NEILPRYDE COMBAT HD 5M 2025 TEST REVIEW
The Verdict
Strong, light, durable, and built for those who thrive on extra power, the high-performance Combat HD allows you to maintain you riding in style no matter how intense the conditions. Designed for proactive handling on a wave, the Combat HD offers a thrilling and dynamic ride.
The Lowdown
The main design features of the NeilPryde’s Combat HD remain unchanged for 2025, but Pryde have improved material choices in the foot and clew for even greater durability. The Combat is available in two premium constructions as well as the regular Combat version which has a clear window panel. The Combat HD is positioned as an affordable, performance-oriented wave sail that emphasizes strength, durability and value. In contrast, the Pro Fuse model caters to the high-end market with a no-expense-spared design, making it 50 to 100 grams lighter than the HD. Several features immediately stand out in the Combat HD upon first inspection. It has a higher aspect ratio and a straighter luff curve, aimed at improving high-end control while offering enhanced low-end power. Despite these updates from 2024, the Combat HD retains NeilPryde’s signature design elements, such as durable batten ends and substantial full EVA protection at the head, clew, and tack. The sail’s body is constructed from Ultra-PE X-Ply, paired with an X-Ply window for a combination of durability and lightness. The HD has fully laminated Power Fuse reinforcements in the tack and clew areas (rather than stitched reinforcements), which are strategically placed to evenly distribute loads, maintaining the sail’s structural integrity under high stress. When rigged to specifications on the beach, the Combat HD sets up relatively flat but features plenty of give and flex. The battens visibly overlap the mast, hinting at the sail’s ability to expand, fill, and provide ample power for the rider to work with. The outhaul is expected to serve as the primary tuning tool, offering flexibility for adjustments based on conditions. Visually, the Combat HD is unmistakably NeilPryde. We tested the vibrant, slightly laminated shimmering pink and orange colourway, which would no-doubt stand out prominently in any line-up. The sail also comes in an aqua blue version which is equally striking.
Brand Claim
“The Combat is our World Cup Team Riders’ sail of choice. Completely redesigned in 2024, the main design features remain unchanged for 2025.”
Performance
Feeling incredibly neutral in the hands, the Combat HD’s impressive lightweight design minimizes rider effort when positioning or engaging the backhand for power. We found the HD, impressively lightweight and it performed exceptionally well across all wind conditions. The responsiveness of the sail was excellent for both wave riding and jumping. Its firm and stable feel inspires the rider to execute manoeuvres with confidence. While it encourages a bit of precision in the low-end range, the sail truly excels and unleashes its full potential in the top-end, offering an exceptional experience for the rider. Even in overpowered conditions or fierce gusts, the Combat HD is controllable, showing no signs of unstable power that could throw the rider off balance or distract their focus. The Combat HD allows you to confidently hold your ground as conditions intensify, letting you ride with effortless style and assurance. The HD truly comes to life fully powered, delivering exceptional control once it is up to speed. When sailing clew-first, the sail feels dependable, with no twitching or instability. It has a unique ability to remain calm and collected. This was most noticeable when exiting a gybe and became even more apparent while riding. Light and controllable, the Combat HD gives you the mental space to focus on the section or pitching lip ahead. Flying down the face of a wave the Combat HD responds well to proactive handling from the rider. The more energy you put into the Combat HD, the more it rewards you in return. When faced with tricky, gusty, or overpowered conditions, the feel of the Combat HD remains composed and refined, working seamlessly with the rider. The Combat HD is a dedicated wave sail, which thrives from the proactiveness of the rider and delivers an unforgettable crisp exciting ride.
NEILPRYDE COMBAT HD 5M 2025 TEST REVIEW
VITAL STATS
Price: £829
Size: 5m
Luff: 410cm
Boom: 161cm
Battens: 4
Ideal Mast: 400 RDM
Weight: 2.75kg
Available sizes: 3.3/3.7/4.0/4.2/4.5/4.7/5.0/5.3/5.6
OTHER SAILS IN THIS TEST