Windsurf MagazineLOFTSAILS OXYGEN 7.0 HD 2023 TEST REVIEW

LOFTSAILS OXYGEN 7.0 HD 2023 TEST REVIEW

The Verdict

A sail that produces a low-positioned centre of effort, making it easy to direct, the Oxygen is very comfortable to sail in a huge range of conditions. Extremely free moving in the gybe, this sail responds well to an active rider on all points of sail.

The Lowdown

Debuting in 2000 as the O2, Loftsails Oxygen is back for the 2023 test and remains unchanged from the previous season. This design has proven itself to be reliable and high-performing with an extreme wind range in previous tests. One of the standout features of the Oxygen is its higher aspect ratio, which is said to provide a more forward-oriented drive and lighter, easier handling.

The luff curves and leech configuration of the Oxygen have been redesigned to offer more solid bottom-end power and a higher range of trim reactivity, and the Oxygen changes from 6 battens (7.3 and down) to 7 battens (7.8 and up).

Once rigged, the Oxygen displays a considerable amount of luff curve, suggesting the power will sit low in the sail and with two clew eyelets, the sail can be easily adjusted. Another component that makes setting this sail a breeze is its fully opening tack fairing, which provides extremely easy access to the extension and downhaul. At the head of the sail, a double Dacron head panel is present to ensure the sail is easy to roll up and is not damaged when doing so. In addition to its design characteristics, the Oxygen is also available in two striking designs: an exclusive green bi-ply or a reinforced orange HD version (tested here) and is produced in a whopping ten sizes from 4.6 to 9.5.

Brand Claim

“The Oxygen design is pure and easy freeride performance. Debuting in 1992 as the O2, Oxygen continues its legacy as a proven and reliable freeride design with an extreme wind range.”

Performance

Sheet in with the Oxygen, and you will immediately notice the centre of effort sitting low in the rig, making it incredibly easy to control, a welcome ally when directing big gusts. Despite this, the Oxygen has an impressive ability to work onto the plane well, particularly when engaging some back hand play. In lighter winds, the sail responds well to reduced downhaul, giving the sail a slightly fuller profile to help the rider onto the plane. Pull the downhaul on, however, and the leech falls away considerably, with plenty of luff curve displayed. This gave it a responsive and dynamic feel as the mast and leech work for the rider, especially through choppy water and gusty winds. If you are struggling to know how to set the sail, Loftsails well placed Trim Diamond marker is present at the top of the sail to guide you in setting the leech profile correctly.

One thing we particularly appreciated about the Oxygen was how neutral it felt in the turns, providing a free feeling with the rig that made it easy to make adjustments on the move without any feelings of resistance in the rig. Overall, we found the Oxygen to be super controllable while still being reasonably fast. It’s a great choice for windsurfers who want a sail that’s responsive, dynamic, and easy to control in all wind conditions.