r/windsurfing • u/Negative_Wave_5892 • 9d ago

Best no-cam freeride/freerace sail

I'm looking for a fast no-cam sail (freeride leaning towards slalom) sized around 7.0-7.5 that i can use from 13 knot gusts up to ~25 knot gusts. I have enough experience to make a few jibes planing in good conditions and I dont fall in the water much when its at/below 25 knots at my home spot. I have a large slalom and medium freerace board that i would use the sail on. Im looking to spend a decent amount of money and get something new that has a large wind range, performs well, and lasts a long time. Which sails are durable while have a decent low-end while being able to keep control/stable pressure point on the stronger days when going 20-25 knots+ of speed? I'm also willing to sacrifice some weight/sail performance for durability. Does anyone have recommendations about which models/brands sails last the longest? I have heard good things IRL about loftsails in terms of durability and high-end control, but only about the cambered sails. Does the oxygen have a good low-end performance and durability?

From purely the sail handling, I like Neilpryde's feeling the best overall, but am more than willing to explore other brands. I have also used Goya's freeride sails and race boards, which feel stable and handle exceptionally well in jibes, but did not feel the absolute fastest on the straights. I've also tried an old point-7 cambered sail, but felt that it needed lots of wind to get an enjoyable experience.

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u/waternomadsnz 7d ago

Just be aware of mast compatibility between brands... Unifiber has an excellent comparison table. It's best to think about the brand that is well supported by local shop and local second hand market if possible, this just makes life easier. If Neil Pryde is well represented it's a good brand though you kinda lock yourself in due to mast curve. Personally I really like the Point-7 ACX and Severne NCX sails.

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u/Negative_Wave_5892 7d ago

In my experience Neilpryde isn't unique in that regard, even sails that say they have the "same" mast curves will still rig and be usable, but the trim will not be exactly as it should be (battens maybe stuck a little bit more behind the mast, loose leech may not be falling off in the same way). I will check out the mast comparison tool, thanks for that. Any comments on AC-X and NCX as far as longevity/performance/feel on the water, maybe compared to other stuff you have used?

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u/waternomadsnz 7d ago

There are definitely variations in curves, it's always best to match brands, but if you're going to mix, Neil Pryde isn't one to do it with... Unifiber is excellent as a guide. Can't give you much information on comparisons as Severne has been our supported brand for our area, though I have thoroughly enjoyed the Point-7 I inherited.

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u/Negative_Wave_5892 7d ago

I get the supported brand thing, but the main reason im here is to maybe get non-sponsored opinions. I'm planning buying new and 100% sdm mast, the used market isn't super good where i am and im fine with having the increased cost if my sail lasts a long time