RealWind/HotSails wave sail characteristics?

[stevemadere]

Hi Everybody.

I am looking to buy a used sail in the 3.2 to 3.4 size range for
my kids who are accomplished sailors. Currently, I have a single
Ezzy Wave 3.3 and a single Sailworks Revo 3.0 which they use in
higher winds (when I am on 4.2 or 3.7) but both of them
prefer to sail the same size so I'd like to get another near 3.3.

They really like our Sailworks Huckers (which don't get
smaller than 3.7) for stability and they really like the Ezzy Wave 3.3
because it is so forgiving in crazy conditions. They are not so thrilled
with the Revo 3.0.

I have an opportunity to buy a HotSails Wave 3.2 (branded as RealWind)
used for a good price but I'm wondering about its performance
characteristics.

Does anybody here have experience with HSM wave sails and able to compare them with Ezzy Wave for feel?

My kids only free ride at this point so there is not much use for
characteristics that are only helpful in down-the-line wave sailing
conditions. Stability of power (low twitchiness) is the most important
thing to them. This sail would be so small, weight is unlikely to be
an issue.

Thanks for any advice you can provide.

- Steve

[cgoudie1]

Hi Steve,

I cannot comment on the HSM wave sails (other than having a
friend who rips on them and won't sail anything else).
The Ezzy Wave Panthers, are stable, but always feel dead to me.
I ride Northwaves in smaller sizes, and their "wave" sail (the Surflite)
you can get in sizes 3.2, 2.8, 2.5, and 2.3. These sails are very
"stable" and they are great for gust busting. Their Black Friday sail
is going on now, and they may have some used 3.2s. Give them a
call if you like.

I don't have any affiliation other than being a satisfied customer, who
rides their sails in high wind.

email northwave@northwavesails.com
Phone number 541-386-6156
Address 400 Portway Ave, Hood River
Oregon USA, 97031

Good luck to you and your children in your quest.

-Craig

[keycocker]

I only use Hots for about ten years now. Freaks and fire lights.
The freaks are very long lasting because no Mylar.
All Dacron with vinyl windows. I think they are the most durable sails on the market. If your kids get launched into the sail much, they are less likely to rip.
They are soft sails that absorb gusts with ease.
Very stable.
Not high powered, but as a result not a lot of backhand which is a big factor in how heavy a sail FEELS. They fatigue you less over a long session.

Firelights are conventional sails which are among the lightest made.

When turning or stopping the freaks go flat while luffing.
If you sail them much, it can spoil you.
Conventional sails continue to pull while luffing, making stops and jibes more effort, esp. while learning.
They feel a little odd, which bothers some sailors with a lot of TOW on Mylar sails.
The high school kids in our PE classes are mostly small Mayan Indians.
They prefer the Hots.

[jingebritsen]

myth: conventional sails are harder to turn than ____. sorry, most folks simply wait to long to flip the sail, no matter who makes it. bang and blame marketing does nothing for the consumer.

[U2U2U2]

I am /have/ had and are familar with the Ezzys in small sizes and HSM.

I dont think tht the Real Wind branded HSM are sold currently. So it should be aolder offering , Spiderlock or something.

HSM do make the micro freak in small sizes, 3.2m largest and on the 310cm HotRod mast work well, BTW you dont say how heavy the children are.

The Superfreak in any small version are great sails with dacron that makes them very soft and forgiving , durable and lots of color.

Since they like the Hucker, I would lean towards a sail that is more direct in feel.

My 2.9m Ezzy unused for 2 years went to a local family and they love it, set of course on a Ezzy mast, I now have a 3.3 for me and it sees more use.

Both HSM and Ezzy produce brilliant sails, that are strong and obviously made by people that sail, not a computer.

[Arrgh]

I seem to recall that the RW sails came in two versions, one being all x-ply, which should feel a bit softer and more Ezzy-like. Here are a couple of old links:
http://www.deepfried.tv/news/default.cfm?Pg=700&ID=12
http://www.sporttaco.com/rec.windsurfing/Smail_Sails_3942.html