GAASTRA CROSS 6.0M 2013 TEST REVIEW
GAASTRA CROSS 6.0M 2013 TEST REVIEW
THE LOW-DOWN
The Gaastra Cross, as the name suggests, is an all-round crossover sail. Designed for fast freeride fun with easy handling for use in bump & jump conditions or flat water. For 2013 it’s been retuned with new lighter materials.
AT A GLANCE
• Six battens with two micro leech battens
• X-ply frame, with Scrim in the head and a large mono film window.
• Large moulded tack fairing
• Single clew cringle
• Fuller foot shape and a powerful freeride outline.
The build quality is top notch and the new colour options make the 2013 Gaastras really standout on the water.
RIGGING
Rigging on a 430 we tested it with a Gaastra 100% carbon RDM. It’s easy to tune, setting with a decent amount of shape in the foil around the bottom battens and flattening off progressively into the head and twisting-off into a loose leech.
PERFORMANCE
The Cross is perfectly balanced in the hands, with a powerful pull that’s forward in the sail and easily controlled. The bottom end is solid, but not at all over-powering for easy acceleration. The wind range is wide and particularly good at the top end of the scale, where it keeps on pulling and the solid six-batten frame delivers great stability and control regardless of the conditions. The Cross is fast and also very easy to sail at high speed and will allow you to squeeze every ounce of performance out of any freeride or freestyle-wave board it’s plugged into. Around the corners it displays light, well-balanced handling and is also fun and playful enough for some high-speed carving freestyle.
THE VERDICT
Bump & Jump or Burn & Turn the Gaastra Cross, crosses over perfectly from a more freeride perspective. The foil shape makes it extremely fast and easy and capable of smoking past anyone on flat water, while in bump & jump mode its smooth handling and control make it perfect for boosting big airs. It will suit riders of all levels who want to go fast and still have fun screaming through some gybes.
For more information on the
GAASTRA CROSS 6.0M 2013
go to GAASTRA.COM
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