SEAL 2026

Let's start by saying that the SEAL 2026 looks much better in real life than in static photos. The colours, which appeared a little muted on paper or on the GUNSAILS website, are actually a vibrant red and bright orange that will satisfy even those who care as much about the look as they do about performance. Have you ever read one of my tests where I talked about the appearance of boards and sails as something important? Probably not. Maybe I'm really getting old. Anyway, enough of that.

I have sailed the SEAL and the previous GUNSAILS core wave models so many times that it is becoming increasingly difficult to find something new to say about this honest wave sail. It adapts remarkably well to a wide range of conditions, from serious wave sailing to freewave sessions.

Compared to last year, the shape of the SEAL remains virtually unchanged. The most noticeable updates are a significant weight reduction and the continued refinement of details already introduced last year. These include reinforced areas around the mast sleeve, clew and seams, the use of water-repellent materials and strategically placed X-Ply panels. The result is a sail that is lighter, highly functional, easy to handle and built to last—qualities that have long been a trademark of the German sailmaker.

The ease of rigging and tuning remains unchanged as well. The SEAL rigs particularly well on a 370 RDM mast, which is the ideal combination, but it also works perfectly with a 400 mast. Everything feels simple, intuitive and straightforward.
As with the 4.2 Manic tested on the previous page, if the wind is only just sufficient, the first impression is that the sail feels slightly smaller than its stated size. This is probably due to the shorter boom length, the profile and the outline of the lower section. Heavier riders are the ones most likely to notice this sensation, which translates into power delivery arriving a little later, while most other sailors will not even be aware of it.

Fortunately, heavier riders can recover some low-end power by slightly reducing both downhaul and outhaul tension. With a softer trim, the SEAL gains a few extra points in lighter winds. And even if it may not be the most powerful wave sail on the market, it more than compensates in every other area.
The sail feels perfectly balanced in the hands, the profile remains stable and pressure on the back hand is barely noticeable, even in very strong winds. On the wave, the SEAL delivers a pleasantly soft feel that improves manoeuvrability. In the often imperfect and gusty conditions we frequently sail in, it remains neutral, precise and highly responsive to rider input, even during the fastest transitions.

On the wave, the SEAL scores even more points. It delivers smooth, controllable power through bottom turns and cutbacks while maintaining excellent agility. The result is a playful wave sail that combines stability and manoeuvrability in just the right balance, while also impressing with its responsiveness and ease of handling.

And if you were hoping all of this would come at a reasonable price? GUNSAILS delivers on that as well.

PROS

• Excellent value for money
• High-quality construction
• Outstanding control and stability
• Lightweight overall feel
• Versatile and agile
• Highly responsive on the wave
• Soft and comfortable handling characteristics

CONS

• Slightly less low-end punch for heavier riders