Neilpryde Helium 8.5

[marekk]

Hi Windman,

Many thanks for your suggestion, easy uphaul looks interesting. I tried to invent something like this, but ended on problem how to accomplish it. I have no proper sewing machine etc. Of course everyone can tie rope with loop to uphaul ribbon. But maybe buy "easy uphaul" is a smarter solution.

[BelSkorpio]

Marek,

I see what you mean now.
You're doubting between 2 totally different boards.

IS144, width=85cm
JP X-C145m, width=76cm

The JP X-cite is more a bump & jump board. Out of my last summer's experience, it are very nice boards, very good all-rounders and very easy to ride on a choppy/wavy sea like in Rhodes or the Baltic sea. Actually it's something that SB does not really have in its range. I compare it more with a Kode, which SB does not have bigger than a K123.

I've never sailed an IS144, but I think it will be a much harder ride on chop.
On the other hand, when you're looking more for speed and sail most of the time on your lake, it can also be appealing

Tough decision.

Perhaps you should think Futura, it will be something in the middle.


As a SB fan, I would know what to choose though

[marekk]

BelSkorpio,

You note it, it is formally inconsistence in my considerations. It is because I can't decide what solution to choose. But now (thanks to your help to) I have a idea: I sell my formula board and buy iSonic 150. It is good lighwind board, will be enough exciting with 9.5 slalom sail on winds about 10k, in contrast to formula (not forgetting about my heavy weight!). For heavier winds I'll buy 8.5-8.0 m slalom sail. If my health problem will end in future, I'll buy 11 m sail, but not as extremely race as Stealth.

On the other hand is sailing on Baltic Sea. In first concept I considered before, JP X-Cite was solution both for bay and lake, for the latter temporarily, up to time I will ready for bigger rigs on formula. Now I consider JP as bump&jump with quiver 6.4, 8.0, 9.5 sails.

[Santander]

Hi Bel, Marek, Windman,
Guys, I need your help. After almost 15 years break, decided to go back on the board! Previously I was riding only on slalom boards with RSS class sails and that was really great time. Now decide to buy Formula HWR (already in my place but I have absolutely no idea how it works and have a lot of questions about Formula sails, especially sizes. I can order Reflex II or OverDrive'11 from Severne (can't test it). Choice would be much easier when gear will cost like other windsurfing equipment, but all we know Formula prices…..
Bel, I see that you have some experience with FW and you really like it. Can you give me some advices? 12m or 11m? One or two sails? Where are the limits of boring sailing and fight without plesure?
I'm sure that your personal feelings can give me much more tips than reading catalogs and wind charts.
I'm 83 kg and a few words about my spot. Whole summer I spend in Costa Blanca, Alicante area, Spain. Winds are rather light but regular and predictable, avr. 7-10 less 10-14 knt. (+/-).
Best Regards,
Luca

PS
Marek, wont to see you on Zegrze in springtime!

[Windman]

Good morning, Santander,

Thank you for your kind words, but I do not sail formula gear. The largest sail I have is a V8, 9.8m being used on an 85cm-wide board. I can say that you will need at least one carbon boom and it will have to be equipped with an adjustable outhaul system to maximise the performance of a sail. Also, it takes some time to be able to use the AO system correctly (don't get discouraged).

You may care to "Google" for Formula sailing tips and Forums, particularly the use of long, adjustable harness lines.

Hope this helps.

[BelSkorpio]

Hi Santander,

Like you, after a break of serveral years, I started seriously again with windsurfing in 2007.
My first new board that I've bought late 2007 was the F161.
I still remember that I saw these boards laying in large numbers on the beach of Leba/Poland when I was there in the summer of 2007 at the Allegro Formula Windsuring competition. After I had spoken with a lot of the Formula stars (Steve Allen, Wojtek Brzozowski, etc ..) I decided to buy also such a board. You have to understand that until then I had never seen such a wide and short board. I only knew about the classic narrow boards. So it was quite new for me.

When I started using the F161 in the summer of 2008, I immediately liked it. All the things that were promised, came true. Planing from +/- 8 knots and going upwind with unbelievable angles. Wow !

About the sails, I would advise you not to start bigger than a 9.5 m2 if you are new to Formula + big rigs. I've started off with a 9.5m2 freerace sail (3 cambers). It's a relatively light sail and allows you to comfortably get used to formula sailing, because there's a lot to learn.
Once you get along with it, go for a 11m2, BUT choose a full race / Formula sail !
You will find out that when the wind suddenly picks up, these sails are much easier and longer to control c/w the lighter freerace sails, even in the bigger sizes.

Recreational Formula windsurfing is great fun in low but steady winds, where else you would not be able to sail at all (I'm talking planing of course).

Cheers.

[marekk]

Hi Santander,

I can't say more. BelSkorpio said almost everything about how to start windsurfing on Formula board. It is very easy board for riding (very stable because wide tail), but not so exciting for jibing. I very like Formula, I think so for wind 8-15 knots its the best.

P.S. Ok Luca, see you on spring time! Of course I'll be there!

[Santander]

Thanks for reply,

Until now, I was sure that 12m will be perfect for poor wind conditions in my spot (according wind charts). But you're another person I talked to, who didn't even mention this size. There's something in it. That is why always worth to ask. You are right, I take rather smaler one (race of course).

Thanks once again,
Luca

The helium does not have the power of a sail 2 metres bigger no way.

I have a helium 8.5 , and a maui sails 9.5 the maui sails has alot more power then the 8.5 especailly in lighter winds

Now the 8.5 is no slouch, and as the wind picks the difference becomes less and less.

BUT in light airs the 9.5 outpowers it .

I know as I raced longboards this summer, and I used my 8.5 till i broke a cam.

I then rigged the 9.5 and was passing people that were previously passing me when i had the 8.5 on.

simple as that.

shredulato