Sail busted at the seams

[joethewindsufa]

Yesterday i noticed the sail had a bulge near a seam
Upon closer look, the seam was open
A w/s buddy once warned me against this sail model saying he popped his head through the seams while carrying it...
This spot is around where my head would be
Even IF one should not carry a sail on one's head - it should NOT break !!

I am reading here that Ezzy sails are durable
Local shop says they are NOT as powerful as some other brands ...
(need to rig 0.5 to 1 meter larger for same effect as others)

Are there sail brands people stay away from due to poor durability ??
or have had issues with ??

[pmlct]

I love my Ezzy sails and never had any problems with them. Been sailing them since the mid 90's and will not switch to anything else.

[isobars]

[U2U2U2]

The size reference is 100% crap, on using Ezzy a size larger, or half size the opinion states.

Sails are going to have problems, seams , panels, mast sleeve, etc

The only sail I know that wants to be used slightly larger is the HotSailsMaui Superfreak, it's Dacron mostly and very soft in feel on the water... General statement, the Superfreak Maui Edition is different.

Ezzys website on the Taka, says it will feel larger, mine is for sure equal to the task.

There are several sails that I don't like , and for several reasons.

First consideration IMO TO PICK a sail would be its comparability with my masts, unless you replace those.

Ezzy sails and masts are known for build quality, durability, brilliant customer service, most have great lo end power and a huge range.

I feel it's easier and makes more sense to look at the sails people like and recommend than those that don't make the short list at all.

[joethewindsufa]

the person who stated Ezzy need to be sized up is a local shop owner and known to be a speed sailor ...
he sticks to North Sails on Fanatic boards...

sticking to reputable brands is good
when one buys used - it is good to know what to avoid
and what matches ones current masts obviously

the sail in question is/was a SailWorks Retro 8-oh
has a good reputation and excellent pull
now know of two instances where the seam failed

yes, one should NOT carry sails on one's head
for sails over 8.0 on a narrow path - difficult to do otherwise
carrying sail + board on head is a definite NO NO !!

[NOVAAN]

I would never carry a sail on my head. There is just no reason to do that.
Who every stated that you need a meter bigger Ezzy must be trying to sell you a different brand sail. Wind range, power and durability at the trade mark of Ezzy sails. These sails have a wide range of tuning options. Mister Ezzy himself will show you how to rig and tune every sail in his line up on the web site. Customer service is excellent. I had a family of four windsurf for well over 20 years. That's a lot of Ezzy sails and masts. In that time I had one camber break. I got a letter from Mister Ezzy thanking me for making him aware of the problem. He sent me a new camber asap and said he would look into the failure. Some time later I received a package with 3 newly designed cambers and a signed Ezzy tee shirt... Kinda of makes your a Ezzy guy for life...

[nw30]

I've been carrying my sail and board together on my head for at least 30 years, when I went to exclusive ocean sailing. I use nothing but Ezzy sails, and have never had a problem with the sails showing any negative effect from doing so. However, I don't allow the full weight of the rig to rest on my head, my arms carry much of the weight.
The info that you got from a "speed sailor" about Ezzy sails, has to be taken in context with his exclusive sailing choice. Are you a speed sailor also? If not, reject his opinion.
Ezzy's are the bomb.

[adywind]

Every sail fails sooner or later as long as it's been used. I personally find all my Sailworks sails 2011 or later /I don't know about older ones/ to be of top quality- materials and tailoring. I have some doubts that you'll like Ezzys after having anything from Sailworks , just saying. Find a way to try them before buying.
PS: I've had my fare share of "less lasting sails" so I know the difference !

[joethewindsufa]

looked it up
was a 2007 SW Retro
and so - blame it on age ??
monofilm perhaps - but not seams in my book
perhaps newer ones are better ??

i REALLY liked that sail for longboarding and iceboarding
lots of PULL in light winds !!!

issues like in that photo just should NOT happen

[adywind]

Well they do! This sail couldn't last 3 seasons long and you are complaining about a 7-8 years old sail? Earth to Joe: nothing lasts forever!