"A heavy-duty wavesail with an outstanding wind range." 5.2 Ezzy 2008

5th Oct 2007 @ 09:41:37 AM

Windsurf Magazine sail test on the Ezzy 2008 October Issue Ezzy Wave SE 5.2 At a Glance The Ezzy SE looks built to last, with all X-ply construction, a small PVC window and tough luff-sleeve material. Ezzy overlap their panels on either side of the battens to produce identical performance on each tack. A visual trim system helps make it easy to downhaul correctly and there is also a unique outhaul trimming system. The tack has an inbuilt pulley block that can be removed and replaced with a D-ring for sailors that like to use a hook on their extension. We tested the sail on an Ezzy mast with a 400 bottom and 430 top, but the sail will set on either length. Rigging and Set Ezzy sails set completely differently to anything else on the market, with large amounts of pre-set shape and battens that sit well behind the mast with no rotation. Downhauling controls the leach tension, with the leach falling away as more tension is applied. Outhaul determines the level of fullness in the foil, but be sure to always apply positive tension and plenty of it in strong wind to flatten the foil off. Performance When set on moderate tension the SE provides a huge amount of useable power, easily driving the board onto the plane. The delivery is direct, pulling from forward and chest high. The drive is very stable with a touch of softness, and totally locked in position giving a very dependable feel. When more outhaul and downhaul is applied the true top end of the sail can be realised, with the centre of effort never shifting an inch even in the biggest gusts. The sail depowers well in gybes and bottom turns, giving the rider a controlled feel. The preset shape in the foil never goes completely flat so is not best suited to freestyle. Target The Ezzy has a quite distinctive feel, it looks like it will be heavy to handle, but when you hit the water it is effortless and easy to resposition. It possesses stacks of power to get planing and excellent control in gusts and very high winds. Experienced sailors will be able to take the sail into very high winds, while inexperienced sailors will find the smooth power and softness will calm difficult conditions. The wide range makes it highly suited to the UK’s variable conditions. + Vast wind range and soft but locked power delivery. - Longer boom that gives the smooth power makes the sail feel slightly less throwabout. * A heavy-duty wavesail with an outstanding wind range.