WindFlyer forum posts in last 60 days

WindFlyer said..
i also rode M2 ODs for some time (M3s and M4s had no development), and i tested the Motos as potential replacement .
i was not impressed by them for GPS or other more speed-oriented uses, being a step down from the ODs in many respects.

re-visiting this… the comment above was based on the first version of the sail.

i recently got a chance to try the current (third?) version of the sail, and i find it much improved, with more shape down low and a better-positioned draft.
it is still (from memory) a step down in low end from the OD, and it continues to lack some of the niceties of those sails (cutout zipped cover, batten ends with direct-drive tensioners, etc.).

flyingmujol said..
Thanks for the help! The wind range for my current big setup is roughly 11–12 up to around 20 knots. I have a feeling the 104 would be more enjoyable for my weight most of the time, but following your advice, maybe I should stick with what I’ve got, as we get quite a lot of marginal wind where I live.
Roughly what wind range do you use your Blitz 104 in? Since we weigh the same, it would give me a good idea of how you’ve put your quiver together.
For now, I’m sticking with my E_Paces. I’m tempted by the X_Paces, but it looks like they’re only compatible with RDM masts. My masts are standard diameter/SDM.

i've used the 104 mainly in base winds of ~17kts up to base winds of ~25kts (please note that can result in gusts in 20s to low 30s, or lulls in the mid-teens).
the lowest winds i've been on were a day the base wind of ~17kts dropped to around 14 or so. at that point it was tough going and crowded with a 6.8 sail. i wouldn't want that to be my typical experience.

i've tried the one X-Pace i have access to (6.2) on both RDM and SDM mast. i quite liked the feel of the SDM in stronger winds… the RDM is a very nice comfortable ride.
i didn't experience any difficulties rotating the sail (but then again, i'm used to full-on race sails)… after my first session, i added positive batten tension over the "baseline" factory setting to the bottom two battens, which got the sail more to my liking power-wise and made rotation a bit more forceful.

mmilhazes said..
Hi KJ

That's an awesome answer, perfect for my doubts as i am like you, my nearly 57 years old are not helping holding down pure race kit, so i am tending to more freerace.

I have already changed from a Isonic 63 to a Severne Fox 95 and what a difference, so much control, confort and less physical when overpowered that i cand spend more time on water and the speeds are not so far

if you are tending more to the freerace, then do go with the Motos. they are step in that direction from the ODs rather than the slalom direction of the Machs.

i also rode M2 ODs for some time (M3s and M4s had no development), and i tested the Motos as potential replacement .
i was not impressed by them for GPS or other more speed-oriented uses, being a step down from the ODs in many respects.
Machs would have been a more suitable replacement for my uses, but between theavailability issues in my market and SV changing the sizing – meaning i'd be between sizes most of the time – i switched brands.

stehsegler said..
I filmed Ben a couple of months ago using a 2027 5.6 S1. Don't remember if it was a standard or pro.

nice video!
the sail does look better on the videos than in the heavily pixelated advance images the brand sent out.
based on those, this appears to be the pro version.

flyingmujol said..
I’m thinking about replacing the Blast with a 104L Blitz DLAB and pair with E_Paces 7.3 and 6.2. Do you think that would be a good move? Would I lose much in terms of getting up on the plane early?

that's a bit of a tough one…

part of the reason you can get going easily on the 7.3 is because of the additional volume and width of the 117 Blast.
or put differently, going to a less buoyant and narrower 104 Blitz will make it more difficult for you to get going on the 7.3 in the same wind range…
and trying to make that up by putting the 7.8 will make the smaller board feel crowded (yeah, i know Duotone states 7.8 as the max sail size for the 104, but they have an established track record for overstating the comfortable sail ranges for their boards).
at a couple of kilos heavier than you, i've ridden the 104 with up to a 6.8 sail, and i personally would not want to put anything bigger on it. on the flipside, i've ridden it in stacked 5.4 conditions and had lots of fun – meaning, the board can take a lot of wind.

if you expect to ride your 6.2 most of the time, then the 104 would be right call. on the other hand, if you expect the 7.3 to be the main sail, i would personally opt for the 116 – which, if the 104 can serve as indicator, should be able to comfortably handle those 6.2 days.

oh, and for some unsolicited advice: upgrade yourself to X-Paces