Ezzy Infinity 2006 'The power House' - Windsurf Mag Test

20th Jun 2006 @ 12:14:02 PM

At a Glance The Infinity is Ezzy’s second sail series, complimenting the Wave SE as their powerful flatwater foil. It comes with two cams, one placed either side of the boom, the upper cam capable of being removed to give the sail “the ease of rotation of a no-cam sail”, although this was not tried during the test. Using the brand’s ‘universal’ system, the cams can be adjust to fit any mast diameter perfectly, whilst the battens utilise the Endo-Batten construction method, ensuring the sail’s symmetry on both tacks. Incorporating the same materials found in the SE, the Infinity is certainly built to last, including a vinyl window and Spectra reinforced xply throughout its panels, eliminating the use of any monofilm. A superbly well finished and detailed sail, everything about it has been meticulously scrutinized, making it ooze quality. Rigging and Set Rigged on an RDM mast, the Infinity’s cams sleeve onto the mast easily and remained in place during downhaul, the use of a pulley-hook recommended in conjunction with the tack eyelet. With a smaller tack fairing to that found on the SE, the eyelet was easy to access, whilst the visual trimming aid displayed on the upper panel was very effective and helpful. Like last year, the Infinity has absolutely masses of camber in its profile, locked well forward in the draft, with evidence of shape even up to the fifth batten. Offering a large natural range on one setting, the two top panels fall away well, whereas the mid-leech remains relatively tight. In addition there is a tack strap on the foot of the sail, used to help tension the lower panels and lock the sail’s stability in place. Ride and Handling Whilst its boom and luff increments are standard for its size, the Infinity’s concave leech profile gives it a very tall appearance on the water, making it stand out from the crowd. At rest its deep pronounced camber does make it rather heavy in the hands, providing a solid constant pull at all times. However, with a positive approach, that power can be put to great use, the Infinity responding very well to pumping and generating an impressive amount of bottom end drive, un-sticking the most stubborn board. Once on the plane and gaining speed the sail locks into a comfortable stance becoming lighter and more manageable in the hands, the boom raked back at an ideal angle to help control it. As the wind strengthens, the Infinity’s stability is realised, never pulling the rider’s stance out of shape, even in the most severe gusts. With every increase in power, the rider is simply encouraged to drop their weight and drive the energy into the board, pushing those that are willing to greater speeds. In transition the sail provides all the power to drive into the turn convincingly, although any loss in speed will be met with its solid handling returning, making it heavy to reposition before the cams rotate with force. (This sensation is particularly noticeable in the tack.) For: Masses of stability, giving this solid powerhouse a huge wind range. Against: Has a heavy nature when not powered, and be prepared for its powerful rotation.