Windsurf MagazineGUNSAILS RAPID 7.2 2022 TEST REVIEW

GUNSAILS RAPID 7.2 2022 TEST REVIEW

THE VERDICT

A good-looking and user-friendly sail with a wide performance range, the Rapid is much more than simply a straight-line no-cam racer, giving it a great deal of user appeal.

OVERVIEW

The Rapid is GunSails’ no-cam freerace sail, sitting between the 6-batten freeride Zoom and the twin cam Exceed. With a batten count of seven, each of which is reportedly tubed, it has a compact outline and is compatible on either SDM or RDM, albeit tested here on the former. Setting with a medium to high amount of luff curve, the Rapid’s draft is relatively shallow at rest, with the four lower battens retaining rotation around the mast. The amount of tension to apply is guided by the F.R.E.D. marker in the second upper panel, encouraging the leech to fall away progressively right down to batten six above the clew eyelet. Setting cleanly, GunSails’ sail designer, Renato Morlotti, has carefully considered the Rapid’s makeup to “improve stability and durability”, using 4mil square-ply in the head panels, and 3mil Bi-ply in the mid-panels above the monofilm window. There’s a double-stitched seam along the main fault line in the foot of the sail, connecting the x-ply foot panel to the monofilm window. Finished well, with abrasion patches in vulnerable areas and beading along the foot battens, it has a large step to its inset clew eyelets and mini battens that run the length of the leech, giving some indication of its intended wind range.

BRAND CLAIM

No-cam does not imply a loss of performance. In fact, it’s quite the opposite – early planing, instant acceleration and exhilarating top speed are the Rapid’s hallmarks.

PERFORMANCE

Light and neutral in the hands initially, the movement in the Rapid’s luff sleeve combines with its Dacron luff panel to deepen the depth of the sail’s draft as pressure builds. The power delivered is soft and manageable, building steadily as it pulls from a low and forward position. Light and practical rather than crisp and punchy, it’s an easy and practical sail to get on with, and can be partnered with a wide variety of boards, from freemove and freeride, right up to freerace and even slalom, such is its wind range and adaptability. In marginal to comfortably powered conditions, the use of the upper clew eyelet was favoured amongst the team, making the power delivery more obvious and feedback more positive. Happily cruising around with an upright stance, the Rapid doesn’t need to be asked twice to lock in and go for a drag race, twisting smoothly through its trailing edge and accelerating willingly as it’s pinned down. In strong winds and overpowered conditions, a quick change down to the lower clew eyelet increases the already significant rake in the boom geometry, further improving control and stability. Balanced and planted, the Rapid displays an impressive top-end performance as the conditions strengthen, being fast on all points of sail and inspiring confidence in the rider to keep pushing. And in the turn its compact nature and easy power delivery make for a forgiving partner through the corners, bestowing the rider with the time and easy handling to complete the transition, without getting pulled off course. At €545.00 GunSails have once again cracked a tough nut and delivered incredible value for money.