SPECTRO 2025

For a long time, we hadn’t had any “larger” sails in our tests… With the rise of foils and the decline of the local thermal winds we relied on for years when testing such sails, these conditions have become so rare that it’s hardly worth owning anything over 7.0 m² anymore – especially since they require the right mast and boom (both in length and carbon content). 

But… after last year’s test of the Spectro 6.3, some subscribers asked for information about the larger sizes in this line. So, without immediately venturing into the 8.5 or 9.5 range – which would require dedicated 490/29 masts – we “settled” on testing the 7.8, which works perfectly with a 460/25 SDM mast with a high carbon content (you’ll find the test of the Reptile Fibra 80 SDM 460/25 on the following pages!). 

The Spectro was launched last year with the aim of replacing two 90s models – the Exceed and the Vector – which were removed from the lineup for the 2025/26 season. The two-cam Spectro combines the strengths of its predecessors and features a six-batten shape in the smaller sizes and a seven-batten shape in the larger ones – in both cases supported by only two cambers. 

Once the sail is properly rigged – which is very easy with a 460/25 SDM (for large sizes like this 7.8, I wouldn’t use an RDM mast…) – you can play with the two classic clew eyelets, which can change the boom length by about 10 cm, from 207 to 214 cm. 

In light to medium wind, moderate downhaul tension and using the upper clew eyelet deliver performance worthy of a true freerace sail! But even with the lower eyelet, the low-end pressure remains remarkable, allowing for easy planing and effortless passage through wind lulls… The versatility becomes even more apparent as the wind increases, and the sail remains stable and comfortable both upwind – where it particularly shines – and on all other points of sail. 

When the wind picks up strongly, you simply increase the downhaul tension to make the Spectro a bit “flatter,” and you can continue blasting along fully powered, controlled, and comfortable. 

As with the previous models, achieving “high” speeds is mainly up to the rider, because the Spectro also allows you to tap into extra power with the back hand when needed. Only in jibes and tacks – where the camber rotation remains smooth and precise – do you notice that it isn’t the lightest sail in the kingdom. But forget the weight and “heaviness” of the old 7.5 / 8.0 freerace sails from back in the day. 

VERDICT 

Thanks to particularly careful construction and the use of nicely thick monofilm, the Spectro feels robust while still remaining relatively light and agile overall.  

Pros: 
Performance in medium/light wind, wide wind range, strong drive, stability, easy tuning, riding comfort, price–performance ratio 

Cons: 
Not the lightest sail 

Tested size: 487 cm 
Actual trim: 460 + 26/28 cm (+/– 1 cm) 
Boom length: 207/214 cm 
Weight: / kg 
Ideal mast: Expert/Select 460/25 SDM 
Compatible mast: Carbon RDM 460/25 SDM 
Tested mast: Reptile Fibra 80 460/25 SDM 
Camber count: 7 + 2 cambers 
Top: firm 

Smooth Power 
Launched last year as the successor to the Exceed and Vector, the Spectro features a moderately wide mast sleeve, a consistently open leech that extends well into the lower third of the sail, and a generous boom length. Two clearly offset clew eyelets complete the setup. 
 
ON THE WATER 
The Spectro is the easiest sail to rig in this test group and delivers a smooth, evenly distributed power across the sail surface during planing – especially comfortable for lighter riders. The power doesn't hit explosively like some other sails, but provides just the right push to get planing quickly without overloading your arms or back on long runs. 
This moderate power delivery also makes the sail feel lighter in your hands. The generously open leech along the full height helps release excess pressure from the back hand – creating a self-stabilizing profile, assuming your harness lines are well positioned. 
You benefit from a finely tuned leading edge and a board that rides just above the surface. Even as the wind picks up, the setup remains fast – with a useful extra: the lower clew eyelet placed 8 cm further inboard. It further reduces back-hand pressure and opens up the leech even more. 
While the Spectro may not match the XL power of some top-tier models in the lower wind range or when sailing upwind, it shines with relaxed handling and consistently achievable performance in medium to strong winds. 
During jibes, the camber rotation is smooth – again with that same even, less physical return of power. 
 
VERDICT 
The Spectro blends the accessibility and light feel of the Exceed with the glide and control of the Vector – without matching its raw performance, but appealing to a broader group of riders. A true plug-and-play camber sail that stays easy to handle from rigging to jibing, while offering plenty of control at high speeds. 
 
Pros: 
• Easily controlled power 
• Self-stabilizing profile 
• Effortless rigging 
• Smooth camber rotation in jibes 
• High stability 
• Easily accessible speed 
 
Cons: 
• Slightly less drive and power for ultimate top speed 

With its smooth yet powerful power delivery, the previous models from GUNSAILS already offered an affordable entry into the upper freerace class. The new Spectro, a fusion of the former Vector and Exceed, continues this tradition. And it does so with the brand's signature construction: thick monofilm materials, robust reinforcements at key stress points, and solid protection around the batten pockets. 

The dampened, calming sound during sail rotation has become its signature feature – much like the reassuring “thunk” of a Mercedes sedan door. The sail is quick and easy to rig, with tuning being straightforward. Even without outhaul tension, the Spectro feels solid and stable in the hands across the entire wind range – secure, composed, and ready to unleash serious horsepower when needed, much like a bulletproof chancellor’s limousine. 

But it’s not just stable – it also rotates smoothly through jibes. While the sail’s slightly higher weight is noticeable, the cambers transition with a soft click, as if freshly greased, and the deep profile switches sides willingly. Power delivery is very even, with impressive glide and enduring drive, even in lulls. The sail’s power is nicely centered between your hands but still gives you room to “open the throttle” with your back hand when needed.  
That characteristic provides solid low-end drive and helps you stay powered through gust lulls by maintaining body tension and pressure on the fin – particularly useful when pointing upwind. Compared to the field, the Spectro stands out for its overall harmony – no flutter, no distortion. However, it’s not quite as nimble in maneuvers as some significantly lighter sails, such as the latest North. 

Once you've dialed in the right trim – downhaul just shy of the FRED mark and light outhaul tension – you can cruise at high revs for hours, even in shifting conditions, without breaking a sweat. 

SURF verdict: The Spectro is a powerful freerace sail that delivers top-end speed and covers a very wide wind range with just one trim setting. It may feel slightly heavier, but it rotates effortlessly and saves noticeable energy over long distances thanks to its stable handling. 

The performance, not the limitations

The Spectro 5.5 has a simple frame with a narrow mast sleeve and 6 battens (5 tubes) for 2 cambers on each side of the boom (7 battens from 7.8). The profile is not very pronounced. The clew has two eyelets, one higher and further out, the other lower and further in. The mast foot protector has been updated.  

ON THE WATER: Labelled by Gunsails as ‘2 cam free performance’, the Spectro is easy to rig, even though it has no opening to access the two cambers. If you follow the instructions, the trim is done quickly, creating a fairly open leech. The Gunsails handles like a simple freeride rig. The planing is good and you can quickly feel the wind support. The Spectro can be brought into position as if by itself, without you having to show it the way. The sail is very well balanced, with a slight pressure on the back hand. The 5.5 is fast and keeps up with sporty motors without being physically or technically demanding. You can ride full throttle for many hours with ease and save power, which is an advantage for long distances. The jibe is balanced and easy to ride, with a smooth transition of the camber.  

CONCLUSION: The Spectro 5.5 is a fusion of the Freerace Vector and the Freeride Exceed and successfully combines the strengths of both worlds. The Spectro is simple, makes camber affordable thanks to its accessibility and offers much more grip and performance. Beginners quickly find their feet and experts can get started without any problems.   

Plus: Accessibility, balance, performance, price. 
Minus: The boom cut-out rattled.