I've been told the 3Di North slalom sails are coming in April. Game changer? Worth the investment? If I replace my sails now they will probably outlast me!! But u have to love cool new gear like this. I could buy a new car or all new quiver??? Hmmmm.
No - I don't work for North but their gear is the best. I cried for years when they left the scene
3di is a material game changer.
Lighter, stronger, more stable and it deforms way less.
But none of that is helpful if the sail isn't designed to an optimal shape to begin with.
I'd wait and see the reviews.
It would be suprising if they can surpass severne, duotone, NP etc for sail design (in relation to racing performance) straight off the bat, despite having 3di and a group of knowledgeable developers.
Im sure they will quickly get there, but it might take a couple of years racing at the top level first.
Yes I know north became Duotone but just can't buy something that sounds like a paint n paper store. Severne sails look gr8 and the Boomerang logo is sort of appropriate for Aus but are they really as good as the old North sails? I think waiting to see how they perform in competition is good advice. BTW - I never really cry, used that for effect. Just like ex Prince Andrew can't sweat I can't cry
Why would you go all in on a product that is so new? Maybe start with one sail after having a go on it first and see how long it will last or let others try the durability of this material for you lol.
I'd go with something that is proven if you think the sails will outlast you... So much to choose from if you stick to the traditional materials or go for it if you wanna live at the bleeding edge but don't come back crying ;)
They are great looking sails for sure ,I was also a north freak, they behaved nice ,if they are as strong as my EZZY's
I would look at them ,but I'm just waiting for my ezzy's to wear out ,it might be some time .Scrim mono film is pretty strong .
I wish Ezzy would make a 3 or 4 cam for racing ,I think it is safe to buy a north and try it ,
Do we always believe what is claimed on sail manufacturing companies web sites ,probably ,
The way North speak they had better be winning some serious racing in the next year to two, if its so good its called a GAME CHANGER. Otherwise no ones game is changing, just another sail on the race course so will be interesting to see the next 12-24 months of top level racing.
It will also be interesting to see how they last for durability, this isn't exactly yachting and if they do go soft or porous like a previous poster mentioned then it may look fine on the surface but wouldn't perform the same...
Being in QLD I'm also skeptical of the full black and the sun/heat...
Will be watching how they go - keen to see the RRP too!
Im looking forward to test this North Freerace sail, hopefully very soon :)
Where did you find the picture ?
That's an excellent point regarding the pockets. Might add the luff sleeves as well as that's a relatively novel thing to marry to 3di.
A lot of questions will go away if they actually release the stuff! Where I'm at my most common sail is an 8.5 so the wave sails are just not worth trying. Big fan of their race 3di yacht sails, so I remain curious, but even I might have to pass if the big sails are over 2k us.
Some sailors make the trip around the world twice with the same 3di sail. That should convince everyone of the durability
Some sailors make the trip around the world twice with the same 3di sail. That should convince everyone of the durability
Not knocking 3di sails,but what do they use for strength.l believe they no longer use Myler.so what will they use in the Yarns, to strengthen the sails under full load (Downhaul).
i've got a 4.7 wave version. it's the only sail i've used since bought new a few months ago. huge stable wind range of 17-30+ knots (haven't yet reached an upper limit) and noticeably faster top speed than anything else of the same size that i've used. i'd say it's the first genuinely significant improvement in windsurfing technology in a long time
how long it lasts is another matter. The luff was like stiff cardboard when new, now it's slowly turning into a woolly sock. at least it's getting easier to roll up
It's going to be very difficult going back to regular sail if these turns out to be lemon and they stop making them
While on a windsurfing trip in Cape Verde last week saw the North crew testing the race sails paired to some brand new isonics. First time seeing 3di in flesh, impressive details, no seams, aero cambers. Nice masts, booms, all carbon, everything North
Wind was light that day, 15-16 knots, but boy they were fast
Few pics taken
News flash
3.7 wave
Well they do rip got caught in some shore break with a rocky beach.
Had the exact same scenario, same time last year and at the same launch happened to me and do the same thing to a Ezzy.
I just taped it up like any other sail.
It's a shame they don't include the material that they cut out where the window is rolled up with the sail when you purchase it.
That way you could cut out a piece and glue it on to each side where the rip is and it would look good...
This is a common practice on the boat 3DI sails gluing and heat transferring patches.
It would be the right thing to do.
I have over 65 days on the sail in the 3 month's....
It took me some time to adjust to the sail I came from riding Ezzy Taka 5 sails which have a lot of shape and draft which makes them a power wave sail that doesn't quite the depower all the way...
On the other hand the North is straight gutless on the bottom end but depowers instantly....
It rigs on a very soft mast so when you get in an overpowering conditions it kind of distorts and flops around like a rag....
I am sold on them so none of these little corks really bothers me I'm definitely going to fill out the quiver.
As far as longevity it is no different than any other sail.
Just the fact that it weighs half the weight is selling feature for me.
And here in the states the price is no different than any other sail actually a little bit cheaper then a ezzy I just purchased of the same size....
One of the negatives is the response I've gotten through the emails very poor doesn't reflect on the true north sails motto from the boat industry......
Because the sails carries the true north logo it should receive the same type of technical support.....
That's just my two cents though.
I am really curious about the foil freerace sails around 8m range. For really light wind days a good and light sail is the difference between foiling and not foiling at all. Based on Gwarn's experience, I hope they improve their customer service and don't just rely on shops to answer questions (like some other brands).