Windsurf MagazineNEIL PRYDE V8 7.7 2022 TEST REVIEW

NEIL PRYDE V8 7.7 2022 TEST REVIEW

THE VERDICT

Delivering a level of performance to match its classy appearance, the V8 is a joy to use, providing true race level potential in a light and user-friendly package.

OVERVIEW

The V8 continues its long lineage in the Neil Pryde line as their twin cam freerace option, derived directly from the brand’s legendary Evo race programme. Said to offer “race sail performance without the downsides”, it has a narrow luff sleeve and is intended to set with less downhaul tension than its no-compromise counterpart, making for a softer, easier cam rotation and more straightforward rigging and set. Rigged on its recommended TPX460 SDM, it nevertheless has a moderate to high amount of luff curve, the draft adopting a good amount of depth focussed forward in its panels whilst the leech falls away progressively along its length. The brand’s Airflow battens concept continues, the predominantly tubed battens angled high to encourage laminar flow and increase efficiency. The x-ply luff panel is one piece, said to help regulate and stabilise load distributions, and dual seams are used in key areas to mitigate stretch and enhance durability. With its large roundel graphic and colour gradient upper panels, it’s certainly an attractive looking sail, standing out well on the water. Well-crafted, without a crease or crinkle out of place, Neil Pryde have always prided themselves in innovative features, such as their integrated batten tensioners and exclusive materials, and this V8 is no exception, continuing the theme.

BRAND CLAIM

“Extreme early planing, soft rotation, wide wind range, great upwind and top end control, the V8 has the extra power and drive needed to accelerate and go fast on high performance boards.”

PERFORMANCE

Light and poised in the hands, the V8 feels active and positive as soon as a gust hits and pressure builds in its panels. With the centre of effort in a high forward position, its pull is crisp and direct, yet nevertheless manageable and transfers efficiently to the board. Once released, acceleration is impressive, the V8 expressing its willingness to reach ever-faster speeds with each gust – impressive for a twin cam. Partnered with a freerace or slalom board it really does have race-winning potential, particularly at local and national level, gliding smoothly through lulls and charging harder in the gusts; its twist profile through its leech so clean and dynamic that there’s no hint of any flutter. Delivering power and performance in light or comfortable conditions, its character remains as the wind increases, a drop down to the lower clew eyelet helping to extend upon its already impressive natural range. In powered to overpowered conditions, there is ultimately some movement in its stability, but met with a strong arm, the V8 continues to feel planted and efficient, driving the board to ever faster speeds. In transition, its entry speed helps to instil confidence, whilst its high aspect nature and short boom make short work of the movement required mid-transition, the sail easy to open up and reposition, rotating quickly for its size, the cams snapping back into place as the sail is pulled in on the new tack. It helps to inspire and has you charging into the next turn with even more speed and determination for a fast exit. The V8 is one of the more expensive twin cams on the test here, yet when it looks and performs so well, there’s strong justification for the price tag.

RS Racing video featured: