Switchblade 2018
3-CAM PERFORMANCE FREERACE
Generated from the successful 2017 edition, the new Switchblade 2018 leads the field again by taking it to the next level of performance in free ride sailing. Renowned for having the widest range of its class, the Switchblade transforms from a low-end powerhouse to a top-end racing weapon thanks to its wide tuning range. For 2018 Loftsails introduces two Switchblades: SWITCHBLADE HD: ultimate longevity and reduced weight- full xply: 5-mil biaxial luff and foot panels, 4-mil biax window panels, and 3.5-mil biax body panels. SWITCHBLADE: 5-mil biaxial luff and foot panels, 5-mil mono window and 4- mil bi-ply body panels. The Switchblade 2018 is tuned race elasticity that one can feel.
Find a dealer
Features
& Benefits
- Unique SDM and RDM mast compatibility. Tekcam2 Large (installed) and Reduced (in sailbag) included with sizes 8.6 and down.
- Metallic cam interfaces – MCIs eliminate contact point degradation characteristic of cam designs without MCIs.
- Full tubed batten structure – solid stability for the upper end of the wind range.
- Xply batten pockets that alternate sail sides... using similar material for the batten pocket as the body material minimizes the asymmetric character of applied batten pockets. Pockets made with laminates allow the batten to be centered. These features combine to maintain rotation symmetry. In contrast, same-side dacron pockets promote assymetrical rotation.
- Streamlined neoprene boom cutout with dual zippers – limits water entry into the mast sleeve for fast recovery.
- Blade mast pocket construction - pocket sides under the tack pulley webbings for rotation ease, clean mast pocket and longevity.
- Kevlar strip applications - profile definition, mast pocket stability and longevity
- Tekcam2 camber inducer design - easy rotation and gentle to your mast.
Click to reveal features.
Sail Specifications
Gallery
Quotes
Monty Spindler
“Freerace made fast and easy. Proven performance.”
Monty Spindler
“Freerace made fast and easy. Proven performance.”
Frequently asked questions?
Find the answers of your Switchblade 2018 questions
Just click the box below.
I can see minor colour inconsistancy in the coloured monofilm material, is this a quality problem?
Loftsails using high quality Dimension Polyant films considered as a leading film manufacturer. The BI-PLY colored monofilm are two films laminated together. During production there is a large temperature difference between the two films at the lamination point. This causes the top film (film with color adhesive) to slightly shrink and the bottom film does not shrink at the same rate. This can cause "a slight minimal wave or impression" in the fabric. There is no concern on laminate quality.
What does 1 Year Unconditional + 1 Year Conditional warranty cover?
Warranty is valid 2 years after date of purchase. When making a warranty claim in the first year the product is unconditionally warranted. When making a warranty claim in the 2nd year the product must have clearly suffered from a manufacturer error.
Is there a difference in performance between the Oxygen and Switchblade in HD (Full X-ply) and there none HD counterparts?
Weight
There is almost no difference in the weight of the sail as the full biax X-ply version layer thickness is 3.5 mil compared to 4 mil monofilm.
Performance
No difference on the water. Both the orange (bi-ply 4mil monofilm) and the blue (3.5mil biax xply) materials are more stretch-resistant compared to the 2mil (triax) that some brands use for flatwater sails. The performance advantage of 3.5 and 4mil materials over 2mil xply was well established in tests the summer of 2015.
Durability
The HD version is the best choice for windsurfers looking for longevity, the normal version is more budget friendly. Note that our colored monofilms are actually bi-plys with colorants in the glue- their UV resistance very similar to X-ply's. It is more the main window panel where the HD version stands out- the HD xply window is substantially better regarding UV degredation compared to one-layer monofilm.
When unrolling my sail some battens are looking pre-curved?
All windsurfing sails with battens experience batten bending when rolling for transport. The battens will bend because of the curves cut into the sail to produce profile. Loftsails are rolled right side up, this flexes the battens as if the sail is on starboard tack. Battens are made from polyester, carbon and resin. They remember their being curved, which gives the sail a pre-disposition to be on starboard tack. This results in the sail having a preference to be on starboard tack. This asymmetric character is normally not an issue. Rolling the sail port side up will tend to bend the battens in the opposite direction which can minimize this asymmetric character.
Why are there small wrinkels visible in the footpanel of my sail?
Monty comments: Wrinkles in the foot panel are common to my designs! There is always alot of profile worked into the bottom of the vertical seam, I have tried to remove the wrinkles from the lower panel but this results in flatter shapes that do improve performance. Many of our sails do not show such foot panel wrinkles, however unfortunately one could say they are typical of my designs.