MauiSails 5 Battern (The Legend & GhostXT) vs 4 Batten (Mutant)
Most major brands have 4 and 5 batten wavesails, but what’s the difference, and which is the right choice for your quiver?
MauiSails sail designer Arthur Szpunar takes a look at MauiSail 2 distinct styles of sideshore wave sails. We have our moderate-low aspect ratio, 5 batten Legend and Ghost lines and the super-low aspect ratio 4 batten Mutant.
5 Batten
The Legend and Ghost both share a classic, neutral feel with a more forward oriented draft. The 5 batten skeleton gives a slightly stiffer and more locked profile compared to a 4 batten. The Legend and Ghost’s balanced, efficient outlines smooth out gusty conditions and allow for easy handling whether slicing up wave faces or blasting in windy bump and jump conditions. Our classic 5 batten outlines versatile nature and smooth character helps them maintain a place in the hearts of many as proven performers.
4 Batten
The Mutants greatest advantage is in maneuverability both on the wave and in the air. The ultra-low aspect ratio, combined with our unique shaping techniques makes the mutant an amazing combination of easily accessible power and acceleration together with incredible mobility in 3D space. The significant power advantage allows the Mutant to be sailed approximately .3 m2 smaller than traditional. The low aspect ratio is especially suitable to the 4 batten outline as it brings the battens closer together as well as lowering the center of effort down, close to the riders body. These factors, combined with our highly refined skin tension give the Mutant excellent wind range and control while maintaining a soft breathable feel. The Mutant provides the magic combination of instant acceleration and drive with radical maneuverability that is necessary for the most progressive modern wave style.
MauiSails sail designer Arthur Szpunar does a nice goiter out the back at Ho’okipa.
It’s important to realize how much correct sail tuning can affect performance and your fun on the water. Downhaul tension and the overall luff curve of the sail is affected by the downhaul measurement, so it is very important to achieve the optimal setting for your session.
You probably know about the luff measurement marked on your sail, for example 12cm, and you set your base to 12cm. But did you know each manufacture might have slightly different measurements, so if you are using a different brand extension this could be crucial. So although not noticeable to the eye, a centimeter can make a large difference So use this method to confirm your specs.
When designing sails, manufacturers measure the downhaul from the bottom of the mast to the perpendicular projection of the bottom corner of the sail pulley. That information is
then printed in the sail.
The downhaul is one of the most crucial steps to rigging. It controls the shape of your windsurfing sail and can’t be changed while sailing. Finally, confirm that your tack pulley is as close to the base pulley as possible.
Check out the video where Artur Szpunar of Maui Sails explains how to tune and measure your downhaul settings according to the sail specification box.
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