And here we are again with the test of the Horizon, the Power Wave from GunsSails, standing next to the Seal with 4 battens, a sail we will be testing shortly.

Indeed ... The idea was originally to do a comparison test between the two sails in the 5.3 size, which is the most commonly used on our trips ... but the Seal has not yet arrived in our editorial office. That's why we focused on the "classic" five-batten wave sail, which gets a completely new design and geometry for the new season. The Horizon 2022 remains the high-performance GunSails wave sail in every respect, but offers greater versatility in the freewave/bump&jump segment, expanding its already wide range of use. On the Horizon 5.3 '22, the mast length (+1 cm) and boom length (+ 3 cm) have been increased compared to the 2021 version (which we tested in size 5.7 in the June/July issue).

Once set, when dry the new sail appears slightly flatter than usual, but when first approaching the water the Power Wave profile does not appear saturated: By adjusting the clew tension and playing with the clew eyelets, you can give it a little more power to manoeuvre the Horizon in light wind and wave conditions. Speaking of which ... It can be rigged with the 400/19 (but also, without too much disadvantage, with the 430/21 thanks to the vario-top ... a plus in flexibility), and no excessive luff tension is needed to find the optimal trim right away. The feel is slightly stiffer than that of the Seal 021 we normally use in the waves, a sail that is also easier on the arms with its 4-batten shape, but the Horizon pays immediate dividends with greater acceleration to bail us out in gusty winds below, which unfortunately has always been a "habit" of our spot.

In addition, the Horizon, which seems to have lost none of its strength thanks to its meticulous all-X-Ply construction, has undoubtedly increased its flexibility. Indeed, the new sail seems to have gained something in terms of neutrality, comfort, manoeuvrability and profile stability in particularly rough conditions. In windy conditions, it never pulls too hard on the back hand and guarantees the right mix of speed and neutrality, which is much appreciated in our conditions. It responds directly, is stable and manoeuvrable, a little more ponderous in the surf than the 4-batten wave sail, but much better suited to a range of conditions, from waves to chop and strong wind excursions. The construction, reinforcements and love for details are on par with the best sails, making it desirable for all surfers, including those approaching the wave, with a quality/price ratio that is virtually unbeatable!

+: Acceleration, range of use, versatility, stability, control in the wind, also suitable for heavy and less experienced surfers, construction
-:MINUS Less sensitive and neutral than the Seal