VANDAL ADDICT 6.0M 2014 TEST REVIEW REPORT
Vandal Addict 6.0m 2014 Test Review Report
THE LOW-DOWN
For a crossover sail test we probably should’ve received the Vandal Venture, (spanning 4.0 – 7.2) another product that will be of much interest to the budget-conscious purchaser. The Addict sits between the Vandal wave sails, the Venture and the Stitch twin-cam freeride sail in their compact range. The Addict is compatible with both RDM and SDM masts.
BRAND POSITIONING
‘Now with more power thanks to new deeper profiles, better handling from the new Dacron Luff panels and the awesome looking coloured monofilm for ultimate UV protection. This no-cam Crossover Bump and Jump sail delivers greatness no matter what the conditions. At Vandal, we know that every rider secretly wants to rip a trick here and there, so we put a big emphasis on maneuverability, to compliment the ADDICT’s proven stability and top-end potential. The slightly concaved leach design eliminates leach flutter, and delivers perfect perimeter tension.’ (Sic.)
PERFORMANCE
The overriding impression on sheeting in the Addict is that of a really crispy-handling sail. There’s good speed from the nice and tight skin and lightweights and medium-sized rider enjoyed the acceleration and low end particularly. This 6.0 was excellent fun to gybe and throw around, feeling light and weightless/neutral in manoeuvres and the film construction gives out surprisingly little noise or flutter when rotating or pushed to the higher end of the wind range. (The top-end lived up to the rest of the group’s astonishing ability to span 14-33 knots during this trip and the heavyweights loved the pace this size was capable of.) This Vandal’s construction is interesting. Sure there’s no fancy spec and expensive fabrics and fibres involved, (there is x-ply and Dacron here and there though), but the shape is up-to-date and solid and all the key areas have more than adequate reinforcement where you need it. The Addict is definitely more of a blasting sail than a wavesailing – specifically wave-riding – pick, but it does cope with rougher water states very well thanks to inherent stability. Another benefit of the minimalist construction is the weight. The lack of heavy-duty materials adding to the filmy crispness and taughtness. The Addict is also super easy to rig, something we always approve of for entry-level customers often put off by the hassle of assembling fiddly rigs.
THE VERDICT
An outstanding performance-to-price-ratio choice for light-to-middle-weight freeride and bump ‘n jump use. The sharp, stable handling and good speed will appeal to many wanting a modern performance sail at amazing value for money.
Other sails in this test: