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5M WAVE SAIL TEST 2025

18/12/2024
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5M WAVE SAIL TEST 2025

POWER AND PERFORMANCE

James Hardy and his crew rig, ride, and review a selection of the latest 5m wave sails on the market. Whether you’re chasing perfect waves, braving fierce winds, or seeking a versatile all-rounder, this year’s lineup delivers outstanding options for sailors of all levels.

TEST EDITOR: JAMES HARDY // SECOND TESTERS: TRIS BEST AND SCOTTY STALLMAN // PHOTOS: OLLIE ROGERS – OTC // LOCATION: BRACKLESHAM & OVERCOMBE

 


 

OVERVIEW

The 5m windsurf wave sail is a pivotal size in the world of wave sailing, where performance and versatility converge. These sails sit at the heart of wave sailing design, offering a perfect blend of power, control, and manoeuvrability. When the breeze kicks in and the waves start to pump, the 5m sail is often the go-to choice for riders looking to unlock the full potential of their skills and equipment.

The 5m sail is widely considered the point where wave riding truly comes alive. Larger sails, while powerful in light wind conditions, often feel cumbersome in stronger winds and tight wave situations. Conversely, smaller sails lack the necessary drive in moderate conditions, especially for generating speed to catch waves. The 5m sail strikes a perfect balance; it provides enough power to accelerate through sections and carve deep bottom turns, yet it is also small enough to feel light and agile in the hands. This size gives riders the confidence to engage in radical manoeuvres, from smooth cutbacks to dynamic aerials, even as the wind picks up.

When the conditions turn on, the 5m sail shines as a versatile workhorse. Its size is ideal for winds in the moderate to strong range, making it a staple for many wave sailors in conditions of 20 to 25 knots. The sail’s balance of power and control means it can handle gusts effectively while still delivering the smooth and predictable handling needed for wave riding. As the wind builds, riders find that the sail’s smaller surface area minimizes drag and reduces the chance of getting overpowered, allowing for a more comfortable and efficient session.

One of the standout characteristics of a 5m wave sail is its agility. Thanks to advancements in sail design and materials, modern 5m sails are incredibly lightweight, with carefully engineered profiles that prioritize ease of use and responsiveness. These features make it possible to “throw around” the sail with minimal effort, whether initiating a quick gybe, transitioning through a tack, or setting up for a critical wave section. The smaller size also facilitates precision in execution, allowing riders to place their sail exactly where they need it during turns or aerial moves.

For wave sailors, a 5m sail is a cornerstone of their quiver. Its size and performance attributes make it indispensable, especially for intermediate to advanced riders who want to push their limits on the waves. Whether you’re slicing through a clean bottom turn, launching off a ramp, or laying into a full-speed cutback, the 5m sail empowers you to explore the full spectrum of wave sailing. It truly represents the size where the magic happens—powerful enough to catch and ride waves, yet small enough to allow uninhibited, expressive performance.

This year’s line-up showcases an impressive blend of material and development. The latest sails are engineered to achieve remarkable performance while remaining exceptionally lightweight. Notably, every sail in the test could be categorized based on its ideal use and the rider it’s best suited for, ensuring you can find the perfect match for your riding style and goals.

 

SUMMARY

Without further ado, let’s dive into the best 2025 wave sails on the market. This year’s selection strikes an impressive balance between price point and performance, offering something for every rider’s needs. For those seeking a lightweight, playful feel, the GUNSAILS, SEAL stands out. Its compact handling allows riders to engage dynamically with the face of a wave while maintaining excellent control, not to mention its very competitive price tag. A dependable all-rounder, the GA Manic retains its familiar shape, feel, and outline from previous years, making it a reliable choice for various conditions. Its adaptability ensures it remains a team favourite. With an ability to handle the upper end when conditions turn on with have the NeilPryde Combat HD and Point 7 Salt Pro. Both able to hold their shape and remain stable to allow the rider to still ride even when conditions turn wild on the water. Wrapping performance and control into a lively package with have the Severne Blade, delivering an attacking nature when the rider wants it, but it can just as easily deliver a calm, controlled ride when you need it. With a forward drive that will help push any board up to speed we have the Simmer Blacktip. Completely redesigned for 2025, the Blacktip’s ease of use makes high-level performance accessible to everyone, regardless of skill level. Finally, we have the Duotone Super_Hero D-Lab and Goya Banzai 11 Pro Carbon, which are both performance sails that deliver exceptional lightweight design and wave-riding capability. Both sails are easy to use and equally impressive in their own right.

 

 

THE LINEUP

Duotone Super_Hero D-LAB 5M

GA Manic 5m

Goya Banzai 11 Pro Carbon 5m

GUNSAILS SEAL 4.7m

NeilPryde Combat HD 5m

Point 7 Salt Pro 5m

Simmer Blacktip 5m

Severne Blade 5m

 

 

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