Had a chance recently to sail my new KA Koncept 6.6m wind was a gusty 10-18knts and I used my Falcon 91.
First impression of the sail was how easy it was to rig and tune straight out of the bag and on the water the sail developed heaps of power and was similar to my old my old RS6 -6.2m in alot of ways except it felt a lot lighter in the hands the similarities also ended when I turned off the wind, the Koncept just jumped out of the blocks and the acceleration was breathtaking yet the sail felt very solid and stable but freely absorbed the stronger gusts allowing me to hold my stance and inturn keep my speed up.
Having a shorter boom length and great balance made it easier to run the sail further back in the track thus reducing the wetted surface of my board allowing it to blast over the chop.
This sail performs on flat water but surprisingly can handle gnarly confused chop with ease, my GPS speeds were :
Average speed : 32.70 knots (33.7 33.2 32.4 32.2 32.0)
Max. GPS (display) : 35.3 knots
Max. 2 sec. (software) : 35.9 knots
100 m run : 34.0 knots
250 m run : 33.2 knots
500 m run : 31.5 knots
In the past the Koncepts have been bagged about their construction but what these critics failed to realise is that your buying “TOP SHELF PERFORMANCE” and not compromised performance.
This year the guys have listened and made improvements to the sails construction without loosing it’s cutting edge and not using compromised materials.
As well as the 6.6m I also purchased the 5.8m/5m and have sailed them as well each sail performs and exceeds the conditions it’s made for..
So what have the guys listened to ? That the Koncept was self-destructing? But isn't that the customers fault for being too stupid to rig the sail properly and for dragging it behind the car on the way to the beach instead of putting it safely in the car, the stupid fools. If the sails are only disintegrating because of the stupidity of the KA customer then why change the construction of the sail? Why have KA jeopardized that top shelf, cutting edge performance because the KA customers are stupid?
"Why have KA jeopardized that top shelf, cutting edge performance because the KA customers are stupid?"
Thats a bit harsh MKelly. Although I have had a look at the new KA Koncepts, and they look like they were made in the same factory with the same materials as previous years to me. I suppose time will tell.
The Koncept are a top end sail, like a top-fuel drag car engine, you dont expect them to last too long, but they are good while they do.
I like things that go hard and fast, I don't like seeing high performance gear detuned so that it is easy for bozo's to use and hard for them to break, we all end up getting dragged down. The Koncept had its own little niche market and now it seems it is on the slippery slope down and his been compromised to try and please the average clown.
Thanks for your response Mr Kelly i look forward to reading more of your comments with regards to equipment in the future.
I am pretty sure that slowboat has gone faster on the 2008's then he did on the 2007 so I dont believe that there has been any compromise when it comes to preformance. I had the 2007 koncepts and now have the 2008's and have not noticed much difference except that the bigger sizes feel more slipperyer (if that is a word). My understanding is that they have changed factory and improved both build quality and QC. The big plus this year is that Andrew is focusing alot more on this side of the business instead of those funny little boats he plays with.
(KA got 8 of the top 10 places at the moth nationals last week here in SA with A. Mac taking out 2nd place)
OK , Here's the story .
First , the sails are as fast and arguably noticably faster than last season . AMAC did a lot of work with input from Chris and others on refinements to the luff curves , seam shaping and batten stiffness / tapers . The only possible perceived negative compared to last seaon is weight . They have got a little heavier . Why ???? Well the second subject ,Durability .
AMACS philosophy with KA has always been to build the fastest, simplest and lightest sails he can . No BS , just simple sails that work .To sell sails in the broader market though , there are certain customer expectations when it comes to durability and longevity . The bar has been lifted in that respect over the last few years , so we had to respond.
The lightweight dacron luff sleeve was replaced with the heavier specifically designed sleeve material . Reinforcements were added at each cam to prevent wearthru . The bottom and top mono panels were increased in weight from 5 mil to 7mil as they are the mono panels most prone to damage .
The mast pad was thickened and upgraded to an aramid reinforced material . Aramid leech reinforcing was also added , double thickness in the panel above the boom where the sail can get "scrunched" putting it in the sail bag .
Cam zippers were added for ease of rigging and the pulley was rotated 90 deg to make it more compatible with the common bases.
Along with the design and material upgrades came a change in sail lofts . We had some negative experiences with the previous loft and some frustration with their response or lack of it to certain issues . The new loft was choosen as they convinced us that they would take a very proactive attitude to getting the sails right , and the communication with them was excellent . They are a very experienced team and also make sails for another large brand .
They have been great , not perfect , as there is always room for improvement , but a definite move in the right direction . And they answer emails !! ha!!!
09 sails are in work , any feedback possitive or negative is most welcomed . AMAC and myself , along with the team riders have plans for where we would like to improve , but we really do need to hear from you guy's .
Sorry for the long rave , but I just wanted to clarify what was done to the sails and the reasoning .
Thanks Martin
Thanks to the KA marketing department for coming out to explain why they had to try and lift the construction of the sail up to the industry standard and attempt to meet the customers expectations of durability. Choco's review was full of glaring contradictions and blamed the customer for the previous years sails poor construction.
Mr Kelly if your not happy with a product don't buy it...it's that simple, don't whinge about it.
I've seen guys treat their gear like crap regardless of brand, when they have gear failure they've got no one to blame but themselves but they always run back to the retailers complaining about poor construction.
My review was based on my sailing experience with the 2008 Koncepts i was aware that in the past there had been some criticism with regards to the sails construction but as per the KA site these issues have been addressed.
In the future i'll make sure that i keep my thoughts to myself with regards to the equipment i buy and use in case i upset your narrow way of thinking.
If you decide to take up windsurfing i'd like to read a review of the equipment that you use.
Mr Kelly , Anytime you would like to take an 08 Koncept for sail just send me a PM and I am sure it can be arranged . Then you can tell everybody what you think based on real first hand experience . Praise it , cr.p on it , I don't care ( actually I do as I will have to clean it .)
I am sure I will find your reveiw very entertaining , just like your current Kite v Windsurf "s..t stir ". Your a funny guy !!!!
I look forward to hearing from you .
I heard that because of the poor construction of last years Koncepts that KA are offering discounts on the 2008 models for anyone who bought the 2007 models. Is this true ?
