: slalom & speed
Specs
click images for larger view
What is it?
The Koncept is a high performance sail targeted at advanced speed and slalom applications.
Undisputed for its top end speed, the Koncept has topped the GPS standings in 2006 and 2007.
The Koncept is remarkably light feeling and offers a wide tuning range in each size.
Easy pumping delivers quick planning and fast transitions while rock solid stability allows for excellent control unlocking potential for maximum top end.
The moderate depth luff pocket and three cam configuration makes rigging and tuning easy straight out of the bag.
Experience the ultimate rush, experience the Koncept.
Design and construction..
The challenge – how to make the fastest production sail in the world even better.
The process - review of every parameter (about 130 of them!) and shape for each sail size. Generate mathematical equations to create new refined dimensional elements. Rewrite the McSail design software to handle the new design outputs.
The result – Astonishing - ! With a new level of performance and smoothness, and further slipperiness in all sizes.
In the words of Chris Lockwood "Same grunt, more smooth: therefore more speed"
The changes are top secret – all the major manufacturers are trying to figure this sail out!
By the way did we mention - 47.6 knots for the 500m? – Any other questions ?
What's New..
- Graduated monofilm body with double Kevlar luff and solid x-ply perimeter
- Upgraded luff pocket material
- New profile carbon tube profiled battens
- Luff pocket changes to enhance camber rotation
- Zippers in luff pocket for easy cam access and less strain on cams and battens when rigging.
- Added Kevlar leech strip and enhanced mini battens to assist high speed leech control.
- 90 degree turn on downhaul pulley
- Boom height slot modifications
- Kevlar mast foot pad
- Tack pulley higher to close the gap
Colour options: Red/Blue/Orange
Design, a word (or 2) from Amac:
The 2007 were great, but some sizes were greater than others. This design focus this year was to smooth up the range to get consistent performance in all sizes. We graphed every parameter and shape for each sail size. We then took all the feedback and analyzed against the graphs and find the anomalies to learn what was making some sizes better. With this we created mathematical equations to create the new parameters (about 130 of them!) in the sails. We had to rewrite the McSail design software to create these sails! The result was astonishing with a new level of performance and smoothness. In the words of Chris Lockwood "Same grunt, more smooth: therefore more speed" The changes are top secret – all the major manufacturers are trying to figure this sail out!
Feedback:
Chris Lockwood, West Australia, Outright leader in GPS speed sailing:
47.4 500m, 47.2 5x10sec and a 48.3 100m. Who needs words!? (But you can see his words here and here)
Joceyn de Souza, France:
I La Ka Koncept marche ouf!!
La saison prochaine, allez faire un tour chez les aquitains, ils ne se prennent pas la tête, naviguent et régatent pour le plaisir et l'accueil est super...ils vont bien s'habituer à voir des Ka sails et des Lorch boards. (lifted from his blog )
Koos Theron , Victoria, Australia:
I used the new 7.5 Koncept for the first time yesterday in 17 – 18 knots of wind. I was very happy with the sail and it was better performing than I was hoping for. I do not know if it is my imagination, but I got the impression that it was much easier to ride through the wind lulls than my other sails. My board was planning in no time and maintained good speed. Most importantly it was very easy to handle and solved my problem with water-starting in light winds.
Russell Dowd , Tasmania Australia:
Love the 5.8, it is super fast. It makes the *other brand censored* 6.3 2008 that I have feel like a dog.
Chris Dimond, South Australia:
I sailed the 5.8 Koncept yesterday – very nice sail indeed. It was pretty choppy so difficult to pull any decent speeds, but the sail is so light, balanced and powerful. It will be a joy to use this summer for sure. I love it.
Peter Weitenberg, The Netherlands :
The Koncept 2008 is just as the 2007: a really light sail which gives enormous power. When not on the plane the sails feel light in your hand and has a really good handling. When you get in a gust just pump two times and let the sail 'lances' you and will not stop! Only the rider is the factor for not going over the 40 knots! Gibing is easy as a free ride sail. Again I am satisfied about the performance in light winds and strong winds. The 6.6 you can sail in 12 knots till a really steady 30 knot! The sail closes the gap it self, when you’re sailing in a gust, you throw your board 30 degrees downwind it is like if it is on a rocket. I can not wait to get the 5.8 in my hands because this really was the sail in 2006 and 2007!
The difference:
The biggest different between the 2007 6.6 and the 2008 6.6 is that you can hold the sail longer in gusts. I think that is because the profile stays better on his place and the sail twisted better open than the 2007.
Conclusion:
Even that the material is changed for better lasting, the performance improved also. Still really light sails with an enormous power what you did not feel at all!
Results:
• Early planing: very good
• Speed in medium wind: very good
• Ability to control strong wind: very good
• Top speed: very very good
• Handling: good
• Easy surfing: good
• Sailing upwind: good
Click for 2007 feedback
