SEVERNE ALIEN 155 2022 TEST REVIEW
VERDICT
The ideal tutor for the novice foiler, this 155 has big rig and weight carrying capabilities and more than enough performance to grow into. If only foiling were this easy when we learnt!
THE LOWDOWN
Classed as their ‘Freeride Foil’ board, the Alien has been in the Severne lineup for a couple of seasons now, said to provide the distinction between simply balancing on a foil and actually windsurfing on a foil! The range has been extended to encompass six sizes across two different constructions, this 155 available solely in the brand’s top CNC custom precision technology. The 120 and 145 of the series are produced using a faster moulded technology, deemed to offer maximum strength and durability. In their literature, Severne go to great lengths to explain their design theories, from the length, width and volume distribution of the board, to its fittings and geometry with both sail and foil. Everything sounds well-considered, and at a smidge over 8.5 kg, it is the largest yet one of the lightest on test here, Severne keen to emphasise that “light is flight”. Supplied with the brand’s own easily adjustable Velcro straps, there are inboard and outboard strap positions in the thick diamond grooved pads, whilst the valve is a self-regulating Gore-Tex version. There are also contours or ridges in the deck, forward of the mast track, claimed to have the purpose of creating downforce at higher speeds, when the board is angled to windward; whilst on the underside, it wouldn’t be a Severne board if it didn’t have some complexity to its bottom shape! Large bevels, tucked rails and plenty of nose kick are present in the front section to manage the resultant touchdown of any potential breach, whereas sharp parallel rails, a flat rocker, and deep single tier cut-outs are included in the rear to promote early release and lift.
BRAND CLAIM
“The Alien development program was initiated when the disappointment of bolting a hydrofoil to a normal windsurf board was realised. By analysing and gaining a deep understanding of the new variables that foiling introduced, we saw that specific foil-oriented equipment was required to elevate the experience to a true windsurfing sensation; blasting in control and carving turns rather than balanced on top, nervously trimming.”
PERFORMANCE
We tried the Alien 125 last year and were impressed with its simplicity and practicality on the water, stating that it was “plug and play freeride foiling at its best”. Well, we have to say that this 155 is very much its larger cousin, out of the same mould! Suitable for the heavier rider and larger rigs, it was such an easy board to get on with, releasing smoothly and acting predictably throughout. Normally, a foiling board of this volume can take a little time to adjust to, with the width in the tail making the straps hard to locate. No such issue with the Alien – its strap position and orientation, and the board’s flat deck shape make the footstraps easy to find. Well balanced and comfortable, the board feels solid underfoot, providing direct feedback with the foil, without overbearing the less experienced rider. We tried various foils in the Alien 155, and it coped admirably with all, from a fast, medium-to-high-aspect freerace foil, to a super low-aspect entry level foil. Through using some shims and a little play in the track position, it was straightforward to adapt the 155 to all. In transition the balance of the Severne once again play its part, helping to easily twist the feet out of the straps, the wide flat deck in the tail presenting plenty of time and forgiveness for the foot movements required mid-transition.
VITAL STATS
Price: £2099.00
Volume (Quoted): 155L.
Length: 215 cm.
Width: 85.0 cm.
1ft off: 69.9 cm.
Bottom shape: A small single concave runs through from the nose to just under the straps before transitioning into a double concave around the foil box. There are pronounced bevels running from the nose to halfway down the board’s length. The single tier cut-out also includes a bevel closer to the rail.
Weight (‘Naked’): 8.66 kg.
Foil Box: Deep Tuttle
Sail Range (Quoted): 4.8-8.0m
Sizes Available: 105, 115, 120, 125, 145, 155.
SEVERNE ALIEN 155 2022 TEST REVIEW
THE LINEUP
STARBOARD FOIL FREERIDE 150 STARLITE CARBON