Windsurfing Equipment Tests - American Windsurfer

Sails: Windwing Designs @ Aruba

6.0

Novice Control Speed Race Explore Balance

8.3

Novice Control Speed Race Explore Balance

Windwing Designs Synthesis

195-pound tester Glenn Fuller loved both of the Synthesis models that we tested. He’s the sort of windsurfer who likes a solidly built sail and doesn’t mind if it’s a bit on the heavy side, as long as it has durability and performance. Durability is a Windwing hallmark quality and the performance of this year’s Synthesis is better than ever. We like the versatility conferred on the sail by the three removable cams, a feature that’s good for buyers who aren’t sure whether they like camless sails and who need some time on the water to figure it out. We also like the decoupled truncated tip (D2T in Windwing parlance). Like the Neil Pryde Shear Tip, D2T seems to make the sail work well even when it’s not rigged just right and gives it a light, responsive feel. In cambered mode we found the Synthesis to be stable and fast. Without cams, however, it was a little easier to pump; with cams it was more stable and a tad rangier. One detail that strikes us as noteworthy on the Synthesis is the functionality of the screw-type batten tensioners (for non-cambered battens). They not only can be adjusted with a standard, flathead screwdriver but also follow the “righty-tighty” convention we’re all used to.

Size tested
Mast
Boom
Weight
Durability
Downhaul Ease
Rig Ease
Speed
Power
Stability
Waterstart
Rotation
Luffability
Price 6.0
430–21
6’3”
10.1
B
9
9.0
7.0
7.0
8.0
9.0
10.0
9.5
$589 8.3
490-29
7’5”
11.8
B
9
6.0
7.5
7.5
9.0
9.0
8.5
7.0
$649

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