SEVERNE BLADE 5.0 2021 TEST REVIEW
VERDICT:
Smooth power and ultimate control, the Blade is an incredibly easy to use high performance package for those looking for a 5 batten wave sail.
THE LOWDOWN:
The Blade continues in Severne’s lineup as their 5 batten wave sail offering with Severne claiming, “The 021 Blade is the sail to choose for all-round high performance.” It sits alongside its 4 batten stablemate the S-1.
The Blade has seen some evolutions for the 2021 season with a lighter feel produced by a focus on reducing swing weight but also using their new eM4 material in high load areas such as the foot. Based on the eM3 material that has been consistently used in areas to reduce weight in Severne’s range, the eM4 material features twice the amount of X-Ply fibre and increased film thickness to increase durability. Thus allowing weight reduction while still maintaining puncture resistance and tear strength.
The clew has been strengthened but not at the expense of swing weight by continued use of Severne technologies such as their Spiderfibre load system. You also see this continued focus on reducing swing weight in the head where rather than moulded head reinforcement; the luff material is simply doubled up. Despite being a 5 batten sail, the Blade came out as one of the lightest on test.
Even though there is a push on weight reduction, there is a clear eye on durability too, for example the entire sail is X-ply and is entirely double seamed to maximise strength.
The Blade is available in an impressive number of sizes from 3.0 all the way through to 6.7. The smaller sizes up to 3.7 have adjustable headcaps and all sizes maintain the 5-batten layout. Severne also offer two membrane Sails the Blade Pro and S-1 Pro.
BRAND CLAIM: “When you need dependable performance across a wide wind range you simply can’t beat the stability and control that 5 battens provide. Based on this fundamental we built the Blade to be the ultimate all-rounder wave sail.”
PERFORMANCE:
Rigged on the Severne RDM Blue mast, it’s worth noting that when using the aligned Severne extension that the sail rigs with the luff on the left to give you a taste of its West Australian roots, where port tack wave sailing is predominant. It downhauls easily with a bar through the tack block keeping the downhaul neatly in the pully system, and the bar can be removed if using a loop and go system.
There is positive rotation in the bottom of the sail and the Dacron along the luff panel offers an increased amount of stretch. On the water the Blade is incredibly smooth in it’s power delivery. It powers up easily, but in control, making use of gusts rather than letting you get caught out by them. The Dacron luff panel gives it a smooth rather than soft feel as the centre of effort drives low and forward. This locks the board down to the water and certainly gives an overriding feeling of control that is highlighted throughout the Blade’s use.
This controlled power delivery and ability to drive the board means the Blade felt one of the fastest sails, and certainly allows you to attack ramps or waves with as much speed as you dare. It has a good natural range with little more than outhaul adjustment really needed as the wind increases. On the wave the control continues with the Blade able to go light in the hands easily when needed, and remains light in the hands through transitions.
VITAL STATS:
Size: 5.0
Luff: 415 cm.
Boom: 164 cm.
Battens: 5
Ideal mast: Severne 400 Wave RDM.
Sizes: 3.0, 3.3, 3.5, 3.7, 4.0, 4.2, 4.5, 4.7, 5.0, 5.3, 5.5, 5.7, 6.2, 6.7.
PRICE: £765.00
SEVERNE BLADE 5.0 2021 TEST REVIEW
Other sails in this test: