the RS:X Evolution Proposal from Neil Pryde

LOOKING
TO RIO 2016
racing.neilpryde.com
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The best athletes deserve the best equipment for the pinnacle of
all competitions: the Olympic Games.
Our sport is evolving and our athletes are evolving. As a result,
we have to evolve and keep up with the pace. After the successful
Games in Quingdao, China and five years of relentless and nonstop world-wide service, we feel it is time for the RS:X to evolve
for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. Enter RS:X Evolution: an
exciting new concept that turbo-charges the existing RS:X rig.
The RS:X Evolution rig features a lighter board which will perform
as fast as the Formula or large Slalom boards and will remain
the cheapest sailing craft with the most consistent performance
within the Olympic sailing scene. The RS:X Evolution also sees
improvements in the sail with more power, bigger wind range
and featuring an extremely colorful and fresh new look.
The improvements, achieved by using the latest technologies and
overbuild reduction, will help turn RS:X into the most attractive
sailing class and will continue to fuel the growth of Olympic
Windsurfing.
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THE
BOARD
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FEATURES
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The lightest RS:X board ever made at 12.5kg (3kg lighter than the current one)
The same shape and volume specifications as the current RS:X
Shorter mast track
Reduced overbuild area and reduced number of foot strap inserts
Full Biaxal Carbon 100 deck and bottom with a lighter daggerboard (898g vs 1.4kg)
ATTRIBUTES
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The board delivers outstanding planning and speed performance.
By keeping the successful shape of the first generation, we guarantee easy transition from first generation.
The mast track trimming is easier and the mast track itself more durable.
The board is perfectly balanced and much easier to control in stronger winds.
The whole hull is very light making the board more alive and more maneuverable.
SPECS
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LENGTH 286 cm
MAX. WIDTH
93 cm
WEIGHT 12.5 kg VOLUME
220 litres
CONSTRUCTION
CARBON SANDWICH
THE
FIN
The new fin, developed by Jean-Jacques Deboichet, features a similar shape to the Formula fins.
The new outline and profile are designed for maximum performance within the biggest wind range.
FEATURES
• Softer tip, new rake and increased length.
• High performance wet lay-up construction.
• Finishing coat sanded horizontally.
ATTRIBUTES
• More lift in low-end conditions; better control in top-end conditions.
• Increase in production accuracy, performance and durability.
• Spin outs reduced with reduced surface slickness.
SPECS
SIZE MEN
WOMEN LENGTH 68 cm 64 cm
CONSTRUCTION
Wet Lay up
Wet Lay up
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THE
SAIL
FEATURES
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clew
Dynamic Compact Clew
New sizes: 9.0 and 10.0
UltraCam
“S” profile
low wind
UltraCam
high wind
“S” profile
ATTRIBUTES
• A more compact sail, bringing better performance and improved control.
• Because the sail is easier to control and more compact we can increase the sizes to get more power without
compromising the weight.
• Ultracam reduces stress on the battens resulting in easy and efficient cam rotation.
• The lower leech remains tight in light wind for better low-end performance.
SPECS
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SIZE
9.0
10.0
WEIGHT/KG
5.3
5.8
LUFF
tbc
tbc
BOOM tbc
tbc
BATTENS 6
6
CAMS
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2
BASE
tbc
tbc
IDEAL MAST
RS:X 490
RS:X 520
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THE
MAST
RS:X mast is based closely on the masts used in
NeilPryde’s existing performance mast range. The RS:X
is a 90-100% carbon mast that has the same bend
curves and tapers as the NeilPryde Progressive Flex
bend curve. Progressive Flex allows the sail to twist as
dynamically and efficiently as possible. The mast has
SPECS
SIZE
RS:X 490
RS:X 520
LENGTH 490
520
IMCS 29
32
WEIGHT 2.20
2.40
a reduced diameter for ideal strength/weight/reflex
ratio. Its light weight of 2.2 - 2.4 kg maximizes low end
performance and ease of turning.
The RS:X is a high performance mast designed to work
in all wind conditions, both planing and non-planing.
CARBON 90%
100%
CONTENT Semi Gloss
Semi Gloss
FINISH BAG
HardShell
HardShell
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THE
BOOM
FEATURES
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Monocoque carbon body.
Monocoque carbon square profile tail extension.
VT joint lateral locating button.
New boom lever.
ATTRIBUTES
Maximum strength for immediate pumping response.
Increased torsion rigidity.
Side-to-side movement prevented, allowing greater control.
Lighter and more durable lever.
SPECS
9
SIZE
225-265
ADJUST / CM 40
WEIGHT KG 3.05
DIAMETER OverS & 30 MATERIAL
Uni-Directional Pre-preg Carbon / Glass
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THE
EXTENSION
FEATURES
• Strong integrated pulleys with rope cleat.
• Large release mono button.
• Clamshell adjustment system
ATTRIBUTES
• Transfers load directly from the pulley onto the extension tube without relying on any plastic components. More efficient, more durable.
• Secure, heavy-duty connection and ease of operation.
• Easy operation in all temperatures. Designed to sustain high loads.
SPECS
SIZE 34 cm ADJUST SYSTEM
Clam Shell
MATERIAL
Aluminium
BASE
RS:X MXT
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PERFORMANCE
COMPARISON
Low-End
(Power, Reactivity)
Medium
(Planing, Acceleration)
Top End
(Speed, Control)
Maneuverability
(Weight, Jibe, Tack)
Range of use
Durability
RS:X
RS:X Evolution
Tests carried out in Hawaii, Hong-Kong, France. Flat-water, choppy
conditions and rough sea. Wind between 3 to 30 knots.
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FEW
WORDS
FROM THE TESTERS
Antoine Albeau – France
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39 ans
100 kg
1.86 kgds
19-time World Champion and the 2011 Formula World Champion
French Sailor of the year
What was your first impression of the RS:X Evolution?
My main feeling is that the RS:X Evolution is easier, lighter and faster.
How does it perform in light winds?
The sail delivers better performance and is lighter to handle. It is more efficient and
requires less physical strength.
How does the it perform in medium winds?
I weigh 100kg and get planing at 8-9 knots! I think that says it all. I had the feeling of
being on a Formula board with consistent and solid acceleration. The RS:X Evolution
is also much easier to drive and you are not afraid of losing speed in wind holes.
How does it perform in strong winds?
This board accelerates all the time while being much easier to control than the
current RS:X.
Any other feedback on the RS:X Evolution?
Freedom, performance, speed, fun! I was able to sail as if on my Formula or big
slalom kit.
Would you say that the RS:X Evolution is a good evolution from the current RS:X?
It’s the perfect evolution. I can tell you that you will probably see me entering some
events and why not the Games!
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Julien Bontemps - France
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Silver medalist, 2008 Olympic Games
2010 RS:X World Champion
183 cm
74 kg
31 years old
What was your first impression of the RS:X Evolution?
I had the feeling of being on a slalom board. The board is really stiff and I felt more
acceleration compared to the current RS:X.
How does it perform in light winds?
I didn’t try it a lot in light wind conditions but I had the feeling that it goes much
faster on the rail during upwind pumping with the centerboard.
How does the it perform in medium winds?
The board accelerates very well but is also more sensitive to keep planing when
there is a lull in the wind.
Going upwind the board is very comfortable and easier than the current RS:X. It needs
less power from the legs to push on the fin because the board goes on the rail quickly.
Downwind, the pumping is much more efficient.
How does it perform in strong winds?
I didn’t try it in strong winds.
But I did try it in 20 knots with a two meter swell and good chop. It’s much more
reactive and alive. I just had to push the mast track forward a little to have a very nice
feeling and reach great speed.
Any other feedback on the RS:X Evolution?
The best feeling on this board is its vivacity because it’s light under the feet. The
weight was the major inconvenience of the current RS:X. With the Evolution, you
can change direction very quickly without losing speed. The feeling is very close
to Formula windsurfing. When I tried this board, I sailed against someone on the
original RS:X and I was much faster. It feels like the board accelerates all the time.
Would you say that the RS:X Evolution is a good evolution from the current RS:X?
For sure it’s a good evolution from the current board.
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FEW
WORDS
FROM THE TESTERS
Pieter Bijl – Nederland
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NeilPryde Chief Tester
183 cm
85 kg
31 years old
What was your first impression of the RS:X Evolution?
The board feels light under the feet and the sail generates good power on the low-end. This
combo makes the RS:X Evolution feel like it just wants to plane at the slightest gust.
How does it perform in light winds?
In the light wind it is surprising how quickly the Evolution gets on the rail – only 4 to 5 knots and
this board rails up and goes. With only 7 to 9 knots of wind you can move the mast back, fold
up the dagger-board and sail both up and down-wind on the fin. The weight reduction of the
board, the longer fin and the small increase in sail area really make a great difference in getting
this board planing and should really make for more exciting racing in the lighter winds.
How does the it perform in medium winds?
In medium strength wind the RS:X Evolution board is a thrill to sail. It really gets on the fin
and loves to accelerate with each gust while the sail is responsive and brings the whole gear
up to speed in no time.
How does it perform in strong winds?
In stronger winds the RS:X Evolution is a little more challenging and the endless sail and board
trimming options really come into play to make sure that the performance is kept without losing
control. Once the right trim is found the ride is exciting and challenging at the same time.
Any other feedback on the RS:X Evolution?
The increased lift from the bigger fin and sail require minimum wind to get planing and also
seem to minimise the performance difference between the lighter and heavier guys.
Would you say that the RS:X Evolution is a good evolution from the current RS:X?
In the light winds there is a big improvement in performance and speed, especially with the
big performance difference between planing and non-planing. Once you go from non-planing
to planing there is a big gap, so by getting planing earlier the gap is reduced. On top of this,
in medium wind, there is better upwind and down-wind angle due to the increased lift and
performance.
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Nicolas Huguet - France
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French Olympic Windsurfing Team 1997 to 2008.
Still competing on RS:X but retired from Olympic campaigns
Current 49er French coach
184 cm
73 kg
33 years old
What was your first impression of the RS:X Evolution?
You can really feel a difference during sailing. It’s much lighter under the feet and
needs less pumping to get planing.
How does it perform in light winds?
You don’t really feel any difference around and under 8 knots as the board is sailing “flat” on the water
with the dagger board down. The only difference is that the RS:X Evolution is more
reactive while pumping upwind.
How does it perform in medium winds?
In marginal planing conditions and flat water, it’s a really easy board and you can
perform in cross low winds easier than with the RS:X. The hull responds well and the
pumping is not so physically demanding compared to the current RS:X.
How does it perform in strong winds?
Did not try it yet…
Any other feedback on the RS:X Evolution?
The sensation is really different and more direct than the current RS:X. It’s lighter and
you really feel it when carrying it onshore.
Would you say this board is a good evolution from the current board?
I was part of the testing panel in 2004 during the selection of the Olympic board
for 2012. The NeilPryde prototype at this time was closer to 12kg. It increased after it
was chosen following the ISAF request to increase the volume. Right now,
this prototype is closer to the original prototype weight and this is a good thing. So
yes, for me it’s a good evolution with real performance improvements.
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FEW
WORDS
FROM THE TESTERS
Dominique Brettell - Hong Kong
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1st in 2010 RS:X Asian Championships
180 cm
71 kg
18 years old
What was your first impression of the RS:X Evolution?
Much more responsive, more forgiving, less strength needed from the whole body,
feels more like a short board.
How does it perform in light winds?
I didn’t try it.
How does the it perform in medium winds?
It’s very versatile and performs very well which is a key point in these kind of
conditions.
How does it perform in strong winds?
It’s easy to sail through the waves and the chop. It’s faster, feels smoother, doesn’t
lift, it’s easier to control.
Any other feedback on the RS:X Evolution?
The RS:X Evolution is quick to respond – more reactive. I had a good time sailing it.
Would you say that the RS:X Evolution is a good evolution from the current RS:X?
Yes, it is a necessary evolution to keep the windsurfing attractive and in the Olympics.
I can’t wait to compete on this board!
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TO RIO 2016
racing.neilpryde.com