Retro Vs Hucker comparison.
The biggest differences between the Retro 6.5 and the Hucker 6.6 are the shaping profile and rig tension. The Retro is much more forgiving to ride, especially over-powered because the shaping profile in the Retro really tapers out above the boom, so the head and upper leech are very free to release as the sail powers up. This keeps the center of effort low and balanced and makes the sail very easy to hang onto when powered up. The draft profile in the Retro is cut slightly further forward (than the Hucker) but the batten set is softer. The Retro has a clew cutout which shortens the boom length and keeps the swing weight lower.
The Hucker by comparison is much fuller in the draft profile in terms of overall shape, but also the depth is held progressively higher in the span of the sail. The Hucker sails still have progressive leech twist like the Retro, but the rate of twist is much less. The draft profile in the Hucker is cut slightly further aft but the batten set is stiffer than the Retro, add in the increased luff curve and this makes the Hucker feel much firmer, with a much higher center of effort. The higher center of effort is the heart of the Hucker design. It feels more lively than the Retro and can feel very over-powering to novice riders, however, for experienced riders who enjoy/want a powered ride,especially taller, heavier riders, the Hucker is a dream come true. Big blokes have leverage and the Hucker serves up the power and stability. For these reasons the Hucker sails "ride big" for their size.
The Hucker to Retro power equivalency ratio is essentially this:
HK6.6 = RT7.0
HK5.6 = RT6.0
HK4.8 = RT5.0
HK4.2 = RT4.5
Retro 6.5
Hucker 6.6
Interesting to read your comparison. Here is my 20c worth.
I have used the Retros for some time, I have a 5.5.and 6.5 and am purchasing a 7.5 (as you would know, WindsurfSystems!!).
In addition I have used the Hucker in 4.2 and more recently in a 5.6.
So, the Retros have been my go-to's for a while, they are very quick and easy to rig and adjust, have a nice compact luff pocket and are quite light. I haven't weighed them, this is just based on feel. Apart from "go-to's", these comments apply to the Hucker's I have tried as well.
I have used the Retros in coastal sailing (Bulli, Gerroa) as well as flat water (Lake Weyba, Queens Lake, Botany Bay, Sanctuary Point and Lake Wollumboula), I frankly rate them as one of the best Freeride/ slalom/blasting sails around: They are highly tuneable, comfortable and capable plus they are smart looking and durable like all the Sailworks sails I have (and I've got a few). The power is smooth, steady and low, they are great to gybe, go to windward well (now I'm using an adjustable out haul on the larger sizes) and are good downwind. I anticipate that the AOH will further improve the downwind performance further. In recent GPS sessions I have been able to account well when against the local guns on fully cambered NP's......I rarely go better but it's a hell of a lot less tiring etc!
Recently (April 15??) I took out a 4.2 Hucker at Bulli. It was gusting high 30's and I was on a JP Quaddie 84L in twinzer mode. This was the first time I had used this sail, so the first couple of runs were a bit of a trial blast, I adjusted out haul and headed off again. The power was definitely higher in the sail, it felt solid, strong and stable. As it was a small sail, I could depower effectively (or so I thought). The session ended shortly thereafter, when I took off over a "nice" ramp, got hit by a gust in the air and tore my hammy. My sailing buddies remember it well......so do I!!
About four weeks ago I used a Hucker 5.6 at Green Point on Port Phillip Bay. It was a demo sail lent to me my WindsurfSystems (see above post). I had been trying the new Revo's, but the wind contrived to be a bit light for them hence the Hucker. I immediately noticed the difference....the Hucker was a completely different kettle of fish...(it was a bigger sail as well), powerful and again that feel of a high power centre. Frankly, I liked it but felt that I was being pulled up a bit, which was a little disconcerting. Didn't want to repeat the hammy incident again either.
So, I agree with WindsurfSystems, I think the Hucker is perhaps better for a taller person.....I'm 5'6 or 7" and 77 kgs. I could get used to them and they would be great, but I'm happy with the Retros for now and will stick to the single quiver type of freeride sails. There are piccies of the retros in my other post on Sailworks sails, here are a couple of the Huckers.
Build quality of all of the sails is fantastic.
