The Search is Neil Pryde’s most powerful wave
sail, designed primarily for making the most of
typically on-shore European conditions.
Described as combining excellent early planing
with dependable top end stability, it is said to
have a wide wind range, making it the all-round
sail of choice for the larger members of the Neil
Pryde team. Made to Pryde’s usual high
standard, it is an attractive looking sail, with
improved detailing for the new season, such as
an easy access tack fairing and the brand’s own
strap-on to hold the rolled sail in place. Having
found the 5.4m Search very much freeride in
nature when tested in Tenerife, we were
interested to see how its larger sibling would fare.
Rigging and Set
Setting with a staggering amount of pre-shape,
the Search has a fairly tight mid-leech, only falling
away significantly in the upper panel with the
mini-batten present. With a short boom and
relatively little luff curve, it is quite a tall looking
sail, requiring moderate downhaul before finetuning
it on the outhaul.
Ride and Handling
Providing a steady constant forward drive, the
Search further benefits from a lot of play in its luff
tube, letting it breathe and adopt a particularly
deep profile as the wind increases. The centre of
effort is low and forward, transferring the power
effectively to the board, and forcing the most
stubborn hull from the water. Once going, it is
supremely balanced in the hands, and comes into
its own when used in confused coastal conditions.
When many other sails begin to misbehave, the
Search continues to drive the board forward,
pinning it down whilst its soft nature absorbs much
of the shock from chop, allowing the rider to
maintain their ideal stance. Not the most efficient
or rapid through the air, it nevertheless has a very
impressive natural range, dealing with variations in
wind strength superbly. For such a full-bodied sail
it also feels surprisingly compact and manageable
in transition (thanks largely to its short boom
length), the constant power making it ideal for the
heavier sailor or more decisive riding style.
For: Low-down manageable power ideal for
handling the harshest coastal conditions.
Against: Lighter sailors will find the constant drive
overbearing in transitions.
Verdict
Feeling much more all-round in this larger size,
the 5.8m Search combines manageable power
with balanced handling and excellent manners,
making it a joy to use in harsh sea states.
