RRD FIRE 7.2 2022 TEST REVIEW

RRD FIRE 7.2 2022 TEST REVIEW

THE VERDICT

In this size the Fire is a high-end charger with a fast, slippery nature being a match for most when properly lit, and especially when pointed off the wind.

OVERVIEW

The Fire has been updated for this season – RRD’s twenty-seventh year in business. Across its nine sizes, spanning from 5.0m to 9.0m, it evolves dramatically, from a five-batten bump and jump engine to a twin cam ‘powerhouse’ in its three largest sizes. The 7.2m tested here has the same structure and geometry as the 7.6m, each possessing seven battens and no-cams, and said to be “freerace machines, with almost unlimited top end speed and control”. Rigged on a Dynamic Pro Comp C100 SDM, it sets with a moderate amount of luff curve, the four lower battens retaining contact and rotation around the mast, whilst the visual trimming guide in the upper panel helps to provide guidance as the downhaul tension is applied. There’s only a subtle amount of shaping in the profile below the boom, the battens relatively flat at rest above, whereas the concave-cut leech falls away significantly on maximum tension, particularly the mid-leech, providing plenty of twist. All the latest trimmings and attention to detail are present, including a seamless foot panel, tubed battens in integrated pockets, and a stretch control seam that bisects the window panel to join the clew patch to the leading edge of the main batten. The idea of this seam is to control the sail’s stretch, thereby enhancing its stability.

BRAND CLAIM

“Performance freeride at its best. The Fire is a dynamic range of sails, enhanced in each wind range for optimum usage, basically 4 ranges in 1. Whatever the conditions the Fire will light up your windsurf life.”

PERFORMANCE

On the water the Fire remains one of our most favoured sails in the RRD lineup. Light and easy in the hands initially, it feels smaller and more compact than its quoted size, yet generates clean, progressive bottom end power and feedback using the upper clew eyelet. The drive comes on positively as a gust hits, the Fire’s centre of effort low and forward in the draft, transferring its energy efficiently to the board. In light marginal winds, the power is subtle and steady, rather than full bodied and backhanded, preferring a more tactful and considered approach to make the most of it. Accelerating smoothly, it quickly settles into a comfortable locked in stance, constantly pulling through both hands as more gusts hit and pressure builds. It’s when the wind increases and the Fire is turned off the wind that its potential is realised – this is one fast efficient engine! The faster it goes, the lighter the Fire feels in the hands, allowing the rider to relax and concentrate on the board’s trim, their tactics and stance to reach ever faster speeds. Such is its straight-line capabilities that it really needs to be partnered with a board that can keep up with it, in order to avoid any control issues. In overpowered conditions and challenging seas, a quick drop to the lower clew eyelet helps to improve the boom’s rake and enhance control, allowing the rider to maintain a compact stance and explore its impressive natural range. Its assured stability and efficient twist through its upper panels, make for a safe dependable ride, giving the Fire one of the most impressive top end performances in the group, driving the board and lifting it onto its fin, akin to a cambered slalom sail. Come to the corners, however, and the Fire has the practicality and advantage of a rotational, transitioning effortlessly onto the new tack, the power returning smoothly as it is sheeted in.