Windsurf MagazinePOINT-7 AC-X 7.5 2022 TEST REVIEW

POINT-7 AC-X 7.5 2022 TEST REVIEW

THE VERDICT

With an ease and practicality that belies its straight-line potential, the AC-X is much more than a one-trick ‘speed sail’ pony! Delivering smooth balanced power over a wide natural wind range, it is impressive how the AC-X continues to improve year on year.

OVERVIEW

Described by Point-7 as “the fastest sail with no cams ever”, the AC-X has been a popular feature in our no-cam freerace sail test over the years, but arrived a little late for the scheduled test this season. Available in the brand’s familiar black livery (as tested here), it is also produced in their code 7548 layup, with yellow monofilm and x-ply panels. Both designs sport the brand’s transparent grey window panel, (said to have “100% anti-UV” properties for enhanced longevity), and a Dacron lower luff panel to encourage a deeper draft profile and a more comfortable ride in challenging sea states. The AC-X outline is all about speed too, with a low-cut foot to encourage a locked in stance, and a negative cut leech to reduce back hand pressure and improve efficiency. For 2022, the AC-X has been refined with a longer boom length, intended for more power in lighter winds and to “increase the overall average speed”. It was tested here on a K100 SDM and sets with plenty of luff curve, retaining the slightest rotation in batten six, whilst the leech falls away significantly down to batten five. Build quality is excellent, with neat features such as alternating x-ply batten pockets, to improve the sail’s symmetry between tacks and reduce its weight. It’s also worth noting, the batten’s tensioners extend internally, and work very well, albeit rotate anti-clockwise (counter-intuitively) to do up. A good-looking sail, it was time to get it on the water to see how it faired for 2022.

BRAND CLAIM

“Slalom speed seekers, who do not like the hassle of cams. If cambered sails are not your cup of tea, then the sheer performance specs and looks of the AC-X should be the one for you. Let the wind fill in the sail, and you’ll be smiling seeing others eating your spray!”

PERFORMANCE

Light and neutral in the hands initially, as a gust fills the sail the lower Dacron luff panel breathes and expands, helping the sail adopt a deeper, more useful profile. It powers smoothly through both hands and can be pumped cleanly to push the board clear of the water and onto the plane. Once going the AC-X feels composed and comfortable in the hands. It’s a pleasure to use for covering great distances, working around the rider and cushioning the ride over turbulent seas. It can certainly be sailed in a passive nature, letting the sail do most of the work, as the rider becomes more of a passenger rather than pilot. Cruising effortlessly on all points of sail, speed comes easily and naturally to the AC-X without much intervention or intent required from the rider, which in turn makes transitions more practical and their completion more likely. As the wind increases the AC-X retains impeccable manners, its handling and efficiency helping to inspire a more committed sailing style. Partnered with a fast board, it can light up a ride and lift the board to sail right on its fin, capable of getting the most out of gusty variable conditions. There is more range, versatility and appeal in the AC-X this season; more practicality than simply a high-end powerhouse. And yet, as the conditions turn on, it has lost none of its straight-line speed or sparkle, accelerating wonderfully in the hands and charging the board with the energy to reach ever greater speeds, particularly off the wind.