RRD MOVE 5.7 2022 TEST REVIEW
THE VERDICT
With its low, forward focussed power position and soft delivery style, it’s easy to discover the Move’s fast freeride character, yet this belies its genuine crossover potential as the wind increases, thanks to its impeccable manners.
OVERVIEW
The Move was refined last year – Year 26 for RRD – and remains unchanged for this season. Classed as their Freestyle Wave offering, there are just six sizes in the series, and it’s proudly acclaimed by them as “the most versatile sail in our lineup.”. Available solely in RRD’s now familiar black, white and orange colourway, each size is recommended for use with an RDM only and was tested here on a Dynamic Pro C100 mast. Downhauling is straightforward, thanks to the roller pulley in the tack, the sail setting with a moderate amount of curvature along its short luff length. There is a good amount of shape and depth low down in the Move’s profile, its two lowest battens protruding beyond the leading edge of the mast at rest. The visual trimming guide provides excellent reference as you apply the tension and the lower of the two clew eyelets is inset significantly thanks to the inclusion of a clew cutaway, RRD referring to it as their ‘Power Clew System’. It’s certainly a good-looking sail, with x-ply of varying weights used extensively throughout its panels, double stitch seams through high load areas and the addition of a stretch control seam through the monofilm window panel, intended for improved stability.
BRAND CLAIM
“For Y26 we worked on the batten spacing, increasing the natural range of the sail, adding a touch of power at the low end, whilst improving stability and control. If you want one sail for all, the Move is for you.”
PERFORMANCE
Short in stature, yet long in boom length, the Move is an interesting sail in the group, with easily one of the softest power deliveries here. Feeling balanced and positive in the hands in marginal winds, it generates constant forward drive that is then amplified smoothly as a gust hits. The long boom length (realised with use of the upper eyelet) helps to provide leverage and useable feedback, which is then tempered by the low and forward centre of effort position, as well as the Dacron luff panel. It’s a real mix of concepts … that works very well! The Move has a good amount of easy, accessible bottom end power and simply seems to come alive the windier it is taken out in. Its natural range is excellent, thriving on being hit by more gusts, and winding up to greater speeds. As such, it has a real plug and play character – easy to rig and set and coping with variable winds on one setting. In gusts, its low and forward power position helps to pin the board down and provide the option of an extra gear through the back hand, making the Move easily a match for all here in a straight line. And in lulls, the forced shaping in the draft, combined with the well-engineered twist profile, means the Move continues to pull through all but the most prolonged ‘dead spot’, making it out the other side unscathed and still on the plane. In overpowered conditions there’s then the low clew eyelet available – an easy fix that rakes the boom sufficiently, reduces its leverage and opens the leech – all subtle refinements that help to retain control. And in these conditions the softness imparted by the Dacron luff panel becomes a real asset in contending with the jarring impact of confused sea states. In transition, the Move provides the speed and control to enter with confidence, making it an ideal tutor for the novice pilot and a real ally for the experienced rider in challenging conditions. Again, the forced shape in the foot of the sail was noticeable, helping to maintain drive through the carve if the pressure in the sail reduced mid-turn.
RRD MOVE 5.7 2022 TEST REVIEW
SPECS
Price: £824
Size: 5.7
Luff: 434 cm
Boom: 177 or 182 cm
Battens: 5
Ideal Mast: RRD 430 cm RDM
Available Sizes: 4.2, 4.7, 5.2, 5.7, 6.2, 6.7.
OTHER SAILS IN THIS TEST