Windsurf MagazineLOFTSAILS SWITCHBLADE HD 8.5 2023 TEST REVIEW

LOFTSAILS SWITCHBLADE HD 8.5 2023 TEST REVIEW

The Verdict

With its fantastic acceleration, extraordinary ease in the hands, and superb stability, the Switchblade HD is poised to take your windsurfing adventures to new heights. Whether you are an adrenaline junkie chasing speed, or a casual cruiser seeking enjoyment, the Switchblade promises a ride that you won’t soon forget.

The Lowdown

Boasting a design honed for an expansive tuning range, on test here we have the Loftsails Switchblade HD, the brand’s more resilient version of the Switchblade with X-ply woven into all of its panels. The recommended mast for this sail is the Team Edition SDM, though all sizes up to 7.8m are also RDM compatible, with RDM TekCam II camber inducers coming as standard.

A high point in the design strategy has been maximising the trim range. Consequently, the latest version of the Switchblade integrates optimised luff curves and vertical shapes to provide an impressive tuning spectrum. The depth of the sail’s draft is medium to shallow, while the leech relaxes noticeably towards the fifth batten and beyond. Loftsails use a tube batten system in the Switchblades to further enhance stability and control at its top end.

Whether you choose the green design with bi-ply upper panels and a monofilm central window or the sturdy orange HD version, sporting a complete x-ply construction, the Switchblade remains a testament to exceptional engineering and meticulous attention to detail. The dual clew eyelet and neoprene boom cutout closure offer practical touches that add value to your windsurfing experience, regardless of conditions.

Brand Claim

“The Switchblade’s 3-cam profile and aspect ratio work in harmony to optimise forward-oriented drive. On the water this translates into smooth, relentless acceleration.”

Performance

The Loftsails Switchblade enters the fray as undoubtedly one of the most race-oriented entrants in our lineup. From the first engagement, it exudes a calm and composed demeanour. Although it might seem less formidable at the lower end initially, don’t let this trick you. Give it a bit of a nudge with some easy pumping, invest your effort into it, and watch it spring to life, offering a surge of power and drive that belies its serene outset.

The Switchblade’s acceleration capabilities deserve special mention. Not just quick, but it feels remarkably ‘slippery’, slicing through the air with an agility and speed that could impress even the most seasoned windsurfers. The sail’s performance highlights its seamless blend of power and speed.

But what truly sets the Switchblade apart is the enchanting transformation it undergoes as it picks up speed. As you settle into your glide, the sail miraculously feels lighter in your hands. It’s a sensation akin to being swept along by the wind, a whisper of a touch guiding you, never overbearing or backhanded.

And once the Switchblade locks in, it exudes a sense of stability that is second to none. The low-cut foot design contributes to a racing feeling that is hard to describe. It’s less about just going fast and more about the pure exhilaration of a perfect connection between you, your board, and the sail.