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Naish Force R1 4.7 2014-631x420

NAISH FORCE R1 4.7M 2014 TEST REVIEW

Stats Size (m2) 4.7 Luff (cm) 402 Boom (cm) 160 Battens 5 Ideal Mast RDM 90 (Pre-preg) 400 Extension Req (cm) 5 Price £509

NAISH FORCE R1 4.7M 2014 TEST REVIEW

BEST FOR
It’s not really a rider-weight-specific sail, but is a strong option for those looking to power larger boards with as small a rig as possible while still retaining genuine wave-riding performance.

RECOMMENDATION
The wind range is widened considerably with a looser leech and good perimeter tension, but both the out and downhaul can be slackened to good effect in lighter wind for earlier planing without sacrificing riding capability.

BRAND CLAIM
“The Force R1 is a versatile wave sail that is perfect for riders who demand acceleration, power and controlled handling in offshore, sideshore and onshore surf conditions. It is designed with a stable, locked-in power shape that is defined by twin scrim luff panels, 5 battens and a reduced aspect ratio.  This design combination delivers exceptional acceleration, early planing and even pressure to both hands.  The Force R1 is the wave sail of choice for Robby Naish.”

OVERVIEW
Outline: Compact outline, slight dropped clew/lower leech. Quite square in head. Good amount of roach.
Build Quality: Superb level of build for such a lightweight sail without use of deceptive graphics or gimmicky materials. PSA carbon radial load tapes (yacht sail technology proven) connect high tenacity webbing to a welded titanium cringle ring for a light-yet-strong clew patch that’s deceptive as it’s all covered in standard looking EVA but very well engineered underneath. Noticeably light, naked. Moulded head protection. Adjustable webbing and bung. 3-section sleeve, reinforced internally in head. Printed leech batten pockets. Port-tack batten placement. Spectra-view window. Silicon batten tip bumpers. 1-piece rod battens, extra foot batten reinforcement. Foot bumper both tacks. Easy access moulded tack fairing with uphaul ring and handle. Impressive custom-engineered 90-degree ultra-low-friction ‘nylatron’ roller tack pulley (4:1 or 6:1). Moulded mast sleever above luff cut-out.

PERFORMANCE
The Force has always – apart from being Robby’s signature sail, which it still is – been marketed as the Naish ‘power’ wave sail. And drivey and stable it is, although the 2014 incarnation is not as overly grunty as you might expect. As soon as you’re into the bottom turn the power drops on-demand and allows you to either back-off the revs and turn in neutral, or power back up as required. We all felt the Force also felt a tad smaller than a 4.7 – not in terms of drive, but in regards to a more compact outline, which is obviously handy in manoeuvrability terms. On this trip we were impressed with the wind range and noticed quite a wide tuning band, particularly with outhaul settings. All-in-all this is a solid, stable sail that always lets you know you have torque to-hand, but the pressure is delivered effectively without any wastage or pully, twitchy behaviour.

THE VERDICT
A solid, stable sail that delivers power efficiently without any unwanted nervousness or flutter. The Force boasts a wide wind range and impeccable wave-riding behaviour in the full gambit of wavesailing conditions.

www.naishsails.com

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RRD MOVE MKII 4.7
SEVERNE S1 4.8

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