[quote=samc99us][quote=emmettv]Why did you choose Elliot Pattison ? I will need sails soon and am looking for best bang for the buck. Looking at EP , Calvert , Glaser , Sabre ... anyone more recommended over the rest ? Looking for performance but also longevity when paying a few $$ thousand . txs![/quote]
As far as best bang for the buck, it's tough to beat Chip at Whirlwind Sails...builds a high quality sail at an excellent price.
Now, to really answer your question, we need to know platform. For the Hobie 18, I would highly recommend Chip, he did the original sail design on the platform at Hobie Cat Co. I just purchased a new F18 jib from EP, and I think he did some nice work on this sail from a build quality standpoint. I will say EP has had some QC issues in the past, but they are a great company and will resolve the issue promptly if there was a manufacturing defect. They also build sails that last, several guys at the club racing with 5+ year old N20 EP mains.
Now, when it comes to performance, especially for a F-18 or F-16, I wouldn't go with either of these companies. I went with them on the new jib because the price was right and we needed a good practice sail. Otherwise, I stick with Performance Sails on the Infusion, IMO they are building the fastest F-18 sails. Goodall makes a great F18 and F16 package, as does Ullman Italy and Sail Innovation. In the U.S, Glaser is the go-to sail maker for performance boats. We have one of their kites, it is a well built sail, quick, but talk to the Glasers before ordering. On the kites, they've moved to a tougher cloth in certain colors (moved to SK80 from SK75).
Good luck,
Sam[/quote]
