Windsport Magazine Test

World Sails Blast 7.5m

Test Settings: Luff 485, Boom 214cm

6 Battens

MSRP: $609

With a few minor tweaks to the look, the 2005 Blast from World Sails has been given refined shaping that has cranked up its performance to new heights.

The Blast will pull you onto a plane without pulling you overboard. Placing the power in a moderately high-and-back spot compared to others, theres more versatility when it comes to matching up to boards but still fits best with the wider and racier shapes. This new Blast gets a lighter, sleeker feel with enough speed potential to piss off your friends and better foil stability for improved wind range and trimming. Its still a gutsy 2-cam so proper backhand position and an assertive sail flip will keep it where you want it in the jibes.

World has stepped up the durability side by adding extra stitch protection including the new jelly beading to a strong list of construction features. The panel layout gives more grid to the clew area to an already well made sail but visually we werent as keen on the black-on-white batten pocket look.

If you want the power, handling and speed of a race-oriented sail and also the versatility and comfort of a performance freerider then the Blast is a solid choice.