You want it all: maximum wind range with instant acceleration, completely neutral during ducking without becoming nervous, maximum pop, ultralight but without compromising on durability. Dream on, you may say, but that's exactly the briefing that 2022 Freestyle World Champion Adrien Bosson gave us for the new IDOL LTD.
That’s the reason why it took us almost 2 years to develop the next generation of the IDOL LTD. But in the end it turnes out to be the biggest update since its introduction in 2014! But let's take it in order:
Ultralight, but without sacrificing durability
By reducing the panel layout to its functional core and swapping multi-layer with lighter single-layer high-tech reinforcements, we were able to reduce the weight by another 200g, making the new IDOL LTD one of the lightest Freestyle Competition sails out there. Yet following our LIGHT DONE RIGHT philosophy, we have achieved this without reducing the film thickness, so there is no loss in durability. In addition, we are using our virtually unbreakable Epoxy wave-battens, which can easily withstand even the toughest wipe-outs.
For all other aspects, our unique BATTEN FREE CENTER concept comes into play. Instead of the usual symmetrical batten distribution, the IDOL LTD features a larger gap between the foot batten and the batten above the boom. As there is a larger area without battens, the sail loads up much smoother, which has a tremendous impact on the performance:
Increased wind-range with earlier planing and instant acceleration as sail loads up faster. Plus more control as the sail can absorb the chop and has more release.
Much easier to duck, as the sail goes neutral but loads up much smoother after ducking. This is completely new compared to the usual radical on-off that you are used to from other Freestyle Competition sails.
Increased lift for air moves due to super efficient loading of the profile.
Helps the sail to remain loaded up to maintain stability.
Lighter feeling due to better release.
This all may sound like we’ve found the holy grail of Freestyle Competition sail design. Well, have a go and see for yourself!
CONVEX DACRON LUFF-PANEL
Maximum elasticity without distortion from the battens enables maximum lift for all jumps against the sail
BATTEN FREE CENTER
Larger gap between the foot batten and the batten above the boom >> increased wind-range + increased lift for air moves + improved balance & power while ducking
LIGHT DONE RIGHT CONSTRUCTION
Weight reduction of a clearly noticeable 200 to 300 g without reducing the thickness of the main panel thus maintaining the well-known durability and longevity!
HOLLOW LOWER LEECH
Hollow Lower Leech (scooped leech outline) stabilises the profile right above the boom and prevents leech fluttering
iROCKET 2.0
Factory calibrated individual batten tensions using a torque wrench
Area | Luff | Boom | Head | Battens |
3.6m2 | 376cm | 144cm | Vario | 4 |
4.0m2 | 386cm | 148cm | Fixed | 4 |
4.4m2 | 400cm | 152cm | Fixed | 4 |
4.8m2 | 418cm | 158cm | Fixed | 4 |
5.2m2 | 430cm | 162cm | Fixed | 4 |