Let’s Talk About Davis Instruments Air-Flow Tels
The Davis Instruments Air-Flow Tels are a simple yet ingenious solution for optimizing sail trim on sailboats. Made by Davis Instruments, these lightweight telltales attach to sails, providing immediate visual feedback on airflow. This allows sailors to make precise adjustments for maximum performance and efficiency. I first encountered the need for something like this when I was crewing on a friend’s racing sailboat.
During one particularly frustrating race, we couldn’t seem to get our sail trim right, constantly losing ground to our competitors. I realized then that we needed a more reliable and immediate way to visualize airflow across the sails. I was looking for something easy to install, durable enough to withstand harsh marine conditions, and most importantly, effective in helping us trim our sails for optimal performance.
The Davis Instruments Air-Flow Tels immediately struck me as a practical and straightforward solution. Upon unboxing, the lightweight, ripstop nylon material felt surprisingly durable, especially given the intended use in demanding marine environments. The inclusion of waterproof adhesive locator discs signaled a well-thought-out design, promising easy, damage-free installation. It seemed significantly less cumbersome than some of the more complex, instrument-heavy options I’d seen, and far more reliable than simply guessing.
Compared to electronic wind sensors, which can be expensive and require power, or even just “feel,” the Air-Flow Tels offered a low-tech, direct approach. Other similar products involved more complex mounting systems that could potentially damage the sail. I chose these because they offered a simple, non-invasive solution for immediate feedback.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. I was excited by the simplicity and potential effectiveness of the Air-Flow Tels. However, I remained slightly skeptical about the adhesive’s ability to withstand constant exposure to saltwater and wind.
Real-World Testing: Putting Davis Instruments Air-Flow Tels to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Davis Instruments Air-Flow Tels on my friend’s 27-foot sailboat during a weekend regatta on the Chesapeake Bay. We installed the telltales according to the included instructions, placing them on both the mainsail and jib. The bay provided a range of conditions from light breezes to moderate gusts.
The Air-Flow Tels proved invaluable, especially when navigating the shifting wind patterns of the bay. In lighter winds, they clearly showed when the sails were luffing, allowing us to make subtle adjustments to maintain optimal airflow. The telltales remained firmly attached, even when subjected to salt spray.
Installation was straightforward, but precise placement was key. A slight miscalculation could render a telltale less effective. Fortunately, the adhesive allowed for minor adjustments.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the Davis Instruments Air-Flow Tels have held up remarkably well. The ripstop nylon shows no signs of fraying or tearing, even after repeated exposure to sun, salt, and wind. The adhesive discs have remained securely attached, even through some rough weather.
Despite being incredibly durable, one or two of the discs have started to show slight discoloration from prolonged sun exposure, but this hasn’t affected their performance. Regular rinsing with freshwater after each sail helps to prevent salt buildup and maintain their visibility. Compared to previous experiences with other sailing accessories that quickly degraded in the marine environment, the Air-Flow Tels have far exceeded my expectations in terms of durability and reliability.
Breaking Down the Features of Davis Instruments Air-Flow Tels
Specifications
The Davis Instruments Air-Flow Tels kit includes 14 telltales made of lightweight, ripstop nylon. They come in black for high visibility against most sailcloth colors. The kit also contains waterproof adhesive locator discs for easy, non-invasive attachment.
The Davis Instruments Air-Flow Tels are incredibly lightweight, adding virtually no weight to the sail. The ripstop nylon construction is resistant to tearing and fraying.
Performance & Functionality
The Davis Instruments Air-Flow Tels perform their primary function exceptionally well: providing immediate visual feedback on airflow. This allows for precise sail trim adjustments, leading to improved boat speed and efficiency. The telltales are sensitive enough to respond to subtle changes in wind direction and sail trim.
Their strength lies in their simplicity and directness. There’s no lag time, no reliance on electronics, just immediate, visual feedback. A minor improvement would be to include a small template to ensure perfect telltale placement.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Davis Instruments Air-Flow Tels is elegantly simple. The black color contrasts well with most sail colors, making them easy to see from a distance. The lightweight nature of the nylon ensures that they don’t interfere with the sail’s natural shape or performance.
Installation is relatively straightforward, although precise placement requires some attention to detail. The adhesive discs provide a secure and non-destructive attachment method.
Durability & Maintenance
The Davis Instruments Air-Flow Tels are surprisingly durable for their size and weight. The ripstop nylon is resistant to tearing and fraying. The waterproof adhesive discs have proven to be very reliable, even in harsh marine environments.
Maintenance is minimal. Occasional rinsing with fresh water to remove salt buildup is all that’s required. The simple design means there are no moving parts to break or wear out.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Davis Instruments Air-Flow Tels kit comes as a complete package, with everything needed for installation. There are no additional accessories required. No customization options are available.
They are a self-contained system designed for a specific purpose, and they fulfill that purpose admirably without the need for add-ons. The simplicity of the Davis Instruments Air-Flow Tels is its strength.
Pros and Cons of Davis Instruments Air-Flow Tels
Pros
- Inexpensive and easy to install. A cost-effective way to significantly improve sailing performance.
- Immediate visual feedback on airflow. Enables precise sail trim adjustments for optimal speed.
- Durable ripstop nylon construction. Withstands harsh marine environments.
- Waterproof adhesive ensures secure attachment. Telltales stay in place even in rough conditions.
- Lightweight design. Doesn’t interfere with sail shape or performance.
Cons
- Slight learning curve to perfect telltale placement for optimal effectiveness. Requires careful attention to detail during installation.
- Adhesive discs may discolor over time due to prolonged sun exposure. Though it doesn’t affect performance.
Who Should Buy Davis Instruments Air-Flow Tels?
The Davis Instruments Air-Flow Tels are perfect for sailors of all levels. They are especially beneficial for those who are serious about optimizing their sail trim and improving their boat speed. This product is also good for racing sailors, cruising sailors, and sailing instructors.
Beginners will appreciate the immediate visual feedback, which helps them understand the relationship between sail trim and airflow. Experienced sailors will value the ability to fine-tune their trim for maximum performance. Those looking for a complex, electronic solution or those unwilling to spend a few minutes on installation should skip this product.
A must-have accessory is a good pair of binoculars for viewing the telltales from a distance.
Conclusion on Davis Instruments Air-Flow Tels
The Davis Instruments Air-Flow Tels are an incredibly effective and affordable tool for any sailor looking to improve their sail trim. Their simplicity, durability, and immediate visual feedback make them an invaluable addition to any sailing kit. At $33.89, the price is easily justified by the performance gains and improved understanding of airflow they provide.
I would wholeheartedly recommend the Davis Instruments Air-Flow Tels to anyone who wants to get the most out of their sailboat. Don’t just sail – sail smarter. Get yourself a set of Davis Instruments Air-Flow Tels and experience the difference.