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Compare: early 2000's NP RAF Jet 6.2 vs Sailworks Retro 6.5
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IBaKiteboarder



Joined: 14 Mar 2012
Posts: 33

PostPosted: Sat Jun 22, 2013 7:35 am    Post subject: Compare: early 2000's NP RAF Jet 6.2 vs Sailworks Retro 6.5 Reply with quote

I am finally thinking of replacing my old RAF Jet 6.2 as it's starting to show it's age a bit, plus it's maybe too close in size to my newer Gaastra Poison 5.8.

The Jet 6.2 has been my favorite sail ever, especially since I've used it the most. It's fast, handles well, and has great range IMHO. I want something comparable, but with a bit more low end for lighter wind.

The dimensions of the Retro are interesting compared to the Jet. The boom length is about the same, but the Retro rigs on a 460 whereas the Jet rigs on a 430.

Will the Retro be different enough from the Jet to make it a better light wind sail? I've always heard about how powerful the Retro can be.

Also, what's the best mast for the Retro 6.5... RDM or SDM?

Jet 6.2:
Luff, 456
Boom, 190

Retro 6.5:
Luff, 466
Boom, 188-193
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U2U2U2



Joined: 06 Jul 2001
Posts: 5467
Location: Shipsterns Bluff, Tasmania. Colorado

PostPosted: Sat Jun 22, 2013 9:49 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

will try to stay on your questions. there will be other 6..ish sails that will rig on a 430 mast.

below my reply:: will be all manner of recommendations on replacement sails

from A--Z

most of todays sails are decent, some better than others, some much better.

Consider if you need a mast or if the selection you have now will work on a potential new sail.

The Retros/Revo/Huckers I have had rigged on either RDM/SDM mast, the important aspect is the right bend curve, both RDM/SDM have some + -, the important thing is the correct mast CURVE to fit the sail, or close enough..........

The Retros make very good useable power throughout the range, are well known for lo end, so fits the requirements you desire.

The loft offers great support , you can call and get a real person who actually knows what they are talking about to give guidance.

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dllee



Joined: 03 Jul 2009
Posts: 5328
Location: East Bay

PostPosted: Sat Jun 22, 2013 12:50 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I have 5.9 Jet (now in PuertoRico) and 5.5 Retro.
Retro has more range, both low wind and higher, up to the highest 20's, can be tuned for the winds you get, need tuning for the range.
Jet is a set it and sail it type sail, tuning does little to extend it's range.
Retro is a much more expensive sail, using better materials.
I use SDM's for both, but Retro works fine on RDM PX, while NP's of that vintage call for SDM's.
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IBaKiteboarder



Joined: 14 Mar 2012
Posts: 33

PostPosted: Sat Jun 22, 2013 5:18 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

U2U2U2 wrote:
... there will be other 6..ish sails that will rig on a 430 mast... The loft offers great support , you can call and get a real person who actually knows what they are talking about to give guidance.


Thanks... yes, I've seen that some of the new NP sails in that size range still use a 430.

Here are the masts I have... which sail would you recommend to replace and improve upon my old 6.2 Jet?

- New NoLimitz 430 RDM, standard bottom, Sumo top (presumably to match my Gaastra Poison 5.Cool

- early 2000s Powerex Z-Wave 430 SDM, 55% carbon, MCS 25 / IMCS 21

- early 2000s Powerex Z-Axis Race 460 SDM, 70% carbon, MCS 25 / IMCS 25
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adywind



Joined: 08 Jan 2012
Posts: 665

PostPosted: Sat Jun 22, 2013 5:57 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Sailworks sails will work fine with your masts and they are top quality and top performance. Keep in mind that they need lots of downhaul to perform as they should.
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NOVAAN



Joined: 28 Sep 1994
Posts: 1541

PostPosted: Sat Jun 22, 2013 6:04 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Ezzy Cheetah is a great sail also... Fast, stable with lots of power. Works great on a 430 rdm or sdm mast.
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U2U2U2



Joined: 06 Jul 2001
Posts: 5467
Location: Shipsterns Bluff, Tasmania. Colorado

PostPosted: Sat Jun 22, 2013 7:05 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

http://www.unifiber.net/2013/mast-selector

This guide is that a guide done by a mast company, to assimilate mast bend curves to the type of sail a particular mast will suit.

There are plenty of variables which involve intended use, sailor weight, and more........ most sails will work with most masts , IT depends on how mucg range that sail has to begin with, THEN how much you are willing to give up to use a mast that is not 100% computable with the sail.

The NL combo you have is a hard top oriented to accept the curve of the Gaastra.

the 430PX and 460 for that matter will both be constant curve and will suit, perhaps not ideally but most sails.

the NL in this combo is more a specialist mast, contact Ryan at NL for acceptable sails, aside from Maui Sails, Gaastra, some Naish, Severene.

the PX either size will work on Sailworks and Ezzy, so Retro and Cheetah.

my own opinion is the NL combo 430 will work very nice on Ezzys.

NL is the mast of choice of Northwave.. if you see one of those you like.

a. Ezzy Cheetah
b. Sailworks

both in 6.5m

Hot Sails Maui, Ezzy and Sailworks all have 4Star products and great support.
YMMV

most companies that make masts, and NOT sails are compatible with the one size fits all, in some cases fits most

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IBaKiteboarder



Joined: 14 Mar 2012
Posts: 33

PostPosted: Sun Jun 23, 2013 2:28 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

U2U2U2 wrote:
http://www.unifiber.net/2013/mast-selector

This guide is that a guide done by a mast company, to assimilate mast bend curves to the type of sail a particular mast will suit.

There are plenty of variables which involve intended use, sailor weight, and more........ most sails will work with most masts , IT depends on how mucg range that sail has to begin with, THEN how much you are willing to give up to use a mast that is not 100% computable with the sail.

The NL combo you have is a hard top oriented to accept the curve of the Gaastra.

the 430PX and 460 for that matter will both be constant curve and will suit, perhaps not ideally but most sails.

the NL in this combo is more a specialist mast, contact Ryan at NL for acceptable sails, aside from Maui Sails, Gaastra, some Naish, Severene.

the PX either size will work on Sailworks and Ezzy, so Retro and Cheetah.

my own opinion is the NL combo 430 will work very nice on Ezzys.

NL is the mast of choice of Northwave.. if you see one of those you like.

a. Ezzy Cheetah
b. Sailworks

both in 6.5m

Hot Sails Maui, Ezzy and Sailworks all have 4Star products and great support.
YMMV

most companies that make masts, and NOT sails are compatible with the one size fits all, in some cases fits most


Thanks, this is really good info. Judging from the link you provided, the Gaastra and Maui Sails are "hard top" whereas most everything else is constant curve. Based on that, I should get the original NoLimitz top if I get anything other than one of those brands. I'm really liking the Cheetah and the fact that a 6.5 will fit on a 430. In fact, I suppose I could rig it on the older Powerex 430 since it's constant curve. That said, I really like the feel of skinnies and prefer to stick with them. I think Ezzy is the only other brand I would seriously consider in lieu of Sailworks right now.
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U2U2U2



Joined: 06 Jul 2001
Posts: 5467
Location: Shipsterns Bluff, Tasmania. Colorado

PostPosted: Sun Jun 23, 2013 3:58 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

you are welcome

Some sails/mast are flex //soft top, NP HSM to name a few.

I feel Sailworks are a mighty fine, company, offering First Class products and highly regarded customer service, they have offered advise/guidance on boards , which they sell none of.

Ezzys offer to me a variety of sails to fit all my different sailing spots, they feel somewhat the same from a 3.3 to a 8.5. They rig similar. They have unparallelled construction , they hold up for a long time, and they have value used. David treats his Sir Lanka employees with respect, and his products reflect the care in construction. The sails offer a HUGE range for sailing, the quiver size can be further apart.

The new Panther Elite 4 batten is a wondrous piece .

if you have questions on Ezzy sails/masts email David and he usually reply within a day.
david@ezzy.com


The Ezzys masts are among the strongest ..period. They are made by NoLimtz in American to Ezzy specs.

the Cheetah is a progression of the Freeride series, in its 2nd year, my are a 6.5 & 7.5, wonderful sails

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spennie



Joined: 13 Oct 1995
Posts: 975
Location: Thousand Oaks, CA

PostPosted: Mon Jun 24, 2013 10:47 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I was a Neilpryde "Ambassador" for 6 years, walked away from it due to bad service from Adventure Sports(distr.). I have since gone all Sailworks, and have never been happier with my sails!

Get the Retro, they have range you wouldn't believe, and as someone said here earlier, loft service is fantastic -- You can call up the loft and they'll answer any questions you might have. Bruce Peterson is the nicest guy in the business, and Sailworks construction is second to none. I have also found that their sails will work well on almost any decent mast, so none of that "you have to buy our masts" nonsense, although their masts are excellent too.

Yes, I'm now a Sailworks teamrider, but remember, I chose them for the quality of their product, nothing else.

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