RRD VOGUE PRO MK10 5.0M 2019 TEST REVIEW
RRD VOGUE PRO MK10 5.0M 2019 TEST REVIEW
OVERVIEW
The Vogue has reached its tenth season in the RRD range and remains the sail of choice of former PWA Wave World Vice Champion Alex Mussolini. Through his and Andrea Rosati’s input, UK designer John Skye has focussed development around making the sail more compact, refining the leech twist to improve power and control. We tested the standard ‘Pro’ version here, with a large monofilm window for clear visibility back up the face. The HD version is exactly the same, other than 6mil x-ply in the window panel and a blue coloured luff-sleeve and scrim for prominence and distinction. Rigged for test on a Dynamic Pro 100% carbon RDM mast (the entire Vogue range recommended for use exclusively with RDMs), it is easy to set, using the brand’s Integrated Trim System (ITS), located in the top panel. There’s a minimum and maximum line, giving you an idea of the looseness required in the leech. Whatever the set however, the two lower battens protrude significantly beyond the leading edge of the mast at rest, whilst the profile of the draft is nigh on flat, particularly above the boom. The boom length of the Vogue is one of the shortest here, whichever eyelet you opt for, and the Mk10 certainly has a fuller leech outline than we remember of its predecessor, with a longer length to batten number two. The detailing and finish of the Vogue is excellent, with visual markers and guides provided, along with double seams and x-ply laminates used extensively throughout the sail’s panels.
BRAND CLAIM
“The Vogue MK10 is our universal all-round wave sail, designed to be equally happy smacking a lip as it is flying through the air. New for this year we added a touch of sparkle and style, as well as a boost of performance.”
PERFORMANCE
With its shallow resting draft and short boom length, it came as no surprise that the Vogue feels a little muted in marginal winds. Reducing tension to even less than the minimum setting, using minimal outhaul in conjunction with the top eyelet and pumping efficiently when the opportunity arises – they all help to an extent, yet the Vogue only really begins to light up when comfortably powered. Once going, its acceleration and upwind drive is impressive, feeling incredibly crisp and compact in the hands. With its x-ply luff panel, stiff battens and connected mid-leech, the sail feels taut and responsive, inspiring the rider to throw it into stunts and transitions. In lulls it relies on its glide and efficiency rather than pulling through them, the battens pushing back round the mast, reducing the profile depth as the pressure lessens. This movement does however become one of the Vogue’s star qualities on the wave face. With speed and power on entry, the sail’s airy neutral handling returns mid-transition, which combined with its short boom length helps to condense all the energy for real expression and explosion at critical moments. It’s a fantastically dependable partner, feeling smaller than its quoted size, the low forward draft providing steady, predictable response at all times. As the wind increases, the Vogue can be recalibrated with more tension and twist, and when used with the lower inset clew position, steadies the sail’s nature and keeps it true. The handling remains responsive and positive without being too impulsive, encouraging the rider to keep charging, knowing that the sail has their back.
THE VERDICT
Coming into its own in comfortably powered to severely overpowered conditions, the Vogue has an alluringly crisp efficient nature, feeling exceptionally compact and neutral during manoeuvres.
Other sails in this test: