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WINDSURFING JAHRBUCH 2019 / VECTOR 7.8 2019

GUNSAILS | Vector Testbericht Windsurfing Jahrbuch 2019

ON THE BEACH: The Vector is very close to real racing sails. The mast sleeve is so wide that the complete forearm can be placed in it when attaching the cambers. A total of three of these are attached to the lower battens, each of which is easily accessible via a zipper. The boom recess can be closed for better aerodynamics. The leech is very wide over the two clew eyelets. The second eyelet has been moved seven centimetres further in. This allows the twist behaviour of the sail to be strongly influenced and effectively tuned for light or strong winds. When rigging, you should bring use a well trained arm or a trim handle. Once the luff has been successfully put through, an extremely deep belly appears in the boom area, which disappears very quickly above it. With the Tack-Strap this belly can be deepened again. This sail screams to beat the board totally overpowered on space wind course to the next GPS record.

ON THE WATER: The Vector looks quite big and heavy on the way to the water, this was already the case last year and could not be prevented despite the use of new, lighter materials in the top. If you are looking for the lightest possible rig for foiling or for little wind, you can now read on elsewhere. The power transmission of the Vector is, similar to that of the stable brother Sunray, clearly damped. Nevertheless, the more clearly defined profile of the Vector seems to be more effective. Since the pressure point is quite low, you should pull the boom while pumping, but smaller movements seem to fizzle out and the passive transition to glide is less fluid. However, if you can get two good pump strokes or have enough pressure in the sail anyway, you can enjoy the outstanding acceleration of the Vector. The well tuned profile defuses wind peaks and transforms them into propulsion. In contrast to stiffer competitors, the soft characteristics of the Vector help especially in choppy waters, where fast boards are already demanding and the speed potential can only be reached with adequate control. This speed potential can easily be described as fabulous, even if it doesn't seem so fast subjectively, but rather glides controlled and dampened. The Vector is always at the top of the straight.

CONCLUSION: The Vector is a real performance miracle and due to its quite easily accessible performance also suitable for all those who don't really dare to take a real racing sail into their hands. The Vector lets you heat up all day long and impresses with its maximum wind range and outstanding control.


PLANCHEMAG SPECIAL TEST 2019 / VECTOR 7.8 2019

GUNSAILS | Testbericht Vector Freerace Windsurf Segel Planchemag 2019

Planing and performance

The 2019er Vector has monofilm in the top, a deep, forward oriented profile and also a Loose Leech strongly pronounced for this group. It has two clew eyelets offset by 7 cm and 7 tube battens.

ON THE WATER: The Vector is easy to set up, a bit heavier and has a rather wide mast pocket that comes out of the water a bit heavier. It develops a distinct forward drag for quick planing, especially on the upper clew eyelet, which gives a longer boom adjustment. This is the perfect setting to get across the water in light winds or for heavier riders or boards with a wide tail. On the other hand, it's a little more nervous, you get tired faster and it gets a little more exhausting when the wind picks up. With the lower, more inside directed eyelet the performance can be channelled better, you have a little less pull on the back hand and you feel a little more relaxed if you want to let the horses run on half and downwind course. Acceleration becomes easier and stronger with good overall stability and a loose leech that works well. You can feel the sail without it being exhausting and it produces top performance. All you have to do is choose the right eyelet according to the conditions so as not to hold "too much" or "not enough" in your hands. A trim device is an excellent solution to regulate the tension at full speed with changing winds. The jibe works well, it's not the lightest, but the cambers turn very well.

CONCLUSION: It is one of the most sporty of the group, the Vector is aimed at experienced sailors who are looking for a high level of performance and want to cover a wide range of use, as well as take advantage of the trim possibilities on the clew. An advanced sail.

+: Construction, performance, range of use and trim possibilities, stability, response.
-: In handling higher weight than average


WIND MAG SPECIAL TEST 2019 / VECTOR 7.8 2019

GUNSAILS | Test Report Vector Freerace Windsurf Sail Wind Mag 2019

PERFORMANCE WITHOUT GETTING POOR

DESIGN: The Vector has a powerful profile and 3 roll cambers. For 2019 it takes over the Offset Clew, 2 offset clew eyelets, with the lower eyelet moved 7cm inwards to increase trim possibilities. Two thicknesses of monofilm are used, with the Square-Ply in the top removed for improved response.

ON THE WATER: With three cambers and more profile tension than the Sunray, the Vector remains handy in rigging for a freerace sail with such a profile. Of course the easy handling suffers a bit, the Vector lies noticeably in the hand, you should have experience with camber sails. The Vector has the ability to start early and keeps the steam when sailing through wind holes. With its momentum, it can quickly accelerate, but with the first gusts it really gets going, now it accelerates without being asked. With its deeply cut lower leech and an additional tack strap to prevent any escape of wind, the Freerace from GUNSAILS really has enough cloth in the foot area to close the gap between board and sail. Once pulled tight, nothing moves at the Vector. Standing motionless on the board there's a good dose of power that you have to digest first, it's almost a bit exhausting. With seven tube battens the profile is solidly supported, the GUNSAILS simply absorbs gusts without having to prepare for them. The Vector is also ideal for reaching high speeds, the faster the stronger the wind gets. In the jibe, you have to accept the inertia of a large-volume engine.

CONCLUSION: With its noticeable pull in hands, the Vector targets advanced surfers who have experience with camber-supported profiles. This is about performance, not so much about ease of use. With its behaviour in low winds, its acceleration and its speed in high winds, the Vector is best suited for a performance-oriented board like a freerace combined with a sporty rider. Its price is a decision criterion.

+: Low wind, acceleration, stability, price
-: It´s noticeably in hands