Windsurf MagazineLOFTSAILS OXYGEN 7.8 2022 TEST REVIEW

LOFTSAILS OXYGEN 7.8 2022 TEST REVIEW

THE VERDICT

The Oxygen oozes quality in both build and performance, really coming into its own when the conditions turn on.

OVERVIEW

Loftsails transitioned to a multiple year lifecycle last year, this no-cam freerace Oxygen being noted as current for a total of three years in the brand’s literature, up to 2023. Available in green HD construction, using x-ply throughout its panels, it is tested here in its standard setup, with orange 4mil bi-ply body panels above its 5mil monofilm window, and 5mil biaxial x-ply luff, clew and foot panels. Build quality is second to none, as we have come to expect from the Loftsails brand, with its familiar double Dacron head panel, tubed battens, durable IYU250 luff tube material and fully opening moulded tack fairing. Rigged here on the brand’s recommended 75% Vision mast, it was tested on an SDM (whilst also compatible on an RDM) and set with easily the most luff curve of all the sails on test here, the significant downhaul tension directed by the ‘trim diamond’ in the upper panel. Setting flat at rest, particularly above the boom, with just the two lower battens retaining any rotation, there’s plenty of looseness along the length of the leech and some considerable skin tension through the leading edge. Available in a total of ten sizes, from 4.6m right up to 9.5m, it was tested last year in the HD 7.0m version, so we were interested to see how this larger sizing faired, transitioning from a six to seven batten layout.

BRAND CLAIM

“The Oxygen enjoys a higher aspect ratio that translates into more forward-oriented drive and lighter, easier handling. Increased mast lengths are balanced by the closed sleeve top, replacing the previous head plug with front-to-back head straps.”

PERFORMANCE

With a quoted area of 7.8m, the Oxygen is the largest sail on test here and feels as such when taken out on the water initially. It has a shallow profile at rest, filling slightly as pressure builds in the sail, the centre of effort further back in the draft, focussed around the rider. The power delivery is soft and tempered rather than sharp or instantaneous, the high skin tension and significant luff curve of the Oxygen giving it a firm and unyielding nature. It can be pumped for light wind release with an assertive style and good technique, but equally, at 218 cm, the elongated boom provides useful feedback and leverage for using a more passive approach. Once going the Oxygen accelerates quickly, rocking back into a committed stance … and as the wind increases, the Oxygen really begins to come alive. This is a true freerace thoroughbred, make no mistake, the rearward-focussed power providing the balanced response and efficiency to really put the hammer down. It thrives on being powered or even overpowered, exposing an extra gear in fast boards, as it raises them up to fly on their fin. Entering transitions, its size becomes apparent and whilst neutral and balanced, the long boom length does mean the Oxygen takes longer to rotate between tacks. Partnered with a fast freerace or slalom board, the Oxygen is a giant-slalom weapon, with the tuneability and top end stability to keep charging when most other 7.8m sails (including cammed!) have long since been put away.