Laser XD vs Laser Race Sailing Dinghy

The Laser sailing dinghy is the World’s most popular small dinghy. Whether you are off for a gentle sail or you want to race round the cans as fast as you can the Laser will support all types of sailing. The three rig size options with different sail sizes can easily be swapped out based on your weight or the wind conditions which means the Laser dinghy truly is for everyone.

At Sailing Chandlery we sell two different set ups for the Laser, in this article we will explain what the difference is between the Laser Race and the Laser XD specifications.

Both of these set ups are available in the three different rig options:

• Laser 4.7 – for a sailor weight of 35 to 55kgs
• Laser Radial – for a sailor weight of 55 to 70kgs
• Laser Standard – for a sailor weight of 70 to 95+kgs

There are three main differences between the Laser XD and Laser Race specifications:

• Top mast material
• Tiller and tiller extension material
• Purchase systems within the rigging

The Laser Race is the more simple of the set ups and has been popular for many years. This set up comes with an aluminium tiller and tiller extension. It also comes with an aluminium top mast section and a couple less blocks for the purchase systems within the outhaul.

The Laser XD has all of the upgrades and is the top specification available. It comes with a carbon tiller and tiller extension, also with a composite top mast and light weight Harken pullies which make up an easy to use control line system which runs seamlessly in all conditions.

We believe that if you are racing for most of the time the XD is worth the extra investment, especially if you are sailing a standard Laser rig. 

With the added power the Laser standard MK2 sail brings you’ll appreciate the extra purchase in the systems and you will find the composite mast lasts longer without bending over a period of time.

The beautiful thing about the Laser is that all parts are readily available and you can upgrade at a later date. It is important to note, the upgrade will be more cost effective if purchased as an XD boat initially.

At Sailing Chandlery we sell the boats individually but we also offer a boat package which includes a launching trolley and boat cover – we believe these are essentials for you as a new boat owner.

Here is what’s included with a new Laser boat package:

• Ice Blue Laser Hull
• Top mast
• Lower mast – different based on your rig choice
• Boom
• Sail
• Battens
• Sail numbers
• Daggerboard
• Rudder blade and rudder head
• Tiller and tiller extension
• Outhaul
• Downhaul
• Kicker
• Ropes
• Hiking strap
• Metal A frame launching trolley
• Sailing Chandlery boat cover

You can also take advantage of an additional discount on other parts you might require at the time of purchasing your new Laser.

Find out more about buying a new Laser sailing dinghy from Sailing Chandlery or explore our boats for sale.

If you have any questions our friendly team are always on hand to help and support you, simply get in touch.

Call us on 01268 222912 or drop us an email info@sailingchandlery.com