HotSails Smack vs Naish Force

[keycocker]

I sailed a 4.5 Force into tatters and liked it but it had a lot of backhand unless you rigged it just right on the down and out. I replaced it with a 4.5 Session which had less grunt, so wouldnt work as your smallest sail.
I sailed a 4.5 Smack only once but it got light quick and i had to keep bagging it to get home. The Force would have been a lot more hassle that day with all that bag in it, I think.
One day with the 4.5 Smack was not enough to answer your question.
My bigger Smacks give me a lot of range by easing the out and can be rigged for power with only modest backhand.

[p.yribarren]

ronm,

I recently used the new Smack 3.8 and 4.3 in the Gorge. I did not use the older Smack model so I cannot compare; neither with the Naish Force.

Photo of the new Smack here: http://blog.hotsailsmaui.com/2012/06/new-smack-c6-spotted-at-hookipa.html

I have been sailing the Smack 3.8 in overpowered conditions and it gives you a lot of control; it is easy to regain control after the strong gust. Carving, jibing and jumping its easier since you are not fighting the wind.

The wind dropped while I was on my Smack 4.3, I loosened the outhaul one notch and I was able to comfortably sail for another hour. These are the two smallest sails in my quiver so I really like having that range.

Given that you are familiar with HMS, I can tell you that the durability of the Smacks hasn't been compromised. The mast sleeve is made of the nylon used to make heavy duty bag straps (sorry I don't know the name of the material). The main window is made of flexible PVC. The top of the sail is made of lighter materials. Overall, it is a very strong sail easy to handle.

The Smack 4.3 rigs in a 370 while the 3.8 can either rig in a 370 or 340.

I hope this helps.