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2013 GAASTRA MANIC 4.7

GAASTRA MANIC 4.7 2013 TEST REVIEW

Stats Size (m2) 4.7 Luff (cm) 403 Boom (cm) 163 Battens 5 Ideal Mast 400/19 IMCS RDM Extension Req (cm) 3 Price £499

GAASTRA MANIC 4.7  2013 TEST REVIEW

BACKGROUND
The Manic is Gaastra’s classic all-round wave sail line and has featured in their range for many years. For 2013 it’s been redesigned with a new outline and panel layout and claims to be 10% lighter, stronger and also more durable than before. The smallest sizes, 4.0 and below have just four battens, while the rest of the range still has five.

It’s available in either Standard construction, that we tested, or HD full X-ply construction for extra durability.

AT-A-GLANCE
Your classic five-batten frame with a moderate luff and boom length. The build quality, as you’d expect from Gaastra, is very high with generous amounts of X-ply re-enforcement where needed, suggesting it’ll stand up to plenty of abuse. There’s a large clear window in the middle and in the head it uses a new 2-ply laminate material that is much lighter than previous grades.

RIGGING
The whole sail range is designed to fit on just two masts, either a 370 or 400. The 4.7 rigs on a 400 and we tested the sail with a Gaastra 100 RDM. It’s an easy sail to rig and tune – stick to the recommended settings and you won’t go far wrong.

PERFORMANCE
The Manic feels light and well-balanced in the hands, the power feeds in smoothly with a good amount of feel and control, mainly through your backhand. It has a soft nature, that’s easy to handle in all conditions. The wind range is pretty wide, with more low-end power to get going and provide drive than the previous year’s model and, although it’s sacrificed a little top-end, still remains controllable in the gusts.

THE VERDICT
The 2013 Gaastra Manic feels very different to former versions. It’s gained some extra grunt at the bottom end and also shed some weight without sacrificing build quality. It’s a great all-rounder and would suit any rider who is looking for a no-hassle and reliable wave sail to take anywhere and power a variety of different boards.

gaastra.com

READ THE OTHER REVIEWS:

Goya Guru 4.7
Naish Chopper L (4.7)
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North Volt 4.7
Point-7 Swag 4.7
RRD Four 4.7
Severne Blade 4.7
Simmer Icon 4.7
Tushingham Rock 4.7
Vandal Enemy 4.7

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