Im after a cheap ( older but good nick) 4m sail for strong wind lake sailing,chophop etc.Im out of the loop ..my gear is 93 & falling apart so Ive got no idea what are good brands.Any suggestions? I just bought a 2003 Sailworks revolution 5m & love it.So much more controllable than my old delaminating gear!Also any pitfalls to watch for?
Newer sails are much better than 1993 vintage, but as a general rule need to be rigged with more downhaul, and they work much better on masts they're designed for, which almost certainly will be carbon.
Different companies have used different mast curves, some are "flexi top" some are "stiff top", I think your sailworks is probably the generic standard, "constant curve".
In my opinion it's best to stay with constant curve sails and masts, it gives you more latitude to mix and match, otherwise you can get locked in to one brand, then find one year they've changed their minds again.
If the budget is unlimited, it doesn't matter you, can buy the mast to suit each sail, but neither you nor I are in that position.
Neil Pryde and Gastra are 2 of the companies that have strayed from constant curve in the past, so be careful with them, and their masts.
Thanks.Ive always bought sailworks as they are local but $ is an issue & there is such a range of sails on this forum.I bought a 2003 5m + 55% carbon 2 piece mast for $300 so am half set up.