Windsurf MagazinePATRIK RIDE FR 6.8 2023 TEST REVIEW

The Verdict

The Patrik FR is a well-designed sail that is sure to have you looking good on the water. Fast to get onto the plane; the Ride FR has heaps of useable power that is an advantage when getting going, or blasting on the straights and out of turns.

The Lowdown

Easy, fun and fast freeride is where Patrik lays their claim for the Ride FR, which is produced in seven sizes from 4.4 to 8.2. Once rolled out, one of the first features to note is the luff panel of the Ride FR which is constructed using a 2.5 MIL x/scrim-ply material, which is said to offer a higher load resistance compared to Dacron while still inflating gently. This means that the sail is able to withstand the rigours of freeride sailing without compromising on its performance.

The bottom part of the sail is made using a 5 MIL x-ply material, which provides excellent protection against impacts without adding too much weight. And the main window is a solid and thick 5 MIL monofilm, which strikes the perfect balance between visibility, impact resistance, and weight.

The top part of the sail is constructed using a 4 MIL blue-tinted monofilm, which is lighter and adds UV resistance where visibility is not a key factor. And to add a touch of wear resistance to the areas that are always stressed while rigging and rolling the sail, PATRIK has used a clear 5 MIL x-ply and blue 5 MIL x-ply along the leech and top panel. There have also been some nice additions to the Ride FR’s batten pockets. Wear-proof material has been added to battens that usually take a beating whilst sat on the shore, and they have also been constructed with x-ply to stop stretching in high-tension areas. Overall the Ride FR is a classy-looking sail that is sleek in design.

Brand Claim

“Easy, fun and fast freeride sail!”

Performance

Sheet in with the Ride FR, and the power delivered is direct and decisive. The Ride FR excels in its ability to plane early, with the power delivered being immediately useable by the rider. As you accelerate up to speed, one of the standout features of the sail is its stability at full pace. Whether you are charging through choppy waters or blasting across the flats, this sail maintains its composure, allowing you to focus on your technique.

Once up at pace, the sail has some good release allowing the rider to reach impressive top speeds. We found that as the breeze picked up, the sail responded well to increased downhaul ensuring its speed potential was maintained.

Despite its impressive performance capabilities, the sail remains user-friendly, making it an excellent choice for windsurfers of all skill levels.

Through the turns, the Ride FR’s most impressive ability was to get the power back on quickly when exiting gybes, and it’s easy to drive the sail’s power into the board. When speed is maintained through the gybe, the drive is never jerky, but is clear in its direction, allowing the rider to push hard and fast out of turns. Overall the Ride FR is a great all-around freeride sail that will have you accelerating quickly with precision power.