Yes and the test does not agree with the feedback from the OTC either: http://blog.hotsailsmaui.com/2011/10/on … t-otc.html

Although not the Fire's, I have 2006 4.7 and 5.5m SO's which I guess are the previous incarnation of the Fires which I guess will have been improved over time. I'm a little over 90 kg, and although not hugely powerful, there is enough grunt in the SO's for all but the lightest conditions. The top end as far as I'm concerned is immense, and they feel not only light in the hands even with six battens, but are also just so controllable on the wave. So, assuming the Fire's have developed and moved on from what I'm experiencing with the SO's, I also was totally surprised by the Boardseeker review. It certainly wouldn't put me off buying the Fire's, but I can see it might do that for other's which would be a shame. As most folk have said, ther must have been something weird going on with the mast or something. I use Amex or Prolimit RDMs and they seem to work fine. Tend to use quite a lot of downhaul, but not too much outhaul, and adjust on outhaul as wind picks up, but it's amazing how much you can hang on to before having to do that. Seems to work OK for the conditions we get here along the Aberdeenshire coast in Scotland!  Anyway, the test prompted me to join this forum as I was shocked how badly it came across compared to the other sails and was a bit flummoxed by that.

Last edited by Redmullet (2011-11-22 07:48:39)

Is it possible to get some response from Jeff or Tom on the forum about this test result?  There are a lot of guesses about what could have gone wrong, but if the Hot crew knows what happened, then it would be great information for all of us.

I have to say that I was thinking about getting new Fires to replace my SOs, but this test definitely concerns me.

The testers obviously did not like the sails. Not sure why many of their comments are the extreme opposite of the whole concept of the Fire.
So I am at a loss as to why they got these results. I could rant and rave but I don't think a few guys in questionable conditions with questionable skills will get me upset.

There are those on the Boards forum who believe that there is a lot of bias in the testing, I remember one thread where the unpublished tests were predicted and it was quite accurate. I have no idea whether any of it is true, like much of the stuff that gets argued over on Boards forum. Personally even if I was wearing a black face mask I would know where my loyalties lay if I was doing tests.

The OTC is/has developed a new system for punters to write their own opinions, these will have no or limited bias and I believe in the long run will be a very successful system for reviews.

I cant wait to try some of the Hot Sails wave and freeride kit and from what I have read about the feel I think it will really suit me and my riding style, but first my GPS's will get a thorough hammering ;-) They will be in my hands and hopefully on the water by Thursday afternoon if the forecast holds. :-D

I just had an epic 4 hour wave session in 25-45 knots of wind on my 4.2 fire at 200 pounds (90 kgs). Felt pretty darned rangy, responsive and stable to me! No need to even fine tune despite the gusty conditions. Love my Fires!