NEIL PRYDE SPEEDSTER 7.7 2022 TEST REVIEW
THE VERDICT
Fast and exciting to use on all points of sail, the Speedster is perfectly described by its ‘no-cam slalom’ motif, its ability to convert the extra power of gusts into acceleration making it both magical and addictive to use.
OVERVIEW
The Speedster continues in the NeilPryde lineup, sitting between the twin-cam V8 (tested last month) and the freeride-focussed Ryde. As such, it is described by them as the camless slalom option, with the same outline as the brand’s reputed RS:Racing Evo11 sail. Rigged for test on a TPX100 SDM, it is solely recommended for use with the larger diameter mast in this size, the 6.2 and 6.7 compatible with either, whilst the two smallest sizes are recommended for use with RDMs. Setting with a moderate to high amount of luff curve (with trimming guides in the upper panel to assist), all bar the bottom batten fully pull away from the mast, leaving only the slightest amount of rotation in the foot batten. The leech falls away significantly along its length (interspersed with many mini-battens) and as with the other sails in NeilPryde’s range, the Speedster benefits from a ‘Continuous Luff’ panel – a full length one-piece luff panel, said to reduce weight and improve power delivery and stability. Tubed battens are also used extensively throughout to enhance the sail’s profile and structure, whilst their pockets are angled up, so as to promote a smoother airflow over the sail and reduce drag. With its clean set, standout graphics and gradient colours, it is a quite a special looking sail and has the price tag to match.
BRAND CLAIM
“It delivers an exhilarating combination of performance, speed and acceleration. Slalom without cambers.”
PERFORMANCE
Crisp and positive in the hands from the off, the Speedster responds well as a gust hits in marginal winds, the higher clew eyelet’s extended boom length making the power more obvious through the back hand. Acceleration is swift and purposeful, the sail feeling active and efficient in the hands, whilst settling quickly into a locked-in stance. This is a sail on a mission! In the past the Speedster has been electric off the wind, but lacking in power to drive a board closer to the wind, particularly in variable conditions. Things have certainly moved on though, this 7.7m’s rider-focussed power providing the impetus to reach impressive speeds on all points of sail. Partnered with a fast freerace or slalom board, the ‘no-cam slalom’ title given to the Speedster by Pryde makes sense. Exciting to use and slippery in nature, it offers supreme handling ease, remaining balanced and precise as it seamlessly converts the extra power of gusts into more acceleration. It’s the same sensation as a full slalom rig, blessing the rider with the confidence to keep charging, whatever the wind strength or sea state. As the wind increases, the Speedster’s natural range on one setting is impressive, yet a quick change to the lower clew eyelet helps to extend its top end stability ceiling further, without the need to alter the downhaul. It would certainly be capable of being competitive on a club or national circuit at amateur level, where its light handling would help through the corners. Entering at speed, the Speedster’s high aspect outline and short boom length make it easy to control and re-position mid-transition, rotating quickly and re-engaging smoothly as it exits with plenty of speed. Well within the capabilities of a progressing intermediate rider, such is its balanced handling and practicality, the Speedster thrives on being driven hard and endears itself to those that want to push their straight-line limits, whilst avoiding the waterstarting and cornering drawbacks of a modern cammed race sail.
SPECS
Price: £819.00
Size: 7.7m
Luff: 485 cm
Boom: 205 / 211cm
Battens: 7
Ideal Mast: NeilPryde 460 cm SDM
Available Sizes: 5.2, 5.7, 6.2, 6.7, 7.2, 7.7, 8.2.
OTHER SAILS IN THIS TEST