POINT-7 SPY PRO 5.9M 2019 TEST REVIEW
POINT-7 SPY PRO 5.9M 2019 TEST REVIEW
OVERVIEW
Dubbed the ‘wave force’ of the Point-7 lineup, the Spy was developed by the slalom riders of their team, before being handed over to PWA wild man Ricardo Campello for the final wavesailing sign off. It sits alongside the Salt Pro in the range, with an extra batten and built in power, without reportedly compromising its handling or stability. For 2019 there’s a new XXX black laminate x-ply incorporated into the upper panels for lighter handling and reduced swing weight. Rigged on an 80% RDM mast (whilst also compatible with SDM), it has plenty of luff curve, the downhaul visual guide in the top panel helping to achieve the right amount of tension. There’s plenty of shape well forward in the draft, the leech falling away smoothly down to batten four, while both it and the bottom batten retain plenty of rotation around the mast. X-ply is used exclusively throughout the Spy’s panels, which combined with the high-cut foot and high clew eyelet positions, give the sail a distinctly beefed-up wave specific appearance. Up-to-date detailing, such as alternating transparent x-ply batten pockets and the upward geometry of the battens themselves also give an idea of the sail’s intended performance credentials – even when wave sailing, slalom sailors don’t want to sail slow!
BRAND CLAIM
“If you’re looking for power, but power which can plane in the lightest conditions and at the same time challenge even the toughest situations, this is the sail for you.”
PERFORMANCE
Rigged for light marginal winds, with less tension and using the upper clew eyelet, the Spy generates a good deal of bottom end grunt. The centre of effort is located high and forward in the draft, its power amplified by the high position of the clew, offering the rider plenty of useable feedback. It is a real powerhouse of a sail, giving the heavier or taller rider the impetus to pump and release their board onto the plane early. The pull is grunty and forceful, the delivery balanced and yet always present in the hands. As the wind increases, the Spy benefits from use of the lower eyelet and a re-tune back on land, increasing tension along the leading edge and twist through the leech. It is worth spending time to experiment with the set of the Spy, as there is plenty of tuning range available, even beyond that specified by the visual guides on the sail. Nevertheless, even the lower clew position is still high compared to most, encouraging the rider into an upright stance over the board. There is plenty of sail area above the boom, and with its high-cut foot the Spy is more manoeuvre than blasting focussed, even though it drives efficiently through lulls and has a fast natural cruising speed. In transition the Spy retains its power and drive rather than going neutral in the hands, yet its stability is unwavering, allowing the rider to rely upon it and reposition at will, the battens rotating positively around the mast. A dependable power source with a wide tuneable range, the Spy is well suited to the larger rider who would undoubtedly enjoy its high pull position and the constant dependable drive.
THE VERDICT
A stable dependable powerhouse from a reputed sail loft, the Spy is a larger rider’s manoeuvre dream and at £509.00 represents real value for money.
Other sails in this test: