Windsurf MagazineGA COSMIC 8.3 2023 TEST REVIEW

GA COSMIC 8.3 2023 TEST REVIEW

The Verdict

The Cosmic is a freeride sail that provides power and speed and promises a smooth, stable ride. Its performance-oriented design and user-friendly handling make it an exceptional choice for windsurfers seeking to elevate their session without the demands typically associated with high-performance sails.

The Lowdown

On first glance, you are immediately drawn to the Cosmic’s race-inspired outline, complete with a broad sail foot and unbroken luff panels. Beneath the surface, seven battens are paired with two small, seamless rotating cams. At the heart of the sail is the Cross Batten Concept. This structure is further reinforced by the Continuous Luff Panels that assure efficient load distribution, while the Dacron Luff Panel next to the mast sleeve guarantees a smooth power-up. A compact window design reduces unnecessary seams and potential interferences with other materials.

Rigging the Cosmic is a breeze thanks to the moderate tension profile. The Cosmic flaunts an impressive 4 Mil X-Ply fabric, revered for its superior strength and reduced weight. Moreover, it showcases GA’s advances in film technology with its C-Film. Which, GA say, leads to remarkably vibrant and enduring colours that stay fresh regardless of wear and tear. Finally, a reinforced double seam through the windows ensures durable performance in critical areas.

Brand Claim

“The Cosmic combines the low-end power and performance of a cambered sail with the user-friendliness and comfort in gybes, usually only no-cam designs can provide.”

Performance

This sail’s hallmark feature is its ability to generate power smoothly, a quality that is appreciated by novices and veterans alike, as it allows for easy direction control and responsive handling.

The Cosmic wastes no time getting onto the plane. Its speed picks up gradually, a gradual crescendo of controlled pace. The deep profile of the sail plays a key role here, providing a comforting sense of stability as the sail accelerates and starts to show off its true potential.

Once at cruising speed, the Cosmic offers a secure feel that you can comfortably sit into. This feeling of security, coupled with the sail’s powerful drive, enables the rider to maintain a high level of control even in demanding conditions. In terms of wind and chop handling, the Cosmic stands out. The synergy between the sail and mast is impressive, deftly absorbing any wind undulations and messy chop, ensuring a steady and unflustered ride throughout.

The Cosmic isn’t just about straight-line speed however. It displays impeccable manners through the gybe. The sail prefers to be positioned forwards early, maintaining strong forward drive, and its two smoothly rotating small cams come into play here, keeping the sail balanced and manageable.

Exiting the gybe is where the Cosmic’s performance truly shines. The cams rotate gradually, avoiding sudden power shifts and allowing the rider to get settled for the exit. This smooth, controlled rotation ensures a seamless transition, keeping the ride smooth and maintaining the pace.