NAISH CHOPPER L 4.7 2013 TEST REVIEW
NAISH CHOPPER L 4.7 2013 TEST REVIEW
BACKGROUND
For those that missed the ‘M’ test in the September issue, the Chopper is a brand new sail concept from Naish, developed following an ‘accidental experiment’ by Mark Angulo who broke a mast high-up on a Naish Force. The result is an ultra-compact four batten sail available in four sizes – S, M, L and XL – designed to be sailed ‘a size down’ and give maximum power for the smaller area.
AT-A-GLANCE
A short-luffed, super-compact, boxy shape with a standard length boom. Build quality is impressive with the construction featuring lightweight scrim materials, as well as plenty of X-ply re-enforcement for strength and durability. The L is claimed to be around a 4.7 in size but with low-end power equivalent to a ‘normal’ 5.3 for a huge usable range.
RIGGING
The whole Chopper series is designed to fit on a 370 and we tested it with a Naish Firestick. Like the M it’s quick and easy to rig and not so critical of fine-tuning – perfect for maximising water time.
PERFORMANCE
Once again we found the small compact shape is very easy to control and incredibly light in the hands, with forward drive and particularly low pull for its size. The wind range is impressive and we found the L to be very stable at the top-end. The backhand receives a nice level of feedback to control the power on and off and, on the wave, it produced great drive through the bottom turn, yet was light and easy to de-power off-the-top. Thanks to the short profile it’s lots of fun in any conditions and very manoeuvrable with usable power to access any section of the wave, plus the excellent swing weight is perfect in the air.
THE VERDICT
The Chopper is an exciting new concept from Naish that delivers everything it claims to. It has a unique style, crisp handling and a massive wind range and is suitable for a wide range of riders who want a radical wave/freestyle sail. All of our testers, regardless of size were highly impressed by it.
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