VMG vs. V8

[windsurfpunk]

Hello everyone......new here. I would like opinions on the performance comparison of these 2 sails. I currently am a Neil Pryde hound dog, but I am tired of the mono sails wearing out so quick. My next sail replacement is my 9.0 V8. Its actually my primary sail, which gets alot of use and abuse. I see the VMG is said to be a lighter sail, as in weight, or is it "feel"......I dunno what type of cams the VMG has, but I sure am used to the roller cams of the V8's. I once had an Ezzy sail, with paddle cams, and boy did they suck. I read about the other sail, the Rapid Fire. Would this be a more comparible sail to a V8, and a NP RS3 similiar to a VMG...oh, if it makes any difference, my board is a JP SX 115, which I use regularly with a 9.0 down to 6.0, and I weigh a wopping 155lbs!....please advise.....ciao, T

[John I]

Well, the V-8 has been a very good sail. It compares directly to the Rapid Fire. VMG to the RS's. Again, nice stuff. Performance is very close between both pairs. Ultimately, its your choice. Have you tried one T? Hope you get this Arctic blast that's rocking my house right now.

[Steve]

Hi T

The 9.0 Rapid Fire would be a great maximum sized sail for your 115 liter board. The 2004 model will be avaiable in the USA in early January. It does have rollercams and is very easy to rig.

Best Regards:
Steve Gottlieb
Aerotech Sails

[Unregistered]

Hey Tony
Howzit?
You main consideration is boatspeed when you sail, and the VMG is one of the lightest and easiest to handle of any company's race sails, so you should consider switching to the range and speed of a full on race sail.
Check boom lengths, as I suspect that is one of the big "feel" determiners.
Still using weed fins?
How's your sailing coming along. I guess this is your windy season right now.

[windsurfpunk]

well, hello all.......just had a session down here in South Florida. A nice cold front, but thing is, I aint used to the cold!.......and, my first time on a 5.0.....!...cant complain, though.....anyway, a guy at my location had a 5.25 Rapid Fire, so naturally, we chatted. He used to be a Neil Pryde hound aslo, but switched a little while back. Anyway, he says the Rapid Fire and V8 are the same class sail, with the VMG and RS being equavalent. EXCEPT for durability. He also says the VMG has a bigger luff sleave and is not as user friendly. Also says waterstarting a VMG or RS sail is more work, although I have great skill at that, maybe perhaps too much practice??.......Kaplunk!!!........but, I never had an RS sail, just V8's..............so, would a Rapid Fire be more user friendly and just as fast, or fast enough compared to a VMG?.........ciao, T...........Tony

[Too Fat]

I like both. Keep in mind that larger VMG's are geared toward use with formula boards. I'd choose rapid fire in the 9.0 range. They both are slippery fast. Both have the pentex to make em lite.