GOYA FREESURF 5.7M 2013 TEST REVIEW
GOYA FREESURF 5.7M 2013 TEST REVIEW
THE LOW-DOWN
The Freesurf is Goya’s crossover sail line. Incorporating features filtered down from their premium wave ranges it’s designed to deliver in a wide range of environments and is built to be light and at an affordable price for riders of all levels.
AT A GLANCE
• X-ply frame, with large mono window
• Goya Reduced Head
• Stretch Control System
• Five battens with 2 micro leech battens
• Thick moulded Tack Fairing
• Single Clew Ring
• High-cut foot with a medium-aspect shape
The build quality looks very good and, despite being made to a cost-effective brief, still looks durable with a decent amount of X-ply throughout the required areas and also plenty of quality features, all resulting in a sail that’s far from ‘budget’.
RIGGING
Using a 430 Goya Direct Drive RDM 90% carbon mast the Freesurf sets with good shape in the bottom two battens getting progressively flatter in the foil towards the head. There’s plenty of tuning range through the outhaul to suit your personal feel and the wind strength.
PERFORMANCE
Feeling light and well-balanced in the hands with a forward pull there’s plenty of power that ‘bangs’ on, but is easy to handle and quick to get-up-and-go – even for larger riders and/or at the lower end of the wind range. This 5.7 also delivered good speed and was a comfortable sail to blast around with. Through the gusts it remained stable, with the Goya Reduced Head reacting and keeping everything controlled. It’s a very manoeuvre-orientated foil so it can be thrown around in gybes and basic freestyle moves with ease. If you’re venturing into some waves it would also deliver well but don’t get too critical, as it’s not constructed to take hard beatings.
THE VERDICT
Within the spectrum of use the crossover sails in this test covers, the Goya Freesurf delivers a great balance of all-round performance, leaning towards a wavesail-style handling feel in a durable, lightweight and affordable package. It will suit riders of all levels looking for a reliable and hassle-free sail to go anywhere, including venturing into friendlier surf environments or freestyling, as well as being ideal for entry-level riders still searching for their own style.
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