SEVERNE BLADE 5.0M 2022 TEST REVIEW
THE VERDICT
Fast, efficient and with ultralight handling, the Blade delivers clean accessible power over a wide natural range and continues to impress in its super-dependable five-batten form.
OVERVIEW
The Blade is a longstanding fixture in the Severne lineup, described by them as their ‘control-oriented wave’ sail. Adopting its familiar 5-batten framework, it uses x-ply of varying weights throughout its panels, and even has the same dimensions as its predecessor. Don’t, however, be fooled that this is the same sail as the 2021 Blade. Severne pride themselves in leading material use and development, and this year is no exception. This 2022 version sees the use of a new x-ply scrim called VX2 incorporated into the sail’s upper panels, with increased vertically oriented fibres, allowing for reduced thickness in the laminate. The stated benefits are a reduction of vertical stretch by a whopping 20%, which in turn creates more stability. Interestingly though, horizontal stretch is said to have increased slightly, enhancing the elasticity and feel in the sail. And finally, the thinner laminate means less weight. Quoted at 3.01 kg, our version on test was fractionally heavier at 3.05 kg, yet remains the lightest on review here and by some margin; all the more impressive considering its five-batten form. Other detailing carries over, including the brand’s reputed Spiderfibre tendons extending from the single clew eyelet; seamless head and foot panels, extensive use of double-stitched seams and their durable EM4 laminate in the foot panel. Available in two colourways, there’s an eye-catching stealth anthracite version available to compliment the red version tested here.
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 a 400 Blue RDM mast, the Blade is easy to downhaul thanks to the orientation of its tack roller and sets with a moderate to low amount of luff curve. The two lowest battens protrude beyond the leading edge of the mast initially, pulled back by outhauling through the single clew eyelet. There’s a little shape low and forward in the draft at rest, the leech loose in the two upper panels and reducing progressively towards the clew. All this translates to a familiar feel and character on the water, but if anything, the Blade feels lighter in the hands, its response and feedback crisper than we recall. Balanced at rest, as the pressure builds there’s not much excess material in the luff sleeve to let the lungs of the sail inflate. Instead, the belly comes from the movement in the Dacron luff panel, plus any permitted from the brand’s new VX2 material. It means the power feels cleaner and more precise, with a more immediate response, particularly to pumping. Accelerating quickly in the hands, the drive comes from a forward position, delivering energy efficiently to the board and accelerating to a good speed. It’s an incredibly user-friendly engine and proved just at home in a high wind freeride role as it did around a break. In tricky cross-onshore conditions, the Blade’s stability and slightly higher aspect nature were great assets, coping with violent gusts and helping to power out of tight spots. And as the wind increased, it managed admirably on one setting, the twist profile through the trailing edge seeming to exhaust power effortlessly as the sail kept the board pinned. Such is its control that the Blade can’t help but provide the confidence to enter manoeuvres at speed, going neutral as it is eased out mid-transition, its light weight yet again proving its worth.
OVERVIEW
The Blade is a longstanding fixture in the Severne lineup, described by them as their ‘control-oriented wave’ sail. Adopting its familiar 5-batten framework, it uses x-ply of varying weights throughout its panels, and even has the same dimensions as its predecessor. Don’t, however, be fooled that this is the same sail as the 2021 Blade. Severne pride themselves in leading material use and development, and this year is no exception. This 2022 version sees the use of a new x-ply scrim called VX2 incorporated into the sail’s upper panels, with increased vertically oriented fibres, allowing for reduced thickness in the laminate. The stated benefits are a reduction of vertical stretch by a whopping 20%, which in turn creates more stability. Interestingly though, horizontal stretch is said to have increased slightly, enhancing the elasticity and feel in the sail. And finally, the thinner laminate means less weight. Quoted at 3.01 kg, our version on test was fractionally heavier at 3.05 kg, yet remains the lightest on review here and by some margin; all the more impressive considering its five-batten form. Other detailing carries over, including the brand’s reputed Spiderfibre tendons extending from the single clew eyelet; seamless head and foot panels, extensive use of double-stitched seams and their durable EM4 laminate in the foot panel. Available in two colourways, there’s an eye-catching stealth anthracite version available to compliment the red version tested here.
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 a 400 Blue RDM mast, the Blade is easy to downhaul thanks to the orientation of its tack roller and sets with a moderate to low amount of luff curve. The two lowest battens protrude beyond the leading edge of the mast initially, pulled back by outhauling through the single clew eyelet. There’s a little shape low and forward in the draft at rest, the leech loose in the two upper panels and reducing progressively towards the clew. All this translates to a familiar feel and character on the water, but if anything, the Blade feels lighter in the hands, its response and feedback crisper than we recall. Balanced at rest, as the pressure builds there’s not much excess material in the luff sleeve to let the lungs of the sail inflate. Instead, the belly comes from the movement in the Dacron luff panel, plus any permitted from the brand’s new VX2 material. It means the power feels cleaner and more precise, with a more immediate response, particularly to pumping. Accelerating quickly in the hands, the drive comes from a forward position, delivering energy efficiently to the board and accelerating to a good speed. It’s an incredibly user-friendly engine and proved just at home in a high wind freeride role as it did around a break. In tricky cross-onshore conditions, the Blade’s stability and slightly higher aspect nature were great assets, coping with violent gusts and helping to power out of tight spots. And as the wind increased, it managed admirably on one setting, the twist profile through the trailing edge seeming to exhaust power effortlessly as the sail kept the board pinned. Such is its control that the Blade can’t help but provide the confidence to enter manoeuvres at speed, going neutral as it is eased out mid-transition, its light weight yet again proving its worth.
SEVERNE BLADE 5.0M 2022 TEST REVIEW
SPECS
Size: 5.0
Luff: 415 cm
Boom: 164 cm
Battens: 5
Ideal Mast: Severne 400 cm Wave
Available 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
THE LINEUP
NEIL PRYDE COMBAT PRO (2021) 5.0