POINT-7 AC-K 3G 7.8 2013 TEST REVIEW
POINT-7 AC-K 3G 7.8 2013 TEST REVIEW
THE LOW-DOWN
The AC-K 3G is Point-7’s ‘user-friendly’ 3-cam freerace sail and the step-down model in their range from the AC-1 full-on race sail. This is the third generation of the AC-K that, for 2013, has been fine-tuned with attention to the battens and mast sleeve with acceleration and stability in mind as well as weight reduction.
AT-A-GLANCE
Seven battens with three micro leech battens
Three cambers
Moderately wide luff tube
Laminated black panels
Tinted orange window
Padded tack fairing
Zipped neoprene boom cut-out
RIGGING
Rigging on a 460 Point-7 100% carbon SDM the 7.8 AC-K 3G is a very powerful foil, setting with plenty of shape around the boom area, into a progressively loose leech. We found it best with a decent amount of downhaul and then fine-tuned with the outhaul to suit the wind conditions.
PERFORMANCE
The AC-K feels smooth and instantly powerful in the hands with noticeable pull and acceleration from standing starts or exiting gybes. The speed downwind was simply awesome and, although being the heaviest on test and having a heavy feel, this certainly didn’t slow it down! In fact this sail was pretty much the fastest no matter which size tester or which board it was paired with. Heavier riders felt it could easily handle wind around the 30 knot mark. Around the corners it’s quite direct, with a solid rotation that requires slightly more commitment from the rider.
THE VERDICT
The AC-K is a seriously fast sail. Once fully powered up there is little that can touch it in a straight-line drag. It isn’t the lightest or easiest handling sail in this group but it does offer the highest level of fast racesail-style performance. If you want to go fast but don’t want a full-on, wide-sleeved technical race sail, this is the one for you. Best suited to more serious freeracers, racers and speed freaks.
READ THE OTHER REVIEWS
GAASTRA COSMIC 8.0
NAISH INDY 7.5
NORTH S-TYPE 7.8
SEVERNE TURBO 7.5
SIMMER SCS 7.5
TUSHINGHAM LIGHTNING 7.8