Gaastra Matrix 6.5 (TEST)

Gaastra Matrix 6.5
Available in seven sizes in 0.5m increments from 5.5–8.5m the Matrix is a six batten sail that is billed to suit a wide range of uses, from beginners learning to windsurf through intermediate to advanced freeride cruising. It was the only sail on test to be provided with an RD (or skinny) mast. The Gaastra was somewhat smaller than its rivals (even those quoted as 6.4m) when we laid all the sails on top of each other to compare sizes, but this was not evident in its power or speed.

Rigging: The 6.5 Matrix sets on a 460 mast with 6cm of extension.
We found it straightforward to rig on its own 460 RDM Gaastra 75% mast which has a very stiff top bend curve and low to average overall stiffness. As you would expect with a stiff-top mast the sail has only moderate twist on the leech. However, there is plenty of rotation particularly in the 2nd batten (from the bottom) and we found it set well with a bit left in batten 1 and 3 as well. Although there is little pre-set shape cut into the sail (noticeable in the bottom batten only) it still sets with a fair amount of fullness really quite high up in the sail. The most noticeable feature of its set is the large amount of very soft spring in the body of the sail if you press on the sail a foot or two behind the boom inhaul. It’s not a particularly ‘set critical’ sail, performing well in a variety of set ups, but working best without any significant positive outhaul.

On the water: Very comfortable and very flexible. It is easy to sheet correctly and every gust transfers into power as the foil moulds itself to the wind. The amount of flex and spring is very clear and partly responsible for excellent acceleration and top speed. It also makes the sail extremely forgiving in heavy chop, although some found it almost too soft and elastic and thus lacking a bit in directness. It allows very easy manoeuvring of the board and goes neutral well through manoeuvres for easy handling.

Overall: Generally (though not unreservedly) popular with the guesters, but a definite hit with the testers, who found it both faster and more comfortable for blasting and manoeuvring than most of the opposition. Above all, despite its small size, it had a real competitive edge over its rivals without sacrificing comfort in any way. We would very strongly recommend this sail for any recreational freeride sailing, drag racing and recreational slalom.
Mast changes: Undoubtedly some of the extra spring and consequent advantages in speed and acceleration were down to the RD mast. Rigged with a standard diameter (SD) mast of similar stiff-top bend curve (Maui Sails SRS 75) but increased stiffness (27.5 instead of 24.4), the sail felt stiffer with a clearly more direct feel and slightly better top end, but it lost a bit of response, early planing and speed. This could be down to the extra stiffness or the extra mast diameter, or both. Overall we preferred its own mast for most conditions and uses but the stiffer SD mast was good in well powered up conditions.

Quelle: tba