GUNSAILS TORRO 5.7 2021 TEST REVIEW
THE VERDICT
Gunsails have hit the nail on the head when describing the Torro as an ‘uncomplicated companion’. Simply rig it and go, it doesn’t require much technical fine-tuning, but delivers masses of accessible performance and fun at a price that can’t help but bring a smile to your face.
OVERVIEW
The Torro is back in the Gunsails lineup for 2021 as their “all-terrain freemove sail”, and despite carrying the same increments for the last two seasons, the panel layout throughout all sizes has been refined and the visual appearance sharpened. The clew panel in particular has been cleaned up, hosting a single eyelet for simplicity, whilst the luff panel retains its combination of a wider Dacron panel neighbouring a thinner x-ply strip. Rigged here on a Select 430 RDM (whilst still compatible with an SDM), it sports a five-batten structure, of which the main one above the boom is a tube-batten. Interestingly, in sizes 5.3m and smaller the sails contain rod battens only, said to improve handling and promote a more ‘wavy’ feel. The batten pockets in all sizes alternate either side of their panels to maintain symmetry, and there is abrasion beading along the length of the bottom batten on both sides. It is just one feature of a well thought out sail, possessing all the features you’d expect on the product of a modern sail loft today. Downhauled and set according to the FRED (Fast Rigging, Easy Doing) marker in the upper panel, the two lower battens retain plenty of rotation around the mast, whilst the leech opens up progressively along its length.
BRAND CLAIM
“The successful combination of early planing, excellent manoeuvre handling and impressive speed makes the Torro an uncomplicated companion for all levels and spots.”
PERFORMANCE
With the battens pushing beyond the mast at rest, the profile of the Torro sits flat and neutral, making it very easy to handle. As the wind fills and the pressure builds, the Torro fills to a much deeper and more powerful profile, thanks mostly to the wide Dacron luff panel, but helped also by the play in the luff sleeve. The centre of effort is forward and around head height, generating a good amount of bottom-end grunt without pulling the rider to their toes. Accelerating smoothly up to a good top speed, the sailing style and character of the Torro is simply one of a well-mannered and accommodating engine; one that can be forgotten about by the rider, so that they can concentrate on the board and their own performance. Handling is so easy and balanced, the feedback wonderfully tempered even in the most corrugated chop. If there was one criticism that could be levelled at the Torro, it’s that its drive does diminish in a lull, the reduction in pressure allowing the depth of the draft to decay. Yet, it’s a small price to pay, given the significant upsides the Dacron luff panel provides; beneficial for all rider abilities, but particularly the progressing rider. Sure, its manoeuvre potential may not be as crisp or instantaneous as some of the sharper sails on test here either, but this can also be perceived as a positive attribute, which becomes particularly apparent as the wind increases. Trimmed with more tension, the leech twists off cleanly without any flutter, helping to lock the draft in place and keep the sail driving forward. Plug-and-play practicality, and comfortable fulfilling any role, from freemove cruising, to bump-and-jump or coastal blasting, the Torro is easy to get on with and enjoy, maximising enjoyment on the water with minimal fuss.
GUNSAILS TORRO 5.7 2021 TEST REVIEW
SPECS
Size: 5.7m
Luff: 442 cm
Boom: 177 cm
Battens: 5
Ideal Mast: Gunsails 430 cm RDM/SDM
Available Sizes: 4.0, 4.3, 4.7, 5.0, 5.3, 5.7, 6.0, 6.3, 6.6, 6.9.
PRICE: €505.00 / £459.00
OTHER SAILS IN THIS TEST
THE LINE UP