DA KINE 2013 T-6

I have been using a fixed hook Ion Radium for the last couple of seasons, very happy with it and had stopped using a Da Kine T5 as I felt for my back it was a bit soft on the support side of things for my personal use.

I have to say I have always had Da kine harnesses since the first Thermo form was produced – in fact since their first Dave Kalama chest harness!

So I took the new Da Kine T-6 with me on a trip to Maui – sort of like taking the harness back to its original home.

The Da Kine T-6 waist harness has a bigger plan shape than the T-5 so when you put it on it looks a little bigger, but when you sit back into the harness when you are on the water you get plenty of support. In fact I would say it is super comfy – the larger plan shape spreads the load and for 3 weeks of daily use I had no back complaints whatsoever.

I think the light weight thermo formed shape adds some protection when you are using boardies plus you get some added warmth as it sticks to you skin when its wet. This prevents the harness from moving around and sliding up your chest. You have an adjustable velcro strap which tightens the waist band and shapes the back of the harness more into your back.

There isn’t any neoprene inside the T-6 so when its wet it doesnt get heavy plus the design has built in shape to improve the fit ( you notice this when it doesn’t pack flat in your bag!)

Not everyone is into a sliding hook- you can wrap the harness hook strap around the stainless bar to reduce movement but the theory goes if your harness is fitted correctly to your back the harness bar shifting a little prevents the harness from getting pulled or twisted out of position around your back.

I certainly found the fit to be good I used a Da Kine size large on 33 inch waist.

Check out Graham Ezzy wearing his new Dakine T-6

For further details on the Dakine T-6 check out our product page here..

I tested the new Ezzy Legacy last weekend in El Medano Tenerfife – firstly it was great to get back into a shorty and sail in air temperatures of 24c in full sunshine, it ensured leaving the 3 degree UK air temp was no hardship!

The Ezzy 2013 Legacy is Ezzy’s first take on a price point orientated sail, though first impressions I definately wouldn’t put it into this category but knowing Dave Ezzy well it didn’t surprise me. He’s not a man to cut corners on performance and quality just to save a few dollars, he’s even been able to keep the look sharp with clean graphics for a cool looking sail.
With a profile and dimensions which appear to be similar to that of the Panther 3 / Tiger, you’d easily mistake the Legacy as a flagship model if you’re coming to Ezzy from some another brand.

With time on my hands I took the unusual task of reading the instructions before rigging on the recommended Ezzy RDM mast, rigging the sail using the wind setting dots on the leach of the sail as my guide I found it very easy to tune the downhaul even though the Legacy comes with a pulley less D-ring.

Popping on a boom and setting the outhaul to the recommended max for a super windy El Medano (4.2 – 4.5 weather) I noted the omission of setting marks in the boom cut out area, and no built in mast pad. Looking closely there’s a new lighter luff material and a difference in the amount of seaming in the sail, a little less batten reinforcement compared to the Elites and Tigers and no neoprene piece by the head cap.(You can buy the extra mast pad, pulleys for the Ezzy legacy if you want them )

On the water the vision through the Legacy is incredible, the translucent see through nature gives a full 360 view of the water .I really liked the forward and solid centre of effort, no pulling or moving in the gusts -the sail is very stable and it felt good to be back on a 5 batten sail.

Cost savings normally hit performance first yet I’m not only surprised but happy to report that Dave Ezzy has been able to produce the sail without effecting your performance on the water.

The 5.2 Legacy felt good wave riding, stable, smooth and easy to de power yet, was spot on when you switched the power back on.

So good was the performance, shut your eye’s and it would be fairly hard to decide if you’re on a Legacy or Tiger!

If you want to test a Ezzy Tiger, Elite or Legacy call the UK Ezzy test centre on 01243 513077 or contact Simon and book it in simon@2xs.co.uk.

Ezzy owners are used to wind range and the Legacy continues that trend, if the wind drops reduce the downhaul, tune the outhaul and the Legacy will have you heading out for a second session.
I’ve yet to test the bigger sails but if the 5.2 is anything to by then I look forward to a few light days.
So with the 5.2 Tiger costing £505.00 compared to £375.00 for the 5.2 Legacy Dave Ezzy has produced something special for the wallet on a budget, and as that’s not saving enough, you can reduce the number of masts you need to rig the range.

You can BUY the sail here

See the Ezzy Legacy on the Ezzy website here

Gear used Ezzy 5.2 Legacy, 400 Ezzy RDM mast, Streamlined carbon boom, Streamlined carbon extension and RRD 83 cult quad.

Pics and test by Simon Bassett 2XS/X-train

Go Pro Pics taken with Carbon Mast Mount>>..

2013 RRD Cult Quad LTD at 2XS
Just had delivered the first in country 2013 75 RRD Cult quad ltd to the RRD test centre at West Wittering. Looks very different to the previous model – on first impression it is lighter, has a new fin set – (ultra fin style – more upright), a new outline – narrower rails and much thinner in overall thickness than previous cults. The new RRD cult Ltd 2013 has a flatter rocker line with more vee into a double concave and a narrow pintail.

You will notice each model is wider this season (approx 1 cm) so the concept here is thinner overall thickness for improved handling and early planning and a more surfboard thinner rail style for better grip and control.

Specs are as follows for 2013 models:
RRD Cult Wave Quad Ltd 75 Litres: 229×57, 83Ltrs X 230 X 57
RRD Cult Wave Quad Ltd 92 Litres: 231 X 61,100 litres 233 X 62

You notice the contest line is now called the LTD and is made in the super light contest construction. The RRP on these are £1650 and delivery is 15th September for the 92l, 75l, and 100l and then the 83l will be arriving 30th September.

If you need any more info please send me an email simon@2xs.co.uk

We looking forward to testing this board over the weekend as it look like it will be windy – call Chris @ the windsurf club on 01243 513077 to book your test ride.

Ezzy Panther Elite 2012 4 batten wave sail

Wouter from Seasprite sent me over a a 5.3 Ezzy Panther Elite for me to test out. Having used 5 batten sails for the last 15 years I looked at the sail with some uncertainty. For 2 weeks I put off using the the 5.3 just because of the unstable and backhanded feel I expected to get from the the 4 batten sail (this was my perception from previous 4 batten models from other brands ). But in fact I am so happy with my 5 batten Ezzy panther Ltds I was really not in the mood to change my sails at all.

I tried the 5.3 in 20 to 26 knots of wind side on shore conditions at West Wittering with waist to chest high waves – I rigged my 5.2 panther ltd too just in case I didn’t enjoy the the elite – I had pretty much convinced my self I wasn’t going to like the 4 batten sail(!)

After 2 hours of of windsurfing, getting some monster jumps and good riding I had one of the best sails I had for ages. The 5.3 didn’t over power or get backhanded –I just increased the out haul when I need less power and more control. It felt super light in my hands –perfect balance –not shifty and gives a real boost when you take off –different to the panther LTD. What I also liked was the back hand power in bottom turns you get some real controllable acceleration from the back hand when your riding. The Ezzy Panther Elite when riding or turning has a more noticeable de powered feel but also when you sheet in turns the power back on just when you need it.

When I took the 4.7 Elite out the wind kept building all day I started at high tide in around 30 knots all seem very good by the end of the day I was holding the 4.7 in 40 knots of wind on flat water –I increased the downhaul to the high wind setting and tuned the out haul and was stunned to find the sail held its shape and I felt in total control. Like all the Ezzys  I have owned the wind range per sail size is massive when you use the correct Ezzy mast.

Each person who also tested the sails on the beach both in flat water and in waves we very impressed with the performance its  not just a performance wave sail its great in flat water –if your not sure why not test one for yourself please contact me at 2xs to arrange a test -simon@2xs.co.uk  0774  775 8883

So I have just sold all my Ezzy panther Ltds and the rest of my set Panther Elites are arriving this week.

The new Ezzy Panther Elite, four battened wave sail, has just arrived into the 2XS Office – you may of seen the pictures of the prototypes we put up in a 2XS news feature about a month ago of KP and Graham Ezzy.

 You know we don’t always believe in all the hype, but I have to say, Ezzy is a bit like Ronseal “it says what it does on the tin” – so its going to be exciting to try out this new sail. We have a 5.3m which we will have on the beach this weekend – and wind is forecast for Saturday so it looks like we can put it through its paces.

Availability will be end of July/early August – prices are expected to be between the current Panther Ltd and Tiger sails – we will have all the specs on the 2XS site as soon as we can. Prices TBC.

Call Simon if you want to check it out this weekend 0774 775 8883 email: simon@2xs.co.uk