Has anyone had experience with Airforce Sails? I'm considering purchasing a head and main sail from them. abf.
- Status
Just that they are expensive.
I have done a lot of comparison shopping and the Air Force sails are on the high end, right up there with North. Some feel that you get what you pay for but I disagree. Otherwise why would all those people drive Hondas? You should check the "Forum Archives" here on HOW. This has been debated many times.
I have done a lot of comparison shopping and the Air Force sails are on the high end, right up there with North. Some feel that you get what you pay for but I disagree. Otherwise why would all those people drive Hondas? You should check the "Forum Archives" here on HOW. This has been debated many times.
Have you checked them against the website prices?
Adam: Be sure to check out this websites prices too. They have very high quality sails with great prices.
Adam: Be sure to check out this websites prices too. They have very high quality sails with great prices.
try sabre sails
What kind of sails are you looking for? Crusing dacron or hi-tech tri-radial lami's. Either way air force is too high. Check out Sabre Sails out of Fort Walton Beach Fl. In my opinion they are up their with air force but sabre will make a DEAL$$$$.
What kind of sails are you looking for? Crusing dacron or hi-tech tri-radial lami's. Either way air force is too high. Check out Sabre Sails out of Fort Walton Beach Fl. In my opinion they are up their with air force but sabre will make a DEAL$$$$.
I REALLY SHOPPED....
for the past 4 months (right after my WIFE said "WE NEED A NEW MAIN") and found many confusing things. first, how much are you truly willing to spend...for us and our 37, our budget was 2K...found that airforce was out of budget but i was willing to wait till the boat shows and get a bargin. More research made me lean towards Rolly Tasker, with a great price (almost $800 less than air force) and all reviews were great from other owners...Show time comes......i am convinced that rolly tasker is my next sail maker, but i'll give the show guys a shot at it. Did them all including air force and low and behold the price i recieved on line 2 days before the show was $2479.00, and the "only today, or at least not later than nov 9th" would be the reduced from $2842.00 NORMAL PRICE to the show price of $2416.00 [and that didn't include tax as i live in florida] SEEMS TO ME THAT THERE IS SOMETHING ROTTEN IN DENMARK OR AT LEAST TAMPA....Just to make this an accurate statement these quotes are from lin robson of air force sails. i confronted him with these # and he said that he might be able to deduct another 5% if i did the deal by nov 8th......The real kicker was that the sail didn't have all the extra features that i was getting a quote from rolly tasker for and that would have added another $150 to the air force sail(batslides at the 2 upper full battens),AND NO ONE TELLS YOU THE SAIL IS MADE IN CHINA OR SOMEWHERE OVER THERE....Now the rolly tasker looks REALLY GOOD AT $1789.00 DELIVERED TO MY DOOR.... Almost done, stick with me, as i now stop at NORTH SAILS...and this guy Ethan Bixby starts working his magic....end of page, bottom line, final answer....I ordered a NORTH sail for a DELIVERED PRICE, after he measured my boat and we talked about all the options for $1945.28 in my hands ... A MADE IN THE U.S.A SAIL BY A NAME BRAND MFG. AND CUSTOM SERVICE... sorry this is so long but if you live in fl. and want great service and a great deal email me off line at keladi@mpinet.net and i will give you his #....oh one last thing my new jibs will be north also....chet p
for the past 4 months (right after my WIFE said "WE NEED A NEW MAIN") and found many confusing things. first, how much are you truly willing to spend...for us and our 37, our budget was 2K...found that airforce was out of budget but i was willing to wait till the boat shows and get a bargin. More research made me lean towards Rolly Tasker, with a great price (almost $800 less than air force) and all reviews were great from other owners...Show time comes......i am convinced that rolly tasker is my next sail maker, but i'll give the show guys a shot at it. Did them all including air force and low and behold the price i recieved on line 2 days before the show was $2479.00, and the "only today, or at least not later than nov 9th" would be the reduced from $2842.00 NORMAL PRICE to the show price of $2416.00 [and that didn't include tax as i live in florida] SEEMS TO ME THAT THERE IS SOMETHING ROTTEN IN DENMARK OR AT LEAST TAMPA....Just to make this an accurate statement these quotes are from lin robson of air force sails. i confronted him with these # and he said that he might be able to deduct another 5% if i did the deal by nov 8th......The real kicker was that the sail didn't have all the extra features that i was getting a quote from rolly tasker for and that would have added another $150 to the air force sail(batslides at the 2 upper full battens),AND NO ONE TELLS YOU THE SAIL IS MADE IN CHINA OR SOMEWHERE OVER THERE....Now the rolly tasker looks REALLY GOOD AT $1789.00 DELIVERED TO MY DOOR.... Almost done, stick with me, as i now stop at NORTH SAILS...and this guy Ethan Bixby starts working his magic....end of page, bottom line, final answer....I ordered a NORTH sail for a DELIVERED PRICE, after he measured my boat and we talked about all the options for $1945.28 in my hands ... A MADE IN THE U.S.A SAIL BY A NAME BRAND MFG. AND CUSTOM SERVICE... sorry this is so long but if you live in fl. and want great service and a great deal email me off line at keladi@mpinet.net and i will give you his #....oh one last thing my new jibs will be north also....chet p
Lee Sails
Sorry I don't know much about Airforce sails but thought I'd let you know that I purchased a main from Lee Sails and its great, well made and such. Though it was about 1000 dollars less than anywhere around here as its a great exchange rate to hong Kong
Sorry I don't know much about Airforce sails but thought I'd let you know that I purchased a main from Lee Sails and its great, well made and such. Though it was about 1000 dollars less than anywhere around here as its a great exchange rate to hong Kong
Hey Ben, tell us more of your experience
Ben, I got a quote from Lee Sails, yes it was a great price, but they don't take mastercard or visa and they want cash sent in form of cashiers check or money order, but with them being in Hong Kong and me being at Lake Lanier.. what are the chances / protection from being ripped off?... pLease tell us more of how you delt with them. Thanks
Ben, I got a quote from Lee Sails, yes it was a great price, but they don't take mastercard or visa and they want cash sent in form of cashiers check or money order, but with them being in Hong Kong and me being at Lake Lanier.. what are the chances / protection from being ripped off?... pLease tell us more of how you delt with them. Thanks
Lee sails is first class
I have made two purchases from Cheung Lee Sails.. excuse the spelling. My contact was Helen. I sent ephotos of critical tack and clew points and measured twice. First time I ordered a main for a S2 7.9. Second time a main and 140 for H34. Yep.. no mastercard.. just wire transfer. cost me $5 bucks plus UPS charge of about $50 including customs clearance and freight. Lee quoted 4 weeks and shipped almost to the day. UPS delivered in 5 days to my house in Rockwall Texas. They don't make racing sails.. Just cruising. Price was unbelievable. Sail stitch quality was excellent. That is about it.. you can reach me for validation at 214 244 5239. http://www3.leesails.com Again, let me say that if you want racing sails.. go to a local.. if you just want sails for cruising.. cheung lee. jim O.
I have made two purchases from Cheung Lee Sails.. excuse the spelling. My contact was Helen. I sent ephotos of critical tack and clew points and measured twice. First time I ordered a main for a S2 7.9. Second time a main and 140 for H34. Yep.. no mastercard.. just wire transfer. cost me $5 bucks plus UPS charge of about $50 including customs clearance and freight. Lee quoted 4 weeks and shipped almost to the day. UPS delivered in 5 days to my house in Rockwall Texas. They don't make racing sails.. Just cruising. Price was unbelievable. Sail stitch quality was excellent. That is about it.. you can reach me for validation at 214 244 5239. http://www3.leesails.com Again, let me say that if you want racing sails.. go to a local.. if you just want sails for cruising.. cheung lee. jim O.
LOOK AT THE CLOTH !!!!!!!!!!
I went through this last winter for my Hunter 33. Air force was not cheap and though on the phone before the show Lin said the pencil would be "VERY SHARP" at the show, comes the show list is the only thing he's talking. I walked. Right over to Quantum. Quantum was by no means cheap. Actually the first quote was just below Air Force. While talking cloth I asked the difference between Lee's cloth and the Challenge cloth used by the others in this range. My sailmaker, Rick Aplin said "compare the two swatches you have. Look at the surface." The Challenge has a smother surface and a tighter weave, and is likely to hold it's shape longer and wind folws better over it.. Rick is from my area and KNOWS the conditions on Barnegat Bay. We may not have much water but boy do we got wind.! We get a southerly that just blasts up the bay at a steady 25 knotsmany days during the season. Maybe two or three calm days the whole summer. He knew that my sails had to be beefy. I ended up with furling 135 and 2 2 Main in 7.30 oz High modulus cloth. Quantum's workmanship (South Africa) is very nice and the features are great. The corner reinforcements are immense, all cringles have straps through themfor added strength. and at the main reefing tacks the strap continues up to form a handle to help out during reefing. For my 33 the set ended up dosting around $2900 as I recall. That included Rick coming out and checking a few of my measurements, (He would have done the whole measurement but I had already done it) and he delivered the sails to my boatb bent them on and went out for a sail with me to make certait the sails were right and I was happy with them. Lee makes a nice product. I couple of my friends have gotten them recently and are happy with them, but my feeling was I was willing to spend a bit more to get a top quality sail that would still have it's shape in 8 to 10 years. The 33 seems very sensitive to sail shape. (I'm told thats how long it will be till I'm allowed to trade off to another boat.) Bottom line? I would buy Quantum again in a heartbeat. I consider them an excelent value.
I went through this last winter for my Hunter 33. Air force was not cheap and though on the phone before the show Lin said the pencil would be "VERY SHARP" at the show, comes the show list is the only thing he's talking. I walked. Right over to Quantum. Quantum was by no means cheap. Actually the first quote was just below Air Force. While talking cloth I asked the difference between Lee's cloth and the Challenge cloth used by the others in this range. My sailmaker, Rick Aplin said "compare the two swatches you have. Look at the surface." The Challenge has a smother surface and a tighter weave, and is likely to hold it's shape longer and wind folws better over it.. Rick is from my area and KNOWS the conditions on Barnegat Bay. We may not have much water but boy do we got wind.! We get a southerly that just blasts up the bay at a steady 25 knotsmany days during the season. Maybe two or three calm days the whole summer. He knew that my sails had to be beefy. I ended up with furling 135 and 2 2 Main in 7.30 oz High modulus cloth. Quantum's workmanship (South Africa) is very nice and the features are great. The corner reinforcements are immense, all cringles have straps through themfor added strength. and at the main reefing tacks the strap continues up to form a handle to help out during reefing. For my 33 the set ended up dosting around $2900 as I recall. That included Rick coming out and checking a few of my measurements, (He would have done the whole measurement but I had already done it) and he delivered the sails to my boatb bent them on and went out for a sail with me to make certait the sails were right and I was happy with them. Lee makes a nice product. I couple of my friends have gotten them recently and are happy with them, but my feeling was I was willing to spend a bit more to get a top quality sail that would still have it's shape in 8 to 10 years. The 33 seems very sensitive to sail shape. (I'm told thats how long it will be till I'm allowed to trade off to another boat.) Bottom line? I would buy Quantum again in a heartbeat. I consider them an excelent value.
Hey Sam....
Hey Sam... consider charging your sail maker for the cruise or at least get a discount! LOL Just kidding. Anyway, I am still using the original main on my 33, its now almost 19 years old and still holds shape. I was a bit shocked at the price of a new main sail, think I am going to pray over mine for a long life. One thing you mentioned that I must agree with, the 33 is a very sensitive boat as to sail trim, and I might add.. to a clean bottom. Hey Sam... have a good day and a nice sail. Enjoy your input often. fellow 33 owner, david
Hey Sam... consider charging your sail maker for the cruise or at least get a discount! LOL Just kidding. Anyway, I am still using the original main on my 33, its now almost 19 years old and still holds shape. I was a bit shocked at the price of a new main sail, think I am going to pray over mine for a long life. One thing you mentioned that I must agree with, the 33 is a very sensitive boat as to sail trim, and I might add.. to a clean bottom. Hey Sam... have a good day and a nice sail. Enjoy your input often. fellow 33 owner, david
I think you would be suprised!
David: I think you may be suprised on how much better a new sail would do on your boat. I could not agree with Sam more than his comment on cloth. There is a lot of difference is the quality of cloth. Weather you cruise or race there is a considerable difference. I keep hearing from sailors that these off shore lofts are providing equal quality sail for 20-50% less. I really do not believe it. I would like to see 4-5 quotes with the same cloth, equivalant stiching, battens etc etc. I bet there is not going to be more than 10-15% difference in cost. The exception to this is the local loft that is going to come out and measure and install the sail for you. That seems that it is going to add a couple of hundred to the price.
David: I think you may be suprised on how much better a new sail would do on your boat. I could not agree with Sam more than his comment on cloth. There is a lot of difference is the quality of cloth. Weather you cruise or race there is a considerable difference. I keep hearing from sailors that these off shore lofts are providing equal quality sail for 20-50% less. I really do not believe it. I would like to see 4-5 quotes with the same cloth, equivalant stiching, battens etc etc. I bet there is not going to be more than 10-15% difference in cost. The exception to this is the local loft that is going to come out and measure and install the sail for you. That seems that it is going to add a couple of hundred to the price.
Yo, David!
Just figured out if you purchased a new main and jib from the HOW site ($3500 est) after 22 years it would have cost you about $160 per year for sails. Now if you would own almost any power boat you spend this much every weekend (for fuel) that you take her out. Not to mention what would you rather do listen to the wind or listen to thumper?
Just figured out if you purchased a new main and jib from the HOW site ($3500 est) after 22 years it would have cost you about $160 per year for sails. Now if you would own almost any power boat you spend this much every weekend (for fuel) that you take her out. Not to mention what would you rather do listen to the wind or listen to thumper?
Well Steve...
Well Steve, I enjoy seeing your comments on the site everyday.. where do you get so much time? Personally, I am always working on my boat when I'm not surfing HOW. So, next to my boat, this is one of my favorite places to be. So, I was just thinking, maybe I could pay you for a set of sails at a rate of 160 per year.. kinda a lease thing.. hey, I might just have something here.. but then again, I lost alot of money in the stock market too! Maybe you should not listen to my business ideas, but, if the market comes back, look out world, I might just spring for a set. Thanks for your reply and if and when I will consider all sources and all aspects. Thanks again, David
Well Steve, I enjoy seeing your comments on the site everyday.. where do you get so much time? Personally, I am always working on my boat when I'm not surfing HOW. So, next to my boat, this is one of my favorite places to be. So, I was just thinking, maybe I could pay you for a set of sails at a rate of 160 per year.. kinda a lease thing.. hey, I might just have something here.. but then again, I lost alot of money in the stock market too! Maybe you should not listen to my business ideas, but, if the market comes back, look out world, I might just spring for a set. Thanks for your reply and if and when I will consider all sources and all aspects. Thanks again, David
Consider a local sailmaker
We picked a local sailmaker based on his willingness to see our boat, and listen carefully to our sailing objectives. When he was willing to meet the best prices we found on the web, we figure we have the best of both worlds. And part of the relationship is that I can stop by any time, and get advice on sail trim, deployment, etc. We have been very pleased with our new Doyle main - speeds are up 1 to 1.5 knots in moderate winds (10 to 20) while hel is 5 degrees less. Our cruising spinnaker converts motoring to 4 knot cruising in light air. David Lady Lillie '77 h27
We picked a local sailmaker based on his willingness to see our boat, and listen carefully to our sailing objectives. When he was willing to meet the best prices we found on the web, we figure we have the best of both worlds. And part of the relationship is that I can stop by any time, and get advice on sail trim, deployment, etc. We have been very pleased with our new Doyle main - speeds are up 1 to 1.5 knots in moderate winds (10 to 20) while hel is 5 degrees less. Our cruising spinnaker converts motoring to 4 knot cruising in light air. David Lady Lillie '77 h27
Cloth, etc.
Just had a long chat with my North rep who made my mainsail. He admitted that Challenge cloth is rated 3rd behind North(their rating obviously) but is very good. This is what Tasker uses. We also talked about all the improvements North has made to their dacron cloth in the last 18 months. He said dacron sailcloth can differ in quality as much as $12.per yard($3. to 15./yard). North's best price to replace my H37C yankee with a 105% is $1915. My quote from Tasker is $1450. I cannot justify almost $500. to have a North genoa. For your comparison a 105% on an H37C is: Luff=44, leech=37.9, foot=17.25. Meanwhile I await a quote from Lee Sails.
Just had a long chat with my North rep who made my mainsail. He admitted that Challenge cloth is rated 3rd behind North(their rating obviously) but is very good. This is what Tasker uses. We also talked about all the improvements North has made to their dacron cloth in the last 18 months. He said dacron sailcloth can differ in quality as much as $12.per yard($3. to 15./yard). North's best price to replace my H37C yankee with a 105% is $1915. My quote from Tasker is $1450. I cannot justify almost $500. to have a North genoa. For your comparison a 105% on an H37C is: Luff=44, leech=37.9, foot=17.25. Meanwhile I await a quote from Lee Sails.
Lee Sails
I dealt with Lee sails exactly as you say. Got a quote and then paid with a cashiers check. They had the sail to me within three weeks. I know many people here in the northwest that have used them, and I have heard nothing bad. The mainsail I got is wonderful, well built, reinforced where needed. I will say they seem to be a reputable company who have a good product. Only problem is that they are not local. So if there is a warranty or other problem it may be easier to use a local sailmaker. Just something to consider. I felt the price far outweighed the distance. bty, the cashiers check does offer you a reciept saying who it was sent to so you do have something.
I dealt with Lee sails exactly as you say. Got a quote and then paid with a cashiers check. They had the sail to me within three weeks. I know many people here in the northwest that have used them, and I have heard nothing bad. The mainsail I got is wonderful, well built, reinforced where needed. I will say they seem to be a reputable company who have a good product. Only problem is that they are not local. So if there is a warranty or other problem it may be easier to use a local sailmaker. Just something to consider. I felt the price far outweighed the distance. bty, the cashiers check does offer you a reciept saying who it was sent to so you do have something.
ask about different cloth
Lee offers different weight and quality of cloth, tell them what you need. But argueing the difference in cloth is silly. If you want good strong shapely sails go with a composite from Quantum. It will be the best. If you've a cruising boat you like to club race or just proform a bit but don't have much cash becuase you own a boat lee sails a great option. I enjoyed my experience with lee and love the sails. And by the way, I get my kevlar sails from Quantum for the 65' boat I race. Brian Hughes here in Seattle is one of the best.
Lee offers different weight and quality of cloth, tell them what you need. But argueing the difference in cloth is silly. If you want good strong shapely sails go with a composite from Quantum. It will be the best. If you've a cruising boat you like to club race or just proform a bit but don't have much cash becuase you own a boat lee sails a great option. I enjoyed my experience with lee and love the sails. And by the way, I get my kevlar sails from Quantum for the 65' boat I race. Brian Hughes here in Seattle is one of the best.
Lee quote.
You may have read my response from a few days ago: "North's best price to replace my H37C yankee with a 105% is $1915. My quote from Tasker is $1450. I cannot justify almost $500. to have a North genoa. Meanwhile I await a quote from Lee sails." Well I received it today, $1050. if I pay before Dec. 1! Now what?!!?
You may have read my response from a few days ago: "North's best price to replace my H37C yankee with a 105% is $1915. My quote from Tasker is $1450. I cannot justify almost $500. to have a North genoa. Meanwhile I await a quote from Lee sails." Well I received it today, $1050. if I pay before Dec. 1! Now what?!!?
45% off hard to beat
Seems that the difference in price is 45%. Don't think I would even think about it. It is like buying wholesale and retail. Or another way to look at it. If you replace your sails every 10 years, you can do it almost 2 times for the same price. Or for 10% more you can buy two sails one for a spare. Have you considered taxes, as in do you have to pay tax on either purchase?.. Fred
Seems that the difference in price is 45%. Don't think I would even think about it. It is like buying wholesale and retail. Or another way to look at it. If you replace your sails every 10 years, you can do it almost 2 times for the same price. Or for 10% more you can buy two sails one for a spare. Have you considered taxes, as in do you have to pay tax on either purchase?.. Fred
BUy
I measured a sail for my friend and he bought a Tasker through Sail Wharehouse and it fit great and is a well made sail. I suspect Lee sails are not much different. These guys aren't amatuers. Only issue was size of sail slugs. Make sure they have that info for your boat. If you are cruising the difference can not be that great, from a sailing perspective. Hell buy two
)
I measured a sail for my friend and he bought a Tasker through Sail Wharehouse and it fit great and is a well made sail. I suspect Lee sails are not much different. These guys aren't amatuers. Only issue was size of sail slugs. Make sure they have that info for your boat. If you are cruising the difference can not be that great, from a sailing perspective. Hell buy two
)- Status