Windsurf MagazineLOFTSAILS PURELIP 6.2 2023 TEST REVIEW

LOFTSAILS PURELIP 6.2 2023 TEST REVIEW

Verdict
A sail that aims to maintain performance despite any increase in wind strength. The Purelip is undoubtedly a high-wind machine, but move away from the recommended settings slightly, and you will find performance at the low end of the wind range.

The Lowdown

The Purelip is Loftsails 5-batten “hardcore wave” sail; however, we have decided to test the largest size in their range in the crossover category. Previously tested in the wave category, some key features that came out were its ability to manage unstable breeze and its acceleration capabilities. For this reason, we thought the 6.2 was a perfect fit for the crossover test, where these qualities are a real asset. Set on the recommended settings, the sail boasts a fair amount of luff curve, setting relatively flat with battens pulling away from the mast. Having said this, however, the sail responds very well to some light tuning with the downhaul and outhaul, where you can slightly modify the sail’s profile to suit the conditions best. The Purelip uses the Loft “standing battens” concept which assists the sail in adopting a deeper profile forwards in its draft. Whilst quoted as a hardcore wave sail, the sail’s ability to double up as a perfect ally for bump and jump conditions is clear. A strong luff curve combined with its 5-battens will ensure the sail remains stable at the top of its wind range, allowing it to do the work through punchy gusts. Also, the dual radials extending from the clew will ensure that the sail’s profile is maintained, ensuring optimum release in the rig. The Purelip possesses a number of well-designed features, including a fully opening mast pocket which makes setting and resetting the sail a simple task allowing you to nip ashore and make downhaul adjustments quickly. Additionally, a useful tuning guide at the top of the sail makes it quick and easy to get to the recommended settings.

Brand Claim
For top-end stability and reliability in demanding conditions – and ultimate bump and jump performance – the Purelip is epic.

Performance
With its first outing in marginal conditions, we were intrigued to see how the Purelip performed. Tuned with a little less downhaul, the sail’s pumping ability was extremely efficient. The sail’s high aspect ratio provided the rider with some well-received leverage, making it easy to generate power and direct the board onto the plane. Additionally, the play in the luff sleeve ensured that with each pump, the initiation of power was smooth and useable. As the breeze builds, simply add a little more downhaul and the sail’s leech releases, bestowing the sail with an exceptional ability to manage the most violent of gusts.

No doubt this is where the sail feels most at home, producing impressive top speeds and providing the rider with the control needed to direct the board, whether that be to accelerate straight forwards or boost into the air. Once the Purelip reaches its top speed, step into a manoeuvre, and it goes light instantly, making getting the sail to the neutral zone a simple task. This becomes most noticeable through the rig flip, where rotating the sail is fast and effortless. When manoeuvring in lighter breezes, softening the trim of the sail with some tuning produced the grunt needed to keep the board moving out of the turns. Overall the sail performs at its best when fully powered but responds impressively to softer tuning, significantly improving its low-end performance.