For the 2024/25 biennium, Goya windsurfing has redesigned all its sails. In this article, we offer you the results of the test of the Banzai 11.

Windsurfing, sail test: Goya Banzai 11 2024/25

Let me start by saying: I have been a loyal user of Goya sails for about 10 years and I have tried various Banzai and Guru models from the past, with sets from 3.4 to 4.7, replacing the sails every 2 years or so. I am 1.87 m tall, weigh about 80 kg and I go out among waves in the classic Italian spots of the Centre-North part of the country, from Sottomarina and Marina di Ravenna to the Spiaggia d’Oro in Imperia, from Tre Ponti and Piombino to Sardinia (whenever, it happens). On other occasions I ride at the lakes to keep myself trained. I also go abroad, for real waves: I go to the Canary Islands, South Africa, Galicia and Morocco. In recent years I have preferred to focus on the Banzai model, which is more powerful than the corresponding Guru, but which is also very versatile depending on how it is rigged..

I bought the new Banzai Pro 11 2024/25 in the standard version (not the carbon one). I chose these models for budget reasons since lately I often go to rocks…

Honestly, Goya's marketing choice to call all the models Banzai differentiating them with a second name didn't really please me. But that's personal taste. I also believe that, in a market that is clearly in crisis, having too many versions (11, Surf, Max and then Standard, X or Carbon and finally multicolor Iris) makes the choice even more difficult. As far as I'm concerned, I don't like the X version, even if it's more resistant, because I prefer to have more visibility, when I am riding the wave. The Carbon was too expensive and the standard version is already light enough for me. Finally, the Iris is attractive but in my opinion doesn't justify the price difference. And then the standard Pros have those bright colors that, beyond the aesthetics, are clearly visible in the water in case one were to lose the rig (a thing I have already experienced ...)

The Banzai 11 Pro sails, in sizes 4.7 and 4.2 and yellow color arrived in early February. I decided to buy them after I had used a lot my 4.7 2023 in Jameos de Agua in Lanzarote in January on a day with mast high waves. The 4.2 of the same year had been well used in local and oceanic conditions. Therefore, it was time to change them.

I am publishing my modest test only now, because, even though I used the sails in Cape Town, I also wanted to try them in our local conditions, both at sea and lake, and subsequently in Moulay and Sidi Kaouki, in Morocco. And this last trip took place in May. A quick trip of just 5 days in which, strangely, I only used the Banzai 3.7 (still the 2022 version) once. For all the other sessions, often double and in spots with different wave and wind conditions, in the same day, I used the new Banzai 11 Pro 4.7 and 4.2

The 4.7 has a 400mm luff and this allows it to be rigged with either a 370 mast (recommended) or a 400.

I always prefer to use the 370 but, at the lake and at sea in light wind conditions, you can take advantage of the greater rigidity of the 400 to anticipate planing.

The 4.2 has a 379 luff so it can only be rigged with the 370. I also happened to mix top and bottom 340 and 370 by extending the extension and the result was satisfactory.

But let's get to the sails.

They are light and well made. The polyethylene clew offers two titanium eyelets, one upper for power and one lower for control.

The range of use has in my opinion further improved. I have often rigged the sails with less downhaul tension in floating conditions and. even if Goya suggests playing only with the clew, I found that the sail is more powerful without being heavy in the hands.

The main window panel is made of Bi-Ply and seems to resist salt and sunlight well. It also offers a softer feel, greater flexibility and a reduction in creases. The attention to detail is perceptible as soon as you unfurl and rig the sail. The color is attractive, according to me, and from the beach you can immediately notice it in the water

The top and the base that covers the extension are light and not very resistant, as first impression. After all, to achieve the required lightness some compromise is acceptable.

As for the resistance and quality of the stitching, the sails have been well tested with important shakes in powerful waves.

It seems to me that they have also improved the resistance to wearing, in the lower part where I had noticed excessive wear of the stitching.

I point out an interesting video by Brawzinho on Youtube that provides valuable tips on how to rig the Banzai 11 in different conditions.

https://youtu.be/GLdTgmUVTA4?si=iq3OG8X_dbMgRNLT

Here are the sensations in the water. I found both sails very similar to the previous model, but further improved. Powerful if left fat and more neutral if you sheet less the outhaul. The new 4.2 in particular immediately gave me an exceptional feeling. I may have been perfectly powered up in most of the sessions, but the feeling of having power when needed in the bottoms and in overcoming the breakers and the neutrality in surfing and maneuvering was unmatched.

In conclusion, the Banzai 11 Pro is instantly responsive without ever demanding too much from you. It feels light in the hands and is easy to position wherever you need or want power. As you pass through the foams, and re-forming waves, the sail’s power remains stable. When it’s time to plane, the Banzai 11 Pro offers a firm but controlled push. It never feels aggressive, maintaining a balanced and stable feel in the hands. If you’re overpowered, even in waveriding, the sail is easy to control.

Stability is the heart of the Banzai 11 Pro. It allows you to handle gusts with smooth and composed reactions, while maintaining constant power. Transitions with the Banzai are amazingly quick, especially in jibes. It feels like the sail is designed to help you windsurf better.

Aloha. Marco Maywald