SIMMER BLACK TIP 4.7M 2015 TEST REVIEW
SIMMER BLACK TIP 4.7M 2015 TEST REVIEW
OVERVIEW
We sometimes forget that the Simmer Style brand is actually one of the longest running in windsurfing and still right on the cutting edge. The Black Tip has been the radical and progressive design in their lineup since its introduction in 2010. It’s been getting shorter luffed each season and in this group only the Maui Sails Mutant is shorter. The Black Tip’s stable mates for 2015 are the latest 3 batten Tricera, the enduring 4 batten hardcore wave Halo; the 5 batten all world Icon and the new 5 batten Apex. The Blacktip has the immediately identifiable Simmer technical and detailed look, and we really liked the bold colourway supplied which was easily spotted on the water.
BRAND CLAIM
The 2015 Blacktip combines an ultralight and very neutral feel with plenty of power and a unique top end control. There are no wave conditions that would not suit the Blacktip; it rides so effortless, everything feels easy!
PERFORMANCE
Follow the rigging advice and start by down hauling to the recommended setting plus 1or 2 cm and match with a neutral outhaul. Then release a cm at a time to get to your optimum. For example, Klaas Voget uses 1cm less for more drive in waves. It is a case of find your downhaul and leave it, using the outhaul to control the power and balance. This process should be very easily achieved for the majority and we certainly agreed that even on just the recommended settings there was a solid bottom end performance and a reactive “springy” feel with the power delivery. Get the downhaul too light and you will feel less stability, 1cm can make all the difference. Too much and heavier riders just won’t have enough juice. It provides a noticeable squirt of acceleration on tap for jumping, getting on to the plane and wave riding punch. We also all noticed that the Black Tip coaxed us into an up-right stance that is perfect for modern multi-fin shapes.
The slightly “elastic” sensation as you wind on the throttle is actually precise with fingertip balance. It’s not as powerful as some in this group but the range is still all there, just further up the scale. What is interesting is that the sail has a sensation of being both soft and hard at the same time, a paradox but somewhat unique feeling, and leaves us with no doubts as to why it has built up and will continue to enjoy, a loyal and deserved fan base. Tough, tunable and reactive attributes make it well worth a slot in anyone’s quiver.
THE VERDICT
Compact, lightweight and elastic, the latest Black tip revision keeps it bang on the money as a multi fin board engine. Find your perfect downhaul setting, then just leave it set and enjoy the beautifully soft and manageable nature of this new school, light weight foil.
Other sails in this test: