Windsurf Magazine - 13/10/2009 
TARGET - Intermediate to Expert/Pro
RIGGING AND SET - Rigs easily on an RDM (can rig on SDM too) with accurate instructions and sets with a progressively
loose leech and moderate shape.
AT A GLANCE
• 6 batten, 3 mini leech batten layout
• Adjustable head
• Alternating batten system
• Built in tack pulley
• 2 clew eyelets
• Measurements on the luff cut out for boom height positioning
• All X-ply construction
• Fold over and beaded seaming in foot panel
• Heavy reinforcement around the foot, bottom panel, and at the head
• Exceptionally padded tack fairing with hole for keeping the up haul tidy
• 3D padding below boom cut out on luff tube
• Abrasion pads on batten ends
• ‘Strap on’ for keeping a sail rolled up
PERFORMANCE
The Gator feels very light and balanced in the hands at low speed, it develops smooth, progressive power early, seeming to ‘stretch’ into a fuller profile as the sailor sheets in for great early planing. The sail is very pumpable, getting onto the plane quickly and efficienty. Once up to speed, the Gator feels positive in the hands, offering usable, chest to shoulder high drive that is well positioned for an outboard, blasting stance or an up right, manoeuvre oriented position. If the sailor locks the sail down and drives against the fin, it responds with plenty of smooth power for very good blasting performance. Alternatively, the sailor can adopt an up right position for freestyle/wave orientation, the sail offering good power, going beautifully neutral mid-manoeuvre and the drive coming back on smoothly, progressively and dependably when needed. As the wind increases the Gator demonstrates a good natural range : the leech working well. As the sail becomes overpowered, adding a few cm more downhaul and outhaul flattens the foil and opens the leech, extending its range further. The sail goes neutral and is very easy to manoeuvre in tacks, while in gybes the Gator offers good smooth power into the turn, de-powers easily facilitating an effortless rig rotation (which is enhanced by the short boom length), and provides rogressive dependable power on the exit.
VERDICT
(+) A superbly built sail with great all-round performance over a big wind range that has an attractive user-friendly
feel, whether for freeride performance or freestyle and waves
(-) Not much to fault here: one of the testers’ favourites!
For the full report please go to:
www.windsurf.co.uk |
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