NEILPRYDE FUSION HD 6.1M 2014 TEST REVIEW REPORT
Neilpryde Fusion HD 6.1m 2014 Test Review Report
OVERVIEW
The Fusion is NeilPryde’s ‘freemove’ sail, sitting between the wave/FSW and freestyle lines and the four-model freeride collection. The Fusion line’s aspect rations vary from the taller and thinner, manoeuvre-oriented small sizes to the larger, more compact freeride-focused sizes. All sizes (bar the 4.3) will fit on one 430 mast. (We used the FX100 430 RDM.) Available in regular build or the extra-tough HD construction as-tested here.
BRAND POSITIONING
‘Fusion is the ultimate all-rounder – use it anywhere, in any wind strength, on any water condition. Learn the basics, jump, catch a wave, try a freestyle trick or get into freeride mode and leave your friends behind for speed. With forgiving handling and optional full HD construction, the Fusion is suited to all types of windsurfing. Fusion features the revolutionary Forceline Frame construction for dynamic load and shape control and even more durability.’
PERFORMANCE
We always say it, but it has to be mentioned how the NeilPryde power delivery is often so smooth and refined. Feeling very similar to its Atlas (wave sail) sibling, the drive is ever-present – but not to arm-stretching levels thanks to a slight element of forgiving spring. There’s a good turn of speed on tap and the acceleration is pretty rapid too. The pull keeps you nicely up on the toes and agile, ready to anticipate hazards ahead or for preparing to pounce just prior to moves. We liked the level of throttle available and how the backhand can help control turns – something those that will ride the occasional wave on a sail of this type will appreciate, especially in onshore scenarios. That on-off switch is quite subtle as the foil is quite defined and relatively deep, but the profile has enough softness to help control the power and go more neutral. The wind range is definitely a bonus too. Our larger testers enjoyed the low-end power and we were all aghast at how these sails can easily cope with wind in a band spanning F4-7. Also of note was the slick transitional nature from boom-to-boom with very little stall or sticking during and after transitions. Tuning-wise we stuck with a quite full setting overall and then tweaked the outhaul to suit, although, even near the top-end we preferred to keep even the outhaul quite full to assist in pinning-down the more lively boards.
THE VERDICT
A true go-anywhere sail with enough power to dig you out of the holes, the NeilPryde Fusion supplies sophisticated power with a slight element of softness to aid control. A strong match for freestyle wave and bump ‘n jump boards and occasional wavesailing use.
Other sails in this test: