Received a 6.8 Loft 2013 Switchblade to try the other week.
First Switchblade Ive had for a few years.
Looks great, some nice changes in materials bit deeper profile and boom cutout.
Rigging was super easy on the Loft SDM.
Got to sail it the day it arrived felt great nice and stable rot was easy had a ball on it.
Im really looking forward to trying this some more to see how it really compares to the full racing Blades just need some wind.
mmm, i see they've caught onto the red sails are fast trend, thou doesn't explain when i get smoked by everyone
btw, you get input into sail design, can you please tell them not to put adjustable heads on sails... adjustable heads universally suck.
Looks great, happy to see reinforcing still in the head for longevity. Have they made the luff pocket wider
My 2013 5.8, I've had it for a couple of weeks but only rigged once for a look see. As Vando said looks great, rigging on my Loft RDM is very easy and quick. I like the fact it has an adjustable head, that way I can rig it on my 6.8's 430 mast instead of the recommended 400
I'll be interested in Vando's comparison because I believe for the average black duck like me these things are the go, I've gone away from race sails and now only use these
I tend to agree that the average Joe doesn't really need a full on race sail. I have the 2011 6.3 and 6.8 switchblade and have no intention of upgrading yet. seems to go really well in the Redcliffe chop.
The norther lies have been awesome at Kawana this week. Could sure do with some company. The shore break can be a little tricky but in small surf it is a ton of fun. well suited for the Loft Lip wave sails, I am yet to tear one in small conditions.
V nice thanks Vando. I have to say that my 2012 7.8 Switchblade is something special and I'll be looking to get more .......
TheLoft seems to have a problem with the mast recommendation for the 7.0 Racing Blade. According to this photo it's 460 whereas website recommends 430.
photo from www.windsurfing44.com
Not a 2013 but just had a first outing on 7.8 Blade 2012 on a 100% Powerex skinny 460. These sails really work well for a lighter rider on a RDM mast.
Another great sail. Changed the cams over (comes with SDM) rigged it on the powerex 100 460 RDM and apart from some batten tension on the bottom 3 battens was good to go. Specs seemed spot on with a chinook boom and aeron base.
The is122 felt awesome with this sail (definitely better suited than the 7m). Smooth power delivery, more grunt out of the turns and that super stable yet light feel. Really didn't feel much different weight wise to the 2011 7m. Good speed for moderate wind and had a quick go on the is90 which planed fine with the 34 Canefire but needed a bit more breeze to be cruising. Happy with getting it planing in 15-18knts.
Come on Vandoman, what's your no B/S opinion on the Switchblade for the average punter. I'm yet to use my 2013 5.8 Switchblade but I can say my 2012 6.8 Switchblade is ringing all the right bells
Hey Firie the Switchblades work great and are a very easy sail to use.
I think for the av sailor that sails in rough choppy conditions the switchblade is the way to go for sure. For the more experience sailor that's after the very best performance go the Blade. My preference is still the Blade it has a touch better upwind performance and travels through the lulls better.
Bring on the 2013 Blades they looks awesome
2013 Loft Blades are here.
Had my first run on the 7.8 today Felt Nice.
The sails feels very different this year more so then other years.
They feel super light and easy in the hands.
Hopefully I get to try some of the other sizes on the weekend
here are some pics from today