I run the Evo4's. Dad and i tried a few sessions with running the clue open and shut. Didn't notice that much difference. Probabaly better off keeping it closed and find whats best by adjusting the outhaul.

It does make the sail feel softer and maybe a little more responsive at times. So could be a benefit it chop. But flat water I would keep mine closed. Defiantly worth experimenting though as it could have a whole different feel on the vapors. I will defiantly try mine open again. Nearly video of late Antoine has had it open in every condition.

seanhogan said...

All the Team Pryde guys here leave it open... can't comment on the Vapor

Yeah but there is understandably a bit of Antoine worship going on over there.

Seems to be a bit of a mix on all camps. Before Micah went to MS his was always shut with the Pryde's from what I saw. Also just looking at pics from Fuerta it looks like Volwater's Avanti was close with Maynard's open.

It your not on the water day in day out and don't know any better then stick to the designer's plan and don't do your head in.

Sam.

2013 Vapor has done away with them altogether and gone for a cut-out style clew. What does that tell you...?

dazzle factor?

Does anyone have any experience about the outhaul clew setting on Gaastra Vapors 2012, i.e. whether to keep it open or closed? What is supposed to be faster

The photos I saw of the Gaastra team riders on the PWAworldtour site showed the clew open.

The foot of the sail between the bottom batten and the clew acts like a stay to the batten tip just above the boom thereby reducing/stopping it flexing off in gusts. I never thought about it much until Slowy mentioned it testing proto Prydes some years back. Seems to have taken a while but as most of the Pryde guys at Feurte had them open I guess they finally came to the same conclusion.