Northwave 511

outhaul · Joined: 27 Sep 2011 Posts: 254

I've heard the 511 7.7m pulls like most 8.5s. Any comments to support this or not?

U2U2U2 · Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2014 9:51 am Post subject:

no first hand experience with the 511.
Where did this remark come from ?

Its too general in nature , like most 8.5s... like a 8.5 Ezzy Lion..hardly

I have found one thing with sail size, for a particular size/rider/board
a optimum size exists .. going larger will produce very minimum performance results

It depends as well WHAT you are trying to do

cgoudie1 · Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2014 10:02 am Post subject: Re: Northwave 511

511s have a surprising amount of power, especially for a no-cam sail.
But Like U2U2U2 says, some 8.5s pull pretty hard also. "Most 8.5s"
is probably a little subjective. Come to the Gorge and get a ride
on one on a really light wind day and see for yourself. ;*)

Not sure what it is about Gorge designers, as you'd think they're not so
good with light wind, but Sailworks Retros, also pull like a tractor in
the larger sizes if you tune them right.

-Craig

johnl · Joined: 05 Jun 1994 Posts: 1330 Location: Hood River OR

isobars · Joined: 12 Dec 1999 Posts: 20935

I just bought a 511 7.0 for that very reason. I've had them before; loved both their incredible tractor-like pull and top end stability, but wasn't satisfied with their bash'n'slash handling. This time, however, I just want to maximize my bottom end, out-of-the-hole power, but wanted to cut the square meters off at 7. Simple choice, IMO.

outhaul · Joined: 27 Sep 2011 Posts: 254

I agree, way too sweeping of a comment to be valid. Does it have great low end? Sure, probably does, but better than most 8.5m sails? Probably not. If Northwave had such a magic formula the other makers would copy for sure.
If memory serves Ezzy's 7.5 Zephyr was touted as having the power of an 8.5 with the feel of a 6.5m.
The only real way to tell is a side-by-side comparison with everything equal, even then many variable still exist.
I do think it a bit curious that the 7.7m 511 rigs on a 490cm mast however.