Another wave sail reviewed

2006 Neil Pryde Combat (4.2)
I have been sailing Zones for the last 4 seasons and was not really interested about the introduction of the Combat last year.
This year I decided to give them a go. I have only tried the 4.2 so far (Who said it has not been windy!). Compared to the Zone there is more pre defined shape to the sail when rigged to the specs, and on the water this translates to a bit more power. The rig feels solid, I expected it to be more "spongy" than the Zone, but this was not the case. The x-ply construction gives you the confidence to go hard. This sail seems to have a big tuning range and you can experiment with a few cm's of outhaul and downhaul to set it just the way you like. Even with extra outhaul the sail did not get as twitchy as I expected.
The Zone does depower to nothing in maneuvers, and the combat is not far behind it, but this was a difference I noticed. Not enough to pull you off balance, but noticeable compared to the Zone.
By no means a great wave sailor I found the sail great for jumping and allowed for aggressive maneuvers on the (small) face.

I have used this sail twice this season all ready (09/10, 16/10)

High quality Neil Pryde finished sail (as per usual)and a few new features (not all new to other brands)
- Loop at the head of the sail allowing you to jam a screwdriver into the ground and pull the mast out without a struggle.
- "new" elastic cord and tether on the foot of the sail to keep it together when you roll it up. (been around on other brands)
- Typical Neil Pryde quality construction and the full X-Ply (not new by any means, thanks David Ezzy) makes this sail very tough. It will last quite a while.
- Neoprene around the front of the mast foot protector allows for easy access to the triple roller tack fitting.

Can't say it's the best, have not sailed all the brands wave sails, but it's great for me. Two thumbs up