POINT-7 SALT PRO 5.0 2022 TEST REVIEW
THE VERDICT
Small and compact, yet packing a punch, the Salt Pro’s character almost changes beyond recognition through its set. A real gem from light to over-powered conditions, it’s well worth spending the time experimenting to explore its potential.
OVERVIEW
The Salt Pro is back for the new season, locked into Point-7’s ‘Radical Range’ as their dedicated wave sail. It’s once again available in two colour schemes, but more than just an aesthetics option, the colour is also said to dictate the sail’s nature and power delivery. Utilising the brand’s ‘Black XXX’ 2mil laminate in its upper panels, the Black version is sited as softer and more forgiving, whereas the Yellow version utilises more conventional x-ply and is described as feeling more direct. Other changes include a lowering of the bottom batten for more stability and low-down drive on all sizes, plus a refinement in the larger three sizes (of which this 5.0m is one), for earlier planing and more upwind potential. This, Point-7 say, has been achieved through a narrowing of the Dacron luff panel and a tightening of the leech, without compromising control in this, the smallest adjusted size. Rigged on a K97 RDM mast, the Salt Pro sets with a good amount of luff curve to its leading edge, the two lower battens retaining rotation around the mast and pulling in plenty of shape and profile low and forward into the draft of the sail, below the boom. There’s a monofilm window incorporated, surrounded by patches of x-ply and double stitching. The leech still falls away comparatively well on the Salt and there are two clew eyelets present for tuning practicality.
BRAND CLAIM
“Hitting the waves at high speed to pull out new school aerial wave moves, whether you are jumping or going for aerials. The right mix between drive on the bottom turn, but at the same time a neutral on/off performance going for the cutback.”
PERFORMANCE
On the water the Salt Pro was liked by all that tried it, mixing a real blend of interesting design qualities and concepts. Firstly, with a quoted luff length of just 401 cm and boom of 160 cm it is easily the most compact in the group. Secondly, to compliment the pre-shape in the foot of the sail, the Salt Pro has a large Dacron luff panel, which starts at the bottom batten and extends up to the top batten. It allows the sail to breath significantly in more marginal airs, the centre of effort locked high and forward, generating a good amount of low-end drive, considering its compact nature and high skin tension. It powers smoothly yet feels purposeful in the feedback delivered – a sort of halfway house between soft and direct; it’s forgiving without feeling soggy in the hands. As such, it can be put to great use during manoeuvres, its small planform making it easy to manage, with minimal swing weight during aerial antics. And as the wind increases, the Salt Pro can be retuned with more tension to really alter its set, increasing the twist through the leech and reducing the influence of the Dacron luff panel, without flattening the forced camber in the foot. As a result, the sail feels rock steady in challenging seas, helping to maintain composure and drive the board forward. The lower clew eyelet provides extra control, enabling the rider to maintain a low, compact stance and focus on their own performance rather than worrying about controlling the sail. Dependable and comfortable for long periods of use, the Dacron luff panel retains enough movement to absorb any impact whilst travelling at speed over confused seas. With chameleon-like adaptability through its tuning and set, the Salt Pro is an impressive engine for use in any wave environment.
POINT-7 SALT PRO 5.0 2022 TEST REVIEW
SPECS
Size: 5.0
Luff: 401 cm
Boom: 158 cm
Battens: 4
Ideal Mast: Point-7 400 RDM
Available Sizes: 3.3, 3.7, 4.0, 4.2, 4.5, 4.7, 5.0, 5.3, 5.6.
PRICE: £629.00
NEIL PRYDE COMBAT PRO (2021) 5.0