The manufacturer's sail range describes the Fusion as an all-round model for flat water, swell and small surf. We tested whether the Fusion HD lives up to this claim.
On land:
At 4.5 square metres, the NeilPryde Fusion HD is nominally a little smaller than most of the sails in the test group, but it still has a rather long boom. The Fusion is rigged on a 400 mast, but a 430 mast can also be used thanks to a vario top. The profile is quite tightly tuned in this size, which is another reason why the 400 mast is our clear recommendation for the 4.5 Fusion. With this concept, the profile is visible further up. Printed markings provide reliable help when setting the right luff trim. The sail has the familiar and proven features: The batten tensioners can be operated without tools, the mast protector is dimensioned long enough and can be folded down excellently for rigging.
On the water:
The NeilPryde Fusion HD easily makes up for the small size disadvantages in the direct planing duel with its rather deep profile, the sail quickly establishes itself in the group of the best planing sails. At the same time, it is very stable in the hand, which means that the right angle of attack is easy to find, a characteristic that also helps less experienced surfers to leave the planing threshold behind them without any problems. When powered up, the sail is very stable in the hand and loads up well, the centre of effort feels a little further back, which means you can immediately put pressure on the fin and get the board flying. This is why the Fusion HD scores with an excellent average speed. In strong gusts, the control of the Fusion HD 4.5 remains at a very good level and the light sail feeling is maintained over a pleasingly large wind range. The Fusion is also convincing in manoeuvres: although it rotates a little slower than the handling wonders of the group due to its deeper profile and longer boom dimensions, the bottom line is that all classic moves, loops and even first wave rides are easily possible with this sail. However, if you regularly surf surf waves and on multifinboards, you should look towards the more agile Atlas or even Combat models from NeilPryde.
NeilPryde Fusion HD - the conclusion
Sheet in, planing, accelerating - the Fusion HD convinces as a fast and planing freemove sail, especially on singlefin and freemove boards. It only lacks a little agility for waves and freestyle.
Gliding, freeride suitability
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Technical data NeilPryde Fusion
- Mast used: NeilPryde SPX 70 RDM 400, 70 % carbon, weight 1.82 kg*
- Sail weight: 3.09 kg*
- sleeve opening: 101-152 cm*
- Info under neilpryde.com
*surf measurement
