Planchemag 2005 - March/April
Tested: The O2 Freeride Concept | Size 6.6
Also tested sails:
Gaastra Matrix 6.5 / Gun Flash 6.3 / Naish Evolution 7.0 / Neil Pryde Saber 6.7 / North Sails Crossover 6.6 / Severne NCX 7.0
A UNIQUE FEELING
The design
The Oxygen “O2” sail freeride of Monty Spindler preserves its curved lines with 7 battens including 3 tubular of carbon. Relatively fine of profiles (light hollow on bottom), this sail has the characteristic to be trimmed on a 430cm RDM, even if it also works with a traditional diameter mast. For the level of construction, in addition to the strongest proportion of monofilm X-Ply, it is necessary to underline the excellence and the quality of the reinforcements at all the levels. Solid!
Team point of view
Equipped with a departure to planning more progressive than the average, the O2 is a very fine sail in control, which offers a peel of elasticity on the front of the profile. Once launched, one appreciates at the same time the smoothness of piloting and the degree of acceleration. Except on the level of the weight where it pays its quality of manufacture, Loft Sails positions at the top or in second position in each one of our criteria of test, which shows the O2s high degree of versatility.
Very soft for manoeuvres with the advantage of the RDM mast, it may be only slightly slower in light and irregular winds for heavy people. For the remainder, it is forgotten completely in the arms thanks to total neutrality and an excellent work of the tip (this is its secret!). For the second consecutive year, the O2 brings a fresh air in this group by its pleasantness of control and its total freedom in the hands.
Tester point of view - Paulin
"A very pleasant sail with which one can sail on the end it so much is stable and light in control. With its high level performances and its comfort in the manoeuvres, it forms part of the very best sails of the group. A big and beautiful surprise for this sail which I did not know."
+ : Smoothness, performance of point, comfort, control, and manoeuvrability.
- : Small lack of nervousness in light winds
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