The Dragonfly is one of the longest-established sail models for children on the market. It is available individually in six sizes from 2.2 to 4.3 square metres.
On land
The Dragonfly sail is not offered as a set, the matching components are purchased separately. For our test sail with 2.7 square metres, we recommend the Dragonfly mast with a length of 280 centimetres (199 euros) and the Dragonfly boom (159 euros). A normal Rdm extension should then be used for trimming. The Dragonfly sail makes a very good impression in terms of equipment: it is partly made of gridded X-Ply material, which should survive the odd crash without damage. The other reinforcements, batten tensioners that can be operated without tools and the mast protector also look as high-quality as a normal sail for adults - which also explains the slightly higher sail weight. Thanks to a Vario top, a longer mast could also be used here, but here too our recommendation is clearly to use the short mast with a length of 280 centimetres. The boom also makes a very good impression: the handle diameter is thin and suitable for small children's hands, yet the boom looks very solid and stiff. The front piece sits firmly on the mast and is easy to operate thanks to the large quick-release fastener.
On the water
The fact that the NeilPryde Dragonfly is indeed a fully-fledged sail is not only noticeable on land, but also on the water. When properly trimmed, it stands like a real profiled sail. As expected, in direct comparison it appears somewhat heavier than some of the very slimmed-down sail models from the competition, but it offers the full performance package: the softly tuned sail with its longer boom size draws a deep profile even in light winds, which means that it lies quietly in the hand and delivers plenty of planing performance. Only in manoeuvres does the sail rotate a little more slowly due to the longer boom. Even when powered up and at full planing speed, nothing distorts here - the sail top twists like an adult sail and the profiled battens ensure very good control over a wide wind range. The NeilPryde Dragonfly doesn't seem to set any limits for small rippers because the boom is also very stiff and sits firmly on the mast.
NeilPryde Dragonfly - the conclusion
The NeilPryde Dragonfly impresses as an above-average, well-equipped and solid children's sail. It is ideal for ambitious kids who want to glide, jump or even do tricks. For newcomers, it is worth taking a look at the cheaper NeilPryde Vision Rigg - this costs only 599 euros as a set with all components.
Suitability for glide surfing, equipment, control
Long boom dimension
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Technical NeilPryde Dragonfly 2.7
- Weights (own measurement): Sail 2.32 kg // Mast 1.10 kg // Boom 1.71 kg
- Mast: NeilPryde Dragonfly 280 (Epoxy/Carbon; 199 Euro)
- boom: NeilPryde Dragonfly 115-165 cm (159 Euro)
- Scope of delivery: Sail
- Price (test model): 439 Euro
- Info under neilpryde.com
