsMx2s6bvCkBKVn7
Select to expand quoteRobITA said..
that's an interesting video . The air cam technology seems interesting to allow a simple water start, but the price ....
This is just a commercial in disguise ... I love how they say " is extremely light" going as far as saying "it feels superlight" (duh?) but do not actually mention the weight!
North is just putting out selling pitch. With double battens and the inflatable thingy I frankly do not see how this sail can be less than a regular 3 cams/6 battens sail unless durability is compromised.
Select to expand quoteGwarn said..Imax1 said..
^^^
Surely you have time to look after your lawn a little better ? You know it's bad when you'd rather put your windsurf equipment on the concrete .
goo.gl/maps/HSsMx2s6bvCkBKVn7
Go John! I need to beat the traffic and come sail over there!
Select to expand quoteRobITA said..
that's an interesting video . The air cam technology seems interesting to allow a simple water start, but the price ....
Here we go, my friend officially started his 3Di journey. Day 1 on the water. He sails about 100 sessions a year but tends to stress his sails even more than me so they last about as long.
Will update along. I think it's too funny I sail 96 north while he sails 23 north!
Select to expand quoteCarstendk said..
Has anyone seen a test of the North Free Race
Had a go on the Free Race 6.0 and 6.8 last week at the North Actionsports Group dealer meeting.
Will write my (biased) review about it.. not sure how much it will help user out here as I haven't really sailed a race/free race sails for the past 10 years, but I got some tech talk from Pieter Bijl for anyone interested to hear it.
Select to expand quoteCarstendk said..
Has anyone seen a test of the North Free Race
The UK Windsurf magazine tested in this months issue. They will probably put it online in 6 months or so.
I just had a quick flip through it in WH Smiths, I dont buy the mag these days as a lot of event/travel info is online and in the past their tests have been glorified ads. Although they aren't as bad as that as they used to be.
Its light, fast, handles well, sets beautifully etc etc, is basically what they say about all of them
I cant remember much specifically about the North, other than they did like it. I also noticed the price. Ouch.
www.windsurf.co.uk/425-july-2023/
Select to expand quotePhilUK said..Carstendk said..
Has anyone seen a test of the North Free Race
The UK Windsurf magazine tested in this months issue. They will probably put it online in 6 months or so.
I just had a quick flip through it in WH Smiths, I dont buy the mag these days as a lot of event/travel info is online and in the past their tests have been glorified ads. Although they aren't as bad as that as they used to be.
Its light, fast, handles well, sets beautifully etc etc, is basically what they say about all of them
I cant remember much specifically about the North, other than they did like it. I also noticed the price. Ouch.
www.windsurf.co.uk/425-july-2023/
Well ... I would avoid to say "light" without having actually weighted it. The north site claimed ridiculous weights for the Freerace on their web site (2Kgs and change for a 6.8!). I had to back and forth e-mail three times with them to finally see those numbers disappear form the site, but they never released the real numbers. Because they can't. With double battens and an inflatable insert it is probably heavier than many other twin cam sails. If not it will fall apart, there is no free lunch.
Select to expand quoteduzzi said..PhilUK said..Carstendk said..
Has anyone seen a test of the North Free Race
The UK Windsurf magazine tested in this months issue. They will probably put it online in 6 months or so.
I just had a quick flip through it in WH Smiths, I dont buy the mag these days as a lot of event/travel info is online and in the past their tests have been glorified ads. Although they aren't as bad as that as they used to be.
Its light, fast, handles well, sets beautifully etc etc, is basically what they say about all of them
I cant remember much specifically about the North, other than they did like it. I also noticed the price. Ouch.
www.windsurf.co.uk/425-july-2023/
Well ... I would avoid to say "light" without having actually weighted it. The north site claimed ridiculous weights for the Freerace on their web site (2Kgs and change for a 6.8!). I had to back and forth e-mail three times with them to finally see those numbers disappear form the site, but they never released the real numbers. Because they can't. With double battens and an inflatable insert it is probably heavier than many other twin cam sails. If not it will fall apart, there is no free lunch.
The fact that they dont actually say the weight is suspicious.
But the general market in these sort of sails is way heavy and easy to beat in weight without any strength loss, it's just expensive to do.
You can make a twin cam 7.0 at 3.0-3.5 kg if you use good conventional laminates.
Select to expand quotesheddweller said..duzzi said..PhilUK said..Carstendk said..
Has anyone seen a test of the North Free Race
The UK Windsurf magazine tested in this months issue. They will probably put it online in 6 months or so.
I just had a quick flip through it in WH Smiths, I dont buy the mag these days as a lot of event/travel info is online and in the past their tests have been glorified ads. Although they aren't as bad as that as they used to be.
Its light, fast, handles well, sets beautifully etc etc, is basically what they say about all of them
I cant remember much specifically about the North, other than they did like it. I also noticed the price. Ouch.
www.windsurf.co.uk/425-july-2023/
Well ... I would avoid to say "light" without having actually weighted it. The north site claimed ridiculous weights for the Freerace on their web site (2Kgs and change for a 6.8!). I had to back and forth e-mail three times with them to finally see those numbers disappear form the site, but they never released the real numbers. Because they can't. With double battens and an inflatable insert it is probably heavier than many other twin cam sails. If not it will fall apart, there is no free lunch.
The fact that they dont actually say the weight is suspicious.
But the general market in these sort of sails is way heavy and easy to beat in weight without any strength loss, it's just expensive to do.
You can make a twin cam 7.0 at 3.0-3.5 kg if you use good conventional laminates
This photo is from the Northwindsurfing.com site. I have tried several times to get them to confirm these weight specifications, but unfortunately they try to talk around it. This suggests that it is false advertising that they got cold feet about and therefore removed from their site again. Probably the weight of these sails is somewhat higher end what we can see here.
This photo is from the Northwindsurfing.com site. I have tried several times to get them to confirm these weight specifications, but unfortunately they try to talk around it. This suggests that it is false advertising that they got cold feet about and therefore removed from their site again. Probably the weight of these sails is somewhat higher end what we can see here
Select to expand quoteCarstendk said..
This photo is from the Northwindsurfing.com site. I have tried several times to get them to confirm these weight specifications, but unfortunately they try to talk around it. This suggests that it is false advertising that they got cold feet about and therefore removed from their site again. Probably the weight of these sails is somewhat higher end what we can see here
those weights are with helium in the air cam
Select to expand quote
those weights are with helium in the air cam
Haha that's actually a pretty good way for them to do it. They would have to call them helium cams instead then I guess
Shannon.
Select to expand quoteshannon19 said..
those weights are with helium in the air cam
Haha that's actually a pretty good way for them to do it. They would have to call them helium cams instead then I guess
Shannon.
Yes it's going to be interesting to se the real weight..
Select to expand quoteCarstendk said..
This photo is from the Northwindsurfing.com site. I have tried several times to get them to confirm these weight specifications, but unfortunately they try to talk around it. This suggests that it is false advertising that they got cold feet about and therefore removed from their site again. Probably the weight of these sails is somewhat higher end what we can see here
Those are the weight that were up when the sails got out. I e-mailed in May and they took them off. Amazing that they put them back on and removed again after you e-mailed. Or maybe we complained at the same time ... other way it is a real scum!!!!! Shameful!
I don't see any way on earth for these sails to be below four Kg, the material they use is just a few tens of grams/m^2 lighter than race-sail laminates. They have just six battens (that saves more weight than the material) but they have the inflatable thingy, and two double batten cams.
Select to expand quoteduzzi said..
I don't see any way on earth for these sails to be below four Kg, the material they use is just a few tens of grams/m^2 lighter than race-sail laminates. They have just six battens (that saves more weight than the material) but they have the inflatable thingy, and two double batten cams.
I agree that they are probably a lot heavier than the graphic, but you are wrong about the potential to reduce weights.
I once had a multi cam 7.0, 6 batten sail made from Kevlar scrim that weighed 2.9kg. It lasted 10 years of use. My current one weighs 3.1kg.
So it's easily doable to get under 4kg.
