Vapor 2010 vs 2008/2009

[Rafa]

Hello,
I was wondering if anybody has tested the big Formula sizes (11.0 - 12.0) and could share some thoughts about the performance against the previous years models (2008 - 2009). The 2010 design seems to be also a radical change against other sails brands. How does the new integrated clew design affect the light wind performance? The previous Vapors were particularly good in light winds and I am not sure how the new design could possibly improve this area with a reduced boom length.

Thanks for any input!
Rafa

[Maciek POL23]

Hi,
Havent actually tested the sails against each other but let me tell you - these new ones are lightwind machines. So much power and angle. Really good.

[-x-]

...well, i cant agree with Maciek. I have used 2008 Vapor for 1,5 year and now im using 2010 Vapor. What i felt, was that new sail is really stable and powerfull but compare to 2008 Vapor i think new sail low end is not to good. So if you dont have problem with low end sailing then 2010 Vapor is perfect, but if you are not so good with light wind, then i think that 08/09 Vapor is better.

[Rafa]

Mmm, this is just the kind of reply that I was fearing to read... I am just concerned that the inset clew completely alters the performance of the already proven Formula big sizes due to such a radical reduced boom length. The new Vapor 12.0 has virtually the same boom length as my NP RSR 10.7 !

Perhaps Ross / Arnon can share some of his thoughts about the performance of the new sails in the last FW Worlds?

Thanks again for your valuable input.
Rafa

[Marco Bal]

Reading this the only input I can give you is not FW-sizes releated but slalom.

I have used the 2009 and 2010 8.4m2 in the same circumstances, tested it against each other. I did not notice any difference in low end.
First i used the 2009 sail, after that I took the 2010. The first thought is: "is this really a 8.4? It feels like a 7.6m2". I took a second look on the specs on the sail, but indeed it was the 8.4m2
After that on the water I noticed 2 other positive things : pumping is easier and less tyring and the handling during gybes is much easier.

I also used the 6.7 2009 and 6.7 2010 on the same day, in same circumstances in high windstrenghts. The 2010 was more stabil during the gusts. I could handle the 2010 6.7, while with the 6.7 2009 I had the idea I had to rigg smaller.

So, I do not know precize how the sails are working but both on the low-end and the high-end I noticed positive things.

Only thing I am a but strugling with is the camber rotation. But with less batten tension (strange but true) and a little bit less downhaul it works better. After 6-8- times used I increase the downhaul bit by bit (the material needs to stretch) , and that seems to help. It looks like the 2010 sail has more tension than the 2009.

[Maciek POL23]

Hi guys,
I agree with Marko. The sails manouvrebility wise feel way smaller, but powerwise definetly not.
And in my opinion the low end perfromance of the sails depends on tuning, but if you tune them right - they'll fly - dont be scared to put a few cm downhaul more even in lightwind. Also a lot depend on your fins and masttrack position.
Believe me - it can work!

Cheers
Maciek