Depends on the rider!

Light weight rider + light wind - maybe 310...

340 on 2.7 is best for any rider focused primarily on high wind control.

If a rider uses 310 on 2.7, then they risk having a rig that is too flexible and becomes unstable and then they are overpowered easily.

I like the idea of 310 on 2.7- (that would be a very light weight rig), but In my mind I see it as a lighter wind rig, maybe just starting to plane on a big board like SUP, or trainer or any large board that provides a nice stable platform...
For that set up, actually 3.3 Banzai would be pretty nice...

Anyways, I hope this info helps...

Let me know if I can offer any more advice.

Kind regards,
JD

Start with a 400 mast complete.

For the 5.3, I recommend a single 430 top section- it is compatible with the 400 bottom.

Then your customer can either use the 400 on the 4.2- it's OK, it is just a little more powerful and direct than a 370- I see your customer is lighter, but sometimes even lighter people like the direct feeling of the 400 in the 4.2...

Otherwise your customer can just use a 370 bottom section on a 400 top for the 4.2.

So the solutions above mean 1 complete 400 (4.7), a 4000 bottom and 430 top section(5.3), and then an optional 370 bottom section paired with the 400 top (4.2).

Pascal can set you up with individual mast sections.

I don't recommend extending any of the masts above 28cm.

I hope this info helps!

Cheers

JD

Stoked to hear you got the new gear.

The 5.3 Eclipse requires a 400 mast.
Your Ezzy 400/19 should be OK!

The difference with the new Goya masts is that we have modified the lay-up of the masts to increase the durability, and the layup change also improved the feel of the masts.

Please feel free to contact me any time with feedback or questions John!

Happy Holidays

JD

You are welcome to post any of this communication between us.
It's all good material for discussion, and an interesting topic as well.
I only ask that you please publish my comments in their entirety- so that the whole point of what I'm saying has the best chance to come across to the readers.

Bak to the subject at hand-

The thing to remember here is that what you are proposing already exists.
It is a common strategy, and one I use myself, to choose key sizes from each model to suit your particular needs.
For example- I spend 4 months every summer sailing in The Gorge. I choose the control and easy feeling of the GURU up to 4.7, then go for the direct power ECLIPSE in sizes 5.0, 5.3, then from there I use NEXUS in sizes 5.9, 6.4 and +. This is my standard Gorge quiver, and it also works well when I go to the Oregon coast to wave sail (sizes 3.7 - 5.3).
The 5.3 ECLIPSE uses 400 mast, so that gives me basically 4.2 - 5.3 with one mast.
So what you are asking for is already available- You just have to choose what is right for you from the different models.

Here's another point regarding why we have 10 sizes in one model-

Take GURU or ECLIPSE again, for example-
You have to keep in mind that I'm designing those sail ranges for people who weigh as little as 50kg and as much as 100kg.
The 50kg rider (and I have quite a few of them actually) may have 3.7 as their largest sail (GORGE), whereas the 100kg rider's smallest sail is going to be a 5.0, and then they go up in size from there.
It's an extreme example of weight variation, but regardless of the weight of the rider- they are all looking for the same thing from any particular model- power, speed, control, and durability. So, that's why the "same" model is available in such a wide size range.

Any more comments, please let me know!

Keep warm...

Cheers

JD

Thanks for your mail and inquiry.

I would tend to disagree regarding your comment about GURU-
"
Not so good at early planning and cross on conditions"
GURU is a quickly neutral sail, that's for sure, but the sail also has a a good low end punch.
Also, I never really classify the sails according to conditions, but rather by the feeling and power delivery you are looking for in any given condition.
GURU works well in onshore conditions, if you like a quickly neutral, flexible feeling sail.
Alternatively, ECLIPSE is a great sail for cross offshore down the line wave riding if your preference is a quick and direct feeling sail.

Moving on to the new 4 batten sail BANZAI 2012-

Here's my basic summary of the sail-

Currently the size range is 3.3, 3.6, 3.9, 4.3, 4.6, 4.9.
The spacing between sizes is larger than standard because the range of the sail is larger than standard.
That larger range inhabits the low end performance of the sail.
This 4 batten sail is meant to be used about .5 smaller than you would normally choose in models Guru and Eclipse. For example 4.9 replaces 5.3, 4.6 replaces 5.0, 4.3 replaces 4.5/(4.7).
***These sails are NOT meant to be used over powered. If it gets windier, you size down.
***These 4 batten sails are best paired with a modern, high volume board that gets moving quickly.
The profile of these sails is relatively flat, but very "engaged" from the bottom to the top. The entire sail is cut to generate lift everywhere. This is why it's possible to use a smaller size. Also, the extreme light weight of the sail amplifies the lift. The super light weight plus relatively flat profile of the sail contributes to an effortless handling characteristic in maneuvers and just sailing along...

This 4 batten sail features an aspect ratio very similar to the 5 batten sails (the 4 batten 4.6 is 162/413), but considering that you use a size smaller than a 5 batten sail, you end up with the benefit of the shorter boom and luff comparatively.
I don't believe that 4 batten sails should be too short in the luff dimension. If you shorten the height too much, then you are forced to extend the boom, the leech outline, or both. A square meter is a square meter after all, no matter how you draw it.
By minimizing the trailing outline of the sail the 4 batten maintains a very quiet feeling in the hands at all points of sail.

The power delivery of this sail is smooth and accelerating, and the feeling is a comfortable combination of direct and flexible.

Our 5 batten models GURU and ECLIPSE are a better choice for sailors looking for more high end range, and a lower locked and forward driving power delivery.
A couple of words regarding GURU and ECLIPSE-

ECLIPSE 2012 will still be a full power direct wave sail, but with a lighter, stronger construction, combined with a more forward driving, light feeling handling characteristic.

GURU 2012 also will be lighter and stronger. GURU 2012 will have great low end power and improved maneuverability in wave riding and transitions due to increased lower leech twist and a modified foot outline.

I hope this info helps Lars!
Please don't hesitate to ask if you have any more questions...

Cheers

JD

I definitely think that the 5 batten sails provide a more wing-like, "lifty" jumping experience. The 5 batten sails drive more forward in the air, and feel very stable.

But, the Banzai is so light that it is quick to respond to directional changes (looping) in jumps.

One more thing about the Banzai-
It's not just for advanced riders.
I discovered in my last days of testing before I left for China that the sail is an excellent choice for lightweight sailors, particularly women- it is so light and easy to handle, and if the lady has a good floaty fast board, she can really enjoy the benefits of this super lightweight rig plus reduced sail size.

Sure the Banzai has a lot of monofilm (durability question), and it's not the best if you're totally overpowered, but other than those two things-

I actually think that the Banzai is a good choice for entry and mid level riders because of the lightweight and ease of use...

Cheers Guys!

JD

Basically with the Banzai sail- IF you have enough volume under your feet, then the Banzai power equals that of an Eclipse or Guru that is .5 meters larger. There is no way the Banzai 4.9 will replace the power of an Eclipse 5.7 for you.

But not to worry, the new Eclipse is a nice improvement over last year's sail.
The construction is lighter, and the cut is a little different in that there is more lower leech release- this will help give the sails a lighter feeling, and an overall better better handling and high end speed.

The power level from 2011 to 2012 is not more, but is refined to create a lighter feeling better handling sail.

Regarding larger sizes Banzai- they are in the works, but at the moment I am only approving up to 4.9...
Stay tuned on that one, because as I work out those larger sizes, bigger guys like you will be top of the list for testing...!!!

Cheers Arnie!

JD

the Banzai is a very interesting, and very different sail, so it's worth taking a moment to really have a look and see how it might fit for you.

What could be really interesting in the first year is to stick with your current model line up for 2012, but then consider getting one of the key sizes of Banzai and seeing how it fits in with your boards, conditions, and style.

For you I would say 4.6.
That's a sail that will work well in lighter wind for you- if you pair it with a not too small board.
Levi says that 4.6 is the biggest size he needs for wave sailing.
I use 4.6 when I would normally use a 5.0. I switch quickly to 4.3 when it gets to be "powered 4.5-4.7" conditions.
The 4.6 could also be an interesting higher wind sail for Arnie...

How does this sound?

Cheers from China

JD

4 batten sail should be available around the end summer.