GS-R

The permanent turbo

The GS-R has changed very little, retaining a wide mast sleeve with a good profile forward and a large loose leech that extends deep down. The two clew claws are offset and the 5/5.6/6.3 sizes. have been completely redesigned for 2023.

ON THE WATER: The GS-R is slightly larger in surface area and is a lively sail for launching due to its tight, but not too physical profile. It positions itself automatically on the board with very high stability and brings firm and balanced support in both hands. In the low speed range it has a little more power than others, with a high average speed and, above all, a lot of consistency, which brings a little bonus in the top speed. It is one of the most powerful machines on long distances, since it has a large reserve of power and at the same time has a powerful profile that allows you to accelerate more in gusts: a direct link with a permanent turbo. The boom has a good length to sail with the back hand with always some pull (not too intrusive), without the profile moving backwards thanks to the pronounced loose leech. A small lift effect stabilizes the board and allows you to fly over the water without physically straining yourself. We were only shaken or straightened out a bit more in the Mistral gusts than with others, which can be attributed to a little excess power in the top: acceleration is overwhelming when you're well hooked in. No problems with camber rotation in the jibe.

CONCLUSION: The GS-R currently offers one of the best rides on the market by being present in all areas. It is suitable for everyone, from the occasional slalom rider to the most demanding, requiring less physical or technical effort than others to make up for any shortcoming.

+ Stability, very complete in performance for novices and pros, responsiveness, acceleration, price
-  Small excess of energy in the gusts in high range

On first unrolling, the GS-R presents itself as a top-of-the-range sail, with materials and finishes typical of much more expensive products, which allow you to notice from the first contact a lightness that is not usually the "hallmark" of sails and products from the German sailmaker, generally considered more affordable than others and appreciated for their incomparable value for money. GunSails' slalom sail is very well rigged: two of the four cambers are not equipped with zippers, which feels a bit strange at first, but in the position they are in, near the boom opening, you don't really need them, and the great thing is that you have two less zippers to forget to open!

Once rigged, the profile is typical of a high performance sail, the deep mast pocket allows for a powerful luff and progressive leech opening. Having used the little sister model, the Vector with three cambers, the difference in rigging is the smaller adjustment range, in the sense that, at least with our mast, you can't play much with the luff tension to get more profile in light winds or make it flatter in strong winds. The setting seems pretty "standardized", like any sail intended for slalom, to get the best in slightly stronger winds. On the other hand, the sail is very stable at sea and this 7.0 is already pushing at 9-10 knots. For the sake of completeness, we tested it with both the foil freerace and slalom boards as soon as it arrived at our editorial office. In the first case, it behaved very well, even if it is said that it is not suitable for it: it delivers immediate pressure and stability is one of the strengths of this sail. Upwind, where the wind plays tricks on foils that are not designed for these new toys, the GS-R 7.0 always remains stable, which is good for performance.

In combination with the slalom board it was designed for, the sail offers an excellent level of performance, it stands up to overpowering and strong winds and only in extremely overpowering conditions does it require more physical effort to push it to peak performance. Of course, it has a large power reserve and a profile that allows rapid acceleration in gusts, but without sudden reactions, so you can concentrate on controlling the board and the water conditions. The camber turns smoothly and allows you to defy gusty winds and ride the most demanding jibes.

All in all, this GS-R is an excellent product that is certainly the best around in terms of value for money. If you are toying with the idea of taking a slightly smaller size and playing with the luff when the wind is a little weaker, you have less room for maneuver.

Plus: Stability, acceleration, even at low rpms, responsiveness, acceleration, suitable for pro and amateurs, value for money
Minus: A little physical with the high wind