It's been 10 years since I've upgraded sails so I gave Chris at Windsurf Systems in Melbourne a call and he sent me 5.7 Sailworks Revo to test.
Testing took place at Toowoon Bay on the NSW Central Coast with 15-25knots from the South and very gusty. The sail was rigged on a Sailworks Backbone 430 mast which set very nicely. A few adjustments of the battens and it was time to hit the water. The sail responded well to the fluctuating wind and felt balanced with lots of power down low. The breeze eventually built up to around 25 knots and normally I would consider changing down a size but the 5.7 handled the increase in wind, spilling the extra knots. Wave riding was very smooth and jumping was under control even when the wind increased.
After the session I had a few fellow sailors interested with the common comment being how well it handled the various wind speeds and unaware that Sailworks still produced sails.
Overall I'm very impressed with the 2016 Sailworks Revo with it's low down power and it's control when wind increased.
Windsurf Systems have sent me some other products to compliment the Revo sails being an Aeron carbon boom and extension plus a Nolimitz Sumo 430 mast. I'll review both these when the wind is more favourable. Meanwhile if you are after some new kit, give Chris at Windsurf Systems a call on 0412257922.
Cheers,
Dean
The Revolution or 'REVO' for short is in its 12th production year and still going strong. Designed for onshore wave riding and freeride bump'n jump its one the most popular sails in the Sailworks lineup. Dean used this sail when he won the Merimbula classic masters last year, its also the preferred sail of choice for sponsored rider Canadian Phil Soltysiak (Can9) with a long list of credits and world ranked no.5 in freestyle.
Like all Sailworks sails the Revo is re-modelled every 3 years with colour changes yearly. Currently there are 12 sizes to choose from in sizes from 3.0 to 6.2m with 3 colour combos, all up thats 36 models. The ideal mast is constant curve RDM however SDM can also be used.
Revo testing at Middle Park, Melbourne
Revo flying - Phil Soltysiak
Revo 5.3m style by Kai Dunn WA
I think the Revo has been around for longer than 12 years. I bought a few back around 1998.
Select to expand quoteMobydisc said..
I think the Revo has been around for longer than 12 years. I bought a few back around 1998.
Yes you're right and after checking first production started in 1994.
Been sailing for 27 years, I switched to Sailworks about 7 or 8 years ago after a friend loaned me a couple of his for a vacation. I immediately started replacing all my sails with Sailworks, and I finally have nothing else!
One of the many things I love about Sailworks is the fact that they don't just overhaul a line to make it "new", Bruce makes subtle changes, finely tuning his sails year by year to refine his already good designs. I was lucky enough to buy the prototype of the current line of Revolutions ("Revos") in the 6.2 size last season. My friends have asked "Why did you buy a 6.2 Revo when you already have a 5.6 & 6.6 Hucker?" The simple answer is their silky smoothness, but there's more to it than that. The way the Revos power up so smoothly, and their ability to handle such a wide range of wind conditions make them the choice for waves or in gusty conditions. You know how when you get your sail just exactly right, the right size, the right downhaul, the perfect amount of outhaul, that they'll feel like nothing in your hands, that a gust will hit and instead of struggling to hold on you just "magically" accellerate? Yeah, that's the Revolution! I currently have 4, and absolutely love every one! So does Phillip Soltysiak, who's regularly in the top 5 in the world in freestyle!
Hi Donk, nice review. Just wanted to add a little on my experience with using the Revos.
I came in contact with Chris Potocnik from Windsurf Systems who helped me get a hold of the Sailworks Revolution sails which I've been using for the past 3 seasons along the coast of WA from Geraldton to Margaret River using a 4.2 right the way to a 5.7 with Sumo NoLimitz RDM constant curve masts which is a nice combination.
The Revo has been my go to sail, I've been impressed with their durability, stability and their performance in a wide range of conditions. In high winds, the sail holds its shape and allows full control. When facing overpowering conditions such as the downwind Screamin' Leeman race in 30+ knots, the sail remains super stable.
The sail is easy to handle and performs well with wave riding. For the amount of usage I've had out of them, the sails have remained in a great condition. Jumping with Revo feels powerful, yet controllable (even when the wind picked up) allowing for consistently high jumps.
