TORRO 2021

An all-rounder that's always fun to ride

DESIGN: The 5.3 marks the turning point in the Gunsails Chameleon line, more wave oriented from this size and below, more freeride oriented above by getting a tube batten. The Torro 2021 dispenses with the 100% X-Ply design and instead relies on a lightweight monofilm over the rider's head. Optimized for RDM mast and SDM compatible.

ON THE WATER: The Torro is user-friendly from start to finish, easy to rig with its intuitive and practical adjustment aid, and fun to sail. The Gunsails’ profile is not very distinct, rather lengthwise with a more forward pull. The new material distribution with the increased use of monofilm would explain a gain in liveliness, confirming the feeling of acceleration on the straight already appreciated on the Torro 2020. The early planing is not as harsh as on the most direct freewave sails but dynamic and efficient. Although the Torro has average dimensions, it feels like one with a short boom, which is an advantage in both handling and sailing. The rig does not weight very much and has a perfect balance between front and back hand. The board takes advantage of the freedom of movement by getting a lively stance underfoot. The Gunsails alternates straight-line simplicity with a natural tendency to playfulness. This makes it easy to turn, jump, follow a swell or take full advantage of the waves in the surf. In the wind, the Torro has excellent handling, which is one of the strengths of this well-balanced sail.

VERDICT: The Torro is a must have in the bump & jump scene, it is the ultimate all-around sail. With its all-around cut, it's fun whether you want to play in the waves or blast through with great acceleration. The 5.3 is the key size in every sail bag. The Gunsails, which is a very simple sail to use, can be rigged on a big wave, freewave or freeride board.

OVERVIEW The Torro is back in the Gunsails line up for 2021 as their “all-terrain freemove sail”, and despite carrying the same increments for the last two seasons, the panel layout throughout all sizes has been refined, the visual appearance sharpened. The clew panel in particular has been cleaned up, hosting a single eyelet for simplicity, whilst the luff panel retains its combination of a wider Dacron panel neighbouring a thinner x-ply strip. Rigged here on a Select 430 RDM (whilst still compatible with an SDM), it sports a five-batten structure, of which the main one above the boom is a tube-batten. The batten pockets themselves alternate either side of the panels to maintain symmetry, and there is abrasion-beading along the length of the bottom batten, on both sides. It is just one feature of a well thought out sail, possessing all the features you’d expect on the product of a modern sail loft today. Downhauled and set according to the FRED (Fast Rigging, Easy Doing) marker in the upper panel, the two lower battens retain plenty of rotation around the mast, whilst the leech opens up progressively along its length.

BRAND CLAIM “The successful combination of early planing, excellent manoeuvre handling and impressive speed makes the Torro an uncomplicated companion for all levels and spots.”

PERFORMANCE With the battens pushing beyond the mast at rest, the profile of the Torro sits flat and neutral, making it very easy to handle. As the wind fills and the pressure builds, the Torro fills to a much deeper and more powerful profile, thanks mostly to the wide Dacron luff panel, but helped also by the play in the luff sleeve. The centre of effort is forward and around head height, generating a good amount of bottom-end grunt without pulling the rider to their toes. Accelerating smoothly up to a good top speed, the sailing style and character of the Torro is simply one of a well-mannered and accommodating engine; one that can be forgotten about by the rider, so that they can concentrate on the board and their own performance. Handling is so easy and balanced, the feedback wonderfully tempered even in the most corrugated chop. If there was one criticism that could be levelled at the Torro, is that its drive does diminish in a lull, the reduction in pressure allowing the depth of the draft to decay. Yet, it’s a small price to pay, given the significant upsides the Dacron luff panel provides; beneficial for all rider abilities, but particularly the progressing rider. Sure, its manoeuvre potential may not be as crisp or instantaneous as some of the sharper sails on test here either, but this can also be perceived as a positive attribute, which becomes particularly apparent as the wind increases. Trimmed with more tension, the leech twists off cleanly without any flutter, helping to lock the draft in place and keep the sail driving forward. Plug-and-play practicality, and comfortable fulfilling any role, from freemove cruising, to bump-and-jump or coastal blasting, the Torro is easy to get on with and enjoy, maximising enjoyment on the water with minimal fuss.

THE VERDICT Gunsails have hit the nail on the head when describing the Torro as an ‘uncomplicated companion’. Simply rig it and go, it doesn’t require much technical fine-tuning, but delivers masses of accessible performance and fun at a price that can’t help but bring a smile to your face.