Windsurf MagazinePOINT-7 AC-Z 8.5 2023 TEST REVIEW

POINT-7 AC-Z 8.5 2023 TEST REVIEW

The Verdict

A sail that would be perfectly at home on a racecourse, the AC-Z sail impresses with its remarkable stability, punchy acceleration, and unique ability to maintain speed and lift during lulls. When handled confidently in turns, the sail can be moved forward elegantly while setting up the rider for power-packed exits.

The Lowdown

Introducing the AC-Z by Point-7, a revolutionary twin-cam sail designed to combine the best of both worlds without compromising performance. With its wide luff sleeve and innovative cam placement, this sail offers the ease and simplicity of a no-cam sail while delivering the power and speed of a genuine cam racing sail. The sail’s construction features a pure no-cam sleeve above the boom, making for easy handling and waterstarting and two cams beneath the boom. Point-7 has also built the wide sleeve in the lower part of the sail with Dacron material to ensure the cams rotate smoothly. Rigging the AC-Z is a breeze; simply adjust the downhaul tension so that the leech falls away to the designated marker on the upper panel.

One notable characteristic of the AC-Z is its exceptional luff curve, surpassing that of any other sail in the test. This results in a significantly open leech, extending all the way to batten six above the clew. Above the boom, the sail remains relatively flat, most noticeably by the mast, giving the upper part of the sail a true no-cam feel. The foot of the sail is shaped by the cams, which are further enhanced by tension applied through the tack strap.

Brand Claim

“Have you ever dreamed to have a no cam sail with the same performance as a real cam racing sail? Or have you ever dreamed to have a cam sail with the weight of a no cam sail? The AC-Z is both!!”

Performance

Right from the start, the AC-Z leaves an impression. Once positioned correctly, this sail is an early planer, swiftly picking up to speed. Its propensity to gain speed quickly gives it a leading edge, giving riders that racing feel.

But the charm of the AC-Z does not stop at its initial gusto. What caught our attention was how comfortably the sail locks into position once it hits its stride. The sail’s performance stays solidly consistent, unfazed by any changes in pressure. The stability of the AC-Z is indeed extremely remarkable, offering an unwavering sense of control even as the wind shifts and gusts play their unpredictable tunes. Possibly one of the most compelling features of the AC-Z is its ability to maintain speed and lift during lulls. It flawlessly preserves the necessary flow in the sail, making it easy to avoid oversheeting. This ensures that your ride remains smooth and your speed consistent, no matter the whims of the wind.

When it comes to the turns, the AC-Z likes a committed rider. It responds well to confident handling, moving forward gracefully. With the right foot positioning on the exit, riders are set up perfectly to pop the cams and re-engage that direct power, sending you into the next tack with pace. In conclusion, the AC-Z makes a convincing case as a 2 in 1. It combines performance, stability, and speed with an impressive ability to manage lulls, providing a windsurfing experience that is as exhilarating as it is reliable.