TUSHINGHAM ROCK 4.7M 2015 TEST REVIEW
TUSHINGHAM ROCK 4.7M 2015 TEST REVIEW
OVERVIEW
The Rock continues in Tushingham’s range for 2015 as a 5 batten control orientated sail complemented by the new, softer, multi-tasking 4 batten Bolt, launched recently and tested last month in its 5.25m size. We have had the pleasure of testing several sizes of the British brand’s wave weapon and have always found the Rock a solid performer and worthy of Tushingham’s continuity of design. With the aforementioned attributes, the Rock stood as a benchmark in test to measure both the style variations of its counterparts and equally importantly, the changes in the Test Team’s feel after a season on the latest board and sail combos under our collective belts. Reliable performance is what you can count on with the Rock.
BRAND CLAIM
Super light in the hands with an extremely locked in centre of effort on the wave face and in the air, ideal for spotting ramps and sheeting in as hard as you can.
PERFORMANCE
The Tushingham is the only sail here to feature a tack cringle rather than a pulley block. It’s also way easier to attach the boom before tightening up the down haul as the cut-out is very taught when loaded. The build quality is still solid and the Rock’s durability credentials are firmly stamped all over it. We were all interested to feel how the Rocks would fare amongst the group of sails on test. The 5 batten design is extremely stable and whilst 3 or 4 batten designs may be more manoeuvrable, the Rock’s stability make it great for blasting round the break with a draft forward feeling and little backhand pressure. As mentioned, this trip was light on the 25 knot days which are the staple for most 4.7s. So as our usage was more at the lower end, we initially set with minimum downhaul. This certainly boosted the low end- drive and provided more backhand pressure when tuned with the outhaul to balance and extend the natural range of the sail. The Rock is Peter Hart’s sail of choice and he has remarked on the benefit of a slightly lower boom/shorter line set up when sailing them to put you on your toes and give a more connected feel to the fin. In this regard the Rock really woke us up to the fact that we adapt more to what we sail than we thought. In conclusion the Rock is still a great sail that is a very good partner to FSW and faster more directional boards and will please those sailors looking for a no nonsense sail that won’t break the bank either.
THE VERDICT
Rock by name and Rock by nature. Tushingham’s well trusted design keeps going, doing exactly what it says on the tin. Offers great value for money with the Tushingham mast and good availability in the UK. Stable with lots of top end control and speed for jumping, well suited for directional boards and typical UK conditions.
Other sails in this test: