Larger sail for a beginner

[LK]

Hi
Just a few comments
Mim : when using a 15% carbon mast you loose half of the performance no matter you use Element, NCX or Gator

I have most experience with Gators up to 6,5 ( get a 7,5 (09) in a few days), huge trim range, from light wind wave to slalom performance.
I can highly recommend the Gator sails, but I have tested some NCX sails and they are very good to.
BUT I use normally Red Line masts in my sails.

So I strongly recommend using a high performance mast in these sails.
Blue Line masts work fine to; they are a bit softer than Red Lines, so some prefer Blue Line Masts, even in Code Red sails (up to 460 cm). Depends on rider weight and style.

[mim]

I know it is not perfect...but the element works better on this low carbon content mast than ncx...

This is not an issue anymore, since I ordered Blue line mast for this season...
Ciao M.

[LK]

You are probably right, makes sense, the cams support the built in shape better than a no cam sail when the mast is not optimal.

Here I think people can get a good idea of the different characteristics of Element/NCX/Gator

http://severnesails.com/2009/products/sail_ncx.php

and then click the Compare button, and then click on Element and Gator model

There are pretty new test results of these sails online too (NCX test winner)

Regarding the Element I think there is a big difference between the 09 model and the first versions of the Sail .

Cheers

[mim]

As soon as I get on the water i will try both sails with same mast type and then I can post my subjective opinion again...for coolny is probably too late by then (sorry).

I have element 2008 version and to me the specs look very much the same compared to 2009, but there always is the invisible part of shaping...but can't report on that since I only know the 2008.

Ciao Michal.