Hoping to get some feedback on the Loft Wave Sails. Was having a look at their web site last night and checking out their 2006 and 2007 (yet to come out) range. Not only do they look like good sails, they are also fantastically priced. Last thing left to question is what their performance and durability is like?

Durability - can't say, only had mine for a month. Performance - excellent (although it was an O2), fast, stable, great leach twist.

I had a look at Harrows loft lip and it looked the business, tough, well designed and some good extra features - eg very padded mast sleeve.

Winddude - can you back up your strong opinion?

have a 5.7 m loft lip wave 2006 and happy with it. It rigs well and has a good wind range. Who cares about 2nd hand value if you buy cheap enough? Will definitely consider this sail again for replacement on my older sails.

I have one 7,4 O2 (-03 or -04 model) and one 4,7 (-05 model). Durabillity is exceptional compared to any other sails I've had. NP in my experience has a particularly short life span (no vested interest what-so-ever, except getting my moneys worth). I've also had North and Gaastra over the last couple of years.

Winddude: "Lofts and others have a poor wind range, hard to rig for changing conditions (tune)and are not well balanced."
Have you tried them???
My experience would be the exact opposite. Very easy to rig with a great range.

By the way; how is durabillity intangible?? Few things more tangible than a long swim with a sail ripped to shreds...

quote:

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Originally posted by aage

I have one 7,4 O2 (-03 or -04 model) and one 4,7 (-05 model). Durabillity is exceptional compared to any other sails I've had. NP in my experience has a particularly short life span (no vested interest what-so-ever, except getting my moneys worth). I've also had North and Gaastra over the last couple of years.

Winddude: "Lofts and others have a poor wind range, hard to rig for changing conditions (tune)and are not well balanced."
Have you tried them???
My experience would be the exact opposite. Very easy to rig with a great range.

By the way; how is durabillity intangible?? Few things more tangible than a long swim with a sail ripped to shreds...

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Yes have tried them - just giving my honest opinion.If your sail rips to shreds its usually something that causes it, all sails are basically made from the same materials, the same way and often in the same factory. What you pay for is research and development, testing and expertise.

HAve a look at this link to see Montys background, seems to have worked for a few sail makers, has been at the forefront of sail design for over 20 years and has had sails claim the speed sailing record. I guess with that much experience, working for his own company, he's hardly going to launch sub standard products?

http://www.windsurfingsales.com.au/aboutsales/earlydays.php

It would be great if we could have a poll on here to see who thinks which brand makes bad/good equipment. I have read what seems like hundreds of posts saying Pryde make weak sails. Gaastra are mentioned as not being great either (longevity), I have heard lots of reports that Severne sails look the goods but don't last.

What i personally know from my own experience is that Ezzy make bullet proof sails, I can't fault North, Tushingham makes sails that last, I personally liked the feel of Arrows (and never had a problem with them) and my sailworks sails are still going strong and they're 6 years (and multiple wipeouts) old!

That is all based on my opinion gained from use and reading forums.

As i said, generally most sails have a similar level of build quality - especially from year to year.Every now and then a company can make a mistake-but you shouldnt tar and feather a brand name for ever because of it.The reason why you read more about pryde sails is that they own over 50% of the market worldwide.If a company outsells another 100 to 1 you will hear 100 times the comments both good and bad. I can also assure you that Neil himself is very aware of his product's strengths and weaknesses - he is one of the most astute businessman in the industry

maybe i should start a new thread.
oh well,
in 1980 i got one of the first neil pryde 6.3 racing dacron sails.
they were the benchmark of shape and durability.
along with every other sailbrand they have swung between durability and performance, always with performance being the benchmark often to their detriment. north,gaastra always followed similar paths.
there are a lot of sail brands all of which are copies of those three market leaders and their offshoots: naish, ezzy.
use what you like but there is "nothing" like owning a new pryde kit.
or the other companies i have mentioned.
if you are on a budget and you feel a need to go to the direct seller market of cheap stuff,you will certainly still have a sh1tload of fun windsurfing. you will almost never be able to resell it, but hey it was cheapish.
i have been privileged to always have been able to have used the top gear over the last couple of decades but all newcomers stuff has always had a test too, if offered.
save your bucks i say and get the good stuff.
regards ian.

I just got the brochure from the guys at Windsurfing sails for the Gun and Loft brands, must say that both brands look fantastic and the effort looks equal to that of any other sail brands. I havent ever used a Loft of Gun sail so cant comment on them. However if you want to save $$ then why not give them a go? If you picking over the fact that they are such a small company and that the resale value isnt good and the durability isnt upto what larger brands is, then frankly if your a dam good sailor then pay that little extra and go for the bigger brands. However if your not a pro sailor, choosing between a Pryde or a Loft sounds like a big toss. Granted durability could be not so good on Loft but if your on a budget and perhaps not the best sailor out there, your still going to have a dam good bit of kit and for a dam good price! PS I sail with an Ezzy 6.6 and North 8.1, cant fault them!

Dont buy these sails- support your local retailer,god knows they need all the help they can get.

Seems to be some strong opinions in this forum - each is of course equally valid.

I learned to sail in Italy, and am familar with Loft brand, as well as the mainstream.

Taking up windsurfing in Sydney, in summer 05/06, I brought a Loft O2 6.6. Superb balance, lightness, tunability, speed potential. Is it well built.... no its not, its very well built.

Others share my opinion.. see Windsurf Mag test http://www.loftsails.com/kam_pages/1/e/155.php

I'd stick to what I've got, Avalon Sail Co.

If you've heard of Phil (Bugs) Smith, you'll know why I love them!

you go first, perhaps I'll follow

there are more guys employed in australia making their living from distributing overseas brands as localish ones that are still manufactured overseas anyway. do you own an aussie t.v.?

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Originally posted by greenleader

its funny that people who spend their working hours (half their life or more) doing diddly squat to do with windsurfing can comment on a sails durability/performance.
most similar construction sails with equal use, wear at similar rates.
a 2 year old looks used
a 4 year old looks stretchy and scratchy
a 6 year old you gotta be kidding you cant like that stretched piece of crap any more.
some guys wreck stuff in a month regardless of the brand, some rinse them in so much fresh water that they rot,some leave them in the boot or their car moist in the sun so they cook like cabbage.
and others leave them rigged all day in the sun while the spend time justifying to onlookers why they bought the daiwoo of sails instead of going sailing.
buy what you like, but a pryde,north,gaastra is a prestige vehicle and has some heritage.

if every company offered you free sails because you were really good.
which offer would you accept?

i know this will attract some beauties.

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Dear Greenleader,

I first bought 3 new prestige vehicles: One ripped in half after 6 months and the 2 others have at least 20 holes in them also within 6 months. (Anybody who knows me can confirm)

So, I bought 2 daiwoos (1 Loft and 1 Aerotech), both of whom sail great and still look like new.

So, I hope you don't mind I prefer to go sailing my daiwoos instead of sitting home patching up my prestige vehicles.

Best regards,

Wim