Hi, I have a 2011 Fusion which I'm not too impressed with and thinking of changing it. Most of my surfing is in Botany Bay so don't need a wave sail really but equally not sure about a hellcat or similar for choppier days.
So, given I have NP masts I'm feeling a bit stuck with NP and thinking of going for either a firefly or an alpha. Any thoughts on how powerful either of these sails are / how much bottom end either has?
And any suggestions on alternatives?
Thanks
I have a 5.8 Alpha and it's one of my favourites. Plenty of power but tunable for a great range. I've even used it on my small slalom board and it worked well.
I tried a 6.2 Alpha at one stage but didn't find that one to be as sweet as the 5.8m
I have a 5.8 and 6.2 Alpha, and have been very pleased with both.
The 6.2 is a grunt machine in lighter conditions, but can be tuned to hold a big handful of wind. It's a bread and butter size at Currumbin and is a favoured choice of many sailors there for both B&J northerlies, and the much rarer cross-offshore southerlies. Works on wave, FSW, free-ride and slalom boards very well.
The 5.8 is sweet too, but does not get anywhere as much use. I tried a 5.8 Hellcat, but much preferred the Alpha.
I've tried the Firefly, but I don't like the heavy feel of it. It's probably got better low-end, but isn't as soft or slippery to me.
In smaller sizes, the Fly is a nice sail too.
I'd go the Firefly - much wider range and much more freerideable than the Alpha, but still capable in waves / freestyle
The Firefly has considerably more bottom end.
Thanks for all the replies, looking at 6 - 6.2ish.
So it sounds like either sail would probably be a good option - firefly for a bit more bottom end and alpha for a lighter feel - is that a reasonable summary?
Given that I think it may just come down to what I can find that will do the job well.
Thank you
Yes it is about right - but when overpowered the Firefly will feel lighter as it is more stable.... so "lighter" is not absolute 
Above are some classic symptoms of Neilpryde disease. Once host is infected, the successful Neilpryde Mind Virus is very difficult to detect. Occasionally the host will suffer complete and utter denial, lashing out at any mention of the disease. Host also will begin to congratulate other hosts on their Neilpryde purchases and continually recommend Neilpryde products to unsuspecting victims..
Side affects include a total loss of sense of humour and the ability to detect sarcasm. Also an instant loss of beach cred, only rivaled by the Ezzy disease endemic in certain WA beaches.
There is no known cure for the Neilpryde Virus except the deletion of all Neilpryde windsurfing operating systems, a period away from the water, and repeated doses of Vision Street Wear skateboarding commercials from the 80's...
Barn....Don't you wear a NP harness, I guess it's hard to get that disease out of your system.
don't know any of the technical stuff but I changed after 2 seasons on alpha 6.2 to firefly 6.1 ... 2seasons on ff I think. took a while to adjust. I am in bay chop and loved the alpha however it was like my ford wagon...powerful but steady eddie, you can just sit back and sail. I find the firefly you need to sail it with intent ...much more fun for me and easier when it gets up.
i am about 73kg and had 101FSW now 107 FS hope that helps
I have found that my NP gear only likes to mate with JP boards, it rejects other inferior brands!
I might have to look into the Firefly as my successor to the much loved Alpha, sounds like a very versatile sail.
