Mar 17, 2013
Ezzy Sails have become known for steady evolution rather than making drastic changes just for the sake of change. That all changes for 2013: the Panther underwent a complete overhaul into a four-batten sail that has been tested and developed over the past few years. Now called the Panther Elite, we still find a sail with locked-in forward seam shaping and plenty of pre-twist in the head. There is a softer and more elastic feel in the lower part of the sail, but more noticeably, this is by far the lightest Ezzy ever.
Like previous Panthers there is enough stability and speed for the Panther Elite to excel in bump-and-jump conditions. There is a bit more movement in the sail, but the locked-in shape gets power into your hands quickly while the twisting head does all the work of bleeding big gusts. On a wave, the constant power of the Panther takes you through your carves with plenty of speed and drives you off-the-lip like no other. It takes a slightly different approach to getting things dialed, but once you adjust, it guarantees you’ll ride with a more powerful style. It’s also a style that works in sideshore and side-onshore conditions, making the Panther elite a one-sail wonder.
The on-sail downhaul guides are replaced by a new system that lines up with the bottom of your mast on the extension to ensure you get the proper tension right out of the bag. It makes rigging easier than ever, and on its own is reason enough to buy an ezzy. Of course, as we point out every year, ezzy sails have also proven to be amongst the most durable you’ll find, and that can be an attractive selling point, as well.