Having been on the pryde combats and zone sails for the past 5 years... i'm now ready to update. i've found the 2008 combats to be amazing, strong build, easy to use and powerful (i'm still using them now)....just wondered if the latest models are as good or better???
Any thoughts anyone??
cheers in advance, Scott
Can't comment on the Combats but the Atlas (used to be called Alpha) has definitely improved. Not entirely sure what they changed but the feel of the 2011 Atlas improved compared to the 2010. They feel lighter and more stable. 2012 again seems to have slightly changed in feel.
I know the Atlas and Alpha are different sails but there is a difference in feel in general that goes for all NP wave sails. Not sure if it's different materials, material thickness or layout. But there is a difference.
The biggest change probably is the shorter mast lengths in general. I am guessing that's a general trend in sail design.
The Flys seem really popular with the guys who sail Pryde in the NSW Wavesailing Association. Bigger blokes seem to like the Atlas/Alpha - including Alan Bailey who was sailing really well this year.
Cheers
Ive got 2011 Atlas 5 and 5.8, as well as Firefly 6.5. The sails are real nice and I am glad i decided to purchase the brand. As a heavier sailor (93kg) the Altas and Firefly work real nice in the everyday conditions for NSW.
I came off Ezzy Wave SEs which were nice, well built, but heavier. The Pryde's are light(ish) due to the monofilm which makes up a lot of the body, and unfortunately it also scars easily. The monofilm also makes the sail very noisey compared to the Ezzys. I dont mind though, the NPs are an absolute pleasure to sail, so light and hold the power well.....so i dont mind having to replace them every 3-4 seasons to keep them fresh (compared to my Ezzys which after 5 seasons still looked quite newish)
I have FLY 2's in 5.4m & 4.8m and couldnt be happier. Its the first pryde gear i have had in a long time and coming off north and naish i reckon performance wise they are some the best sails i have had in years.
@willywilly,
the 2012 Combat 4.7 tested really well in the German Surf Magazin test. It was their top performer.
Interestingly the test team wasn't so keen on the 2012 Fly. They said while it was agile it lacked drive.
