SEVERNE DYNO 105 2021 TEST REVIEW
VERDICT
A versatile contender with many unique features and mannerisms. Early planing and super controlled, it offers speed with a real sense of comfort and connection, and with some tinkering can be tuned to maximise its manoeuvre potential.
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- DYNO 85 shown here
THE LOWDOWN
The Dyno range has had an overhaul for 2021, now into its third generation. This 105 is the middle sibling in a five-board lineup, each size produced using the brand’s tried-and-test compression moulded composite technique.
At 62 cm wide, it may be one of the narrowest in this test group, yet the width is retained well into the board’s waisted tail and shoulders, forging a decidedly parallel outline for the new Dyno, said to reduce drag and improve stability. Scan its profile and there’s plenty more to write home about, the flat deck in its rounded nose upholding convention, only to be blown sideways by the shaping in the rear! With the rider’s stance and fittings shifted to the tail, there’s also a concentration of volume stuffed into a deep dome, with the intention of “maintaining responsive foot positioning”, whether the straps are inboard or outboard. This volume then drops away quickly after the back straps, finishing in the thin rails of the Dyno’s squashed tail. On the underside the story continues, with complex bottom shapes becoming one of shaper James Hooper’s distinct trademarks. Displaying a familiar raised spine through its centreline, the entry point of the Dyno’s rocker-line is said to have been refined, for increased lift through the nose, providing more versatility to handle steep wave sections and turbulent seas. What hasn’t changed is the extraordinary amount of vee this projects through the board’s length, coupled with double concaves through the mid-section and pronounced chines in the nose. This is then finished off with a hard, defined rail edge in the tail, which remains a feature until they run into the chines in the nose. Supplied with Severne’s own black G10 fins, thick dual density deckpads and easily adjustable straps, the brand’s now established Hex4 tool is a great addition, its ‘one-tool-does-all’ mantra well worth championing.
BRAND CLAIM
“The Dyno is the go-to board for all-round windsurfing conditions. Multiple tuning options and innovative design solutions transform any day on the water into one to remember.”
PERFORMANCE
Set up with inboard straps and the supplied fins, the Dyno 105 feels easy and stable at rest, its narrow width and parallel rails bestowing a deceptively elongated nature despite its average length. Deliver power and the Dyno responds willingly, encouraging the rider to step back early to find the straps. It doesn’t require much input from the pilot, nor a big send off the wind to get going, but glides up onto the plane, the domed tail and excellent fittings providing plenty of adhesion and feel. In choppy confused seas, the Dyno’s hull shape shows its merits, masking over the harshest impact and giving the rider the confidence to push hard. This is particularly apparent when using the 105 in a blasting role, placing the straps in their outboard positions and loading it with an upright 30 cm fin and racy sail. Fast and exciting, especially off the wind, the nose rides high and clear as the hull almost gives the impression you’re cheating as others struggle with control. That said, be careful which fin you partner it with; the central fin-box is placed so far back that a large fin with any rake may create spin-out issues. In a wave environment the Dyno is equally at home, although it is worth spending time experimenting with settings. With everything shifted so far rearwards, it does feel its size compared to others in the test group. Nevertheless, shift the straps and deck plate to their rear most positions and like the Nano, be prepared to alter your turning style, using the tail of the board to lever the board, rather than carving through the full length of its rail. It may take a little getting used to, but the rewards are worth it, carving tight and projecting much of the board’s length back up the face to meet the critical section of the wave.
VITAL STATS
Volume (Quoted): 105 L.
Length: 228 cm
Width: 62 cm
1ft off: 44.8 cm
Bottom shape: Vee with bevels in the nose, to vee with double concave to the tail, (the vee massively pronounced thanks to a raised centreline) finishing in straight vee in the tail.
Weight (‘Naked’): 7.48 kg
Fins: Severne G10 23 cm (Power) + 2 x Severne G10 12.5 cm (slot+).
Sail Range (Quoted): 5.0 – 7.0m
Sizes Available: 85, 95, 105, 115, 125.
Price: £2059.00
Other boards in the test
THE LINEUP
STARBOARD KODE REFLEX CARBON 105