Ezzy sails

Question
Hi!

I wonder if you can offer any comments on the Ezzy Sails, particularly the Ezzy Freeride 3 ( 2009) and the RRD Evolution Mark II sails . From preliminary reviews I have read, it seems that the former are  among the pack leaders, in terms of their  lightweight, strength and performance. They are  also cheaper than the Sailworks Retro sails. On the other hand, if the quality/performance of the RRD Evolution Mark II sails are comparable,  then I'd like to go RRD because of their  exceptionally attractive design.

I am a freeride oriented sailor, at an early intermediate stage and not a speed-buff. So far my quiver has consisted of a 10 years old, but still functional, 5.9 sail and a recently bought Severne Focus 8.5, on a  Starboard Rio M.
In order to propel such a heavy   14.2 KG  mothership as the Rio in light winds,  I had to use  the 8.5 most of the time.  
My experience has been that, even fine-tuned with the help of a friend of mine who is a pro,  the 8.5 is  very  heavy and not easily manoeuverable. Certainly my skill level has a part in it , but I also  suppose that the width of the sail, which  requires  an almost endless fully extended 233 cm boom, adds to the problem.  
By contrast, if I look at other brands  of the same size, they are considerably narrower and only take a 185-190 cm boom, because of the clever cut-out at the luff-end. I am sure that,   other things being equal,  these narrower sails are easier to move around.

I have ordered a Tabou Rocket 145 STD . Given its design and light weight ( 8.4 Kgs) probably I won't need the 8.5 as much, so I decided to go for a 7 mt as a happy medium .  I am debating which brand to buy. Your comments will help me in my decision.

Thank you

Franco



Thank you

Franco

Answer
Hey Franco,

I've never sailed any RRD sails so can't give you much input on them. They have only been making sails for about 5 years now but to be competitive in todays market, they have to perform and be durable. What little I've read about them they seem to be good sails.

I have sailed a few Ezzy sails and the quality is excellent. Their newest materials are some of the best and the performance if all Ezzy sails are rated very high. They have also been making sails for many years and have a very high commitment to quality.

This being said, I personally would lean towards the Ezzy sails but it comes down to your budget and personal choice. If there is any way that you can test ride both, do that to help you decide. Otherwise, go with what you feel would be best for you.

Hope this helps.
Keep on sailing,
Windlover