SEVERNE FOX 140L 2021 TEST REVIEW
VERDICT
With more low-power performance than the other Foxes are known for, the 140 has a massive range, offering blasting comfort and enjoyment, whatever the sea state.
THE LOWDOWN
The Fox has been in the Severne lineup for several years now, its range of four sizes unaltered for the 2021 season, this 140 being the largest sibling available. It’s an uncomplicated offering, with each size produced solely in one construction, using the brand’s championed compression moulded composite technique. The designs themselves however are anything but straightforward, with plenty of detail and allure in their sharp, angular makeup. Firstly, there’s the complex bottom shape – a feature becoming increasingly synonymous with Severne’s board designs. There’s the familiar raised spine through the centre line, generating a pronounced vee throughout its length, its grandeur only equalled by the extraordinary depth of the double concaves! There are distinct bevels in the nose that fade out at the board’s shoulders before meeting the hard, defined rail edge that’s tucked well under the board’s underbelly. Thin angular cut-outs in the tail complete the picture, complimenting the sharp angles of the diamond nose and squashed diamond tail. On the topside the Severne Velcro straps are easy to adjust to the right size, screwed into their inboard or outboard positions using the brand’s celebrated Hex4 tool. Just be aware though, the thermoformed deckpads are heavily contoured and cushioned, requiring some real force to compress when new to allow the strap screws to bite properly. Supplied with a Black G10 F-Series fin, engineered specifically for this 140, it is slotted and fixed easily into a Powerbox fitting; no foiling option available here!
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- 105L in photo
BRAND CLAIM
“Designed to take freeride to the next level, the Fox allows you to blast full speed through the choppiest water you can find.”
PERFORMANCE
Having tested the 120 a couple of times over the years, we thought it a good opportunity to test its larger sibling this time around. On the face of it, the 140 is a very similar beast to its smaller siblings … but there is one big difference. Whereas the 120 and 105 Foxes have to be properly lit to really appreciate their credentials, the 140 makes its intentions clear from the off, even in marginal conditions. Large and balanced off the plane, it has plenty of directional stability and glides up onto the plane instinctively as power is supplied. In their outboard strap positions, the back straps are a significant step out and back (progressing riders take note – opt for the inboard plugs), but once your feet are in, the ramped deckpads and straps combine to provide extraordinary comfort underfoot. The rider’s toes are raised and there’s a solid edge to wrap the back heel around, pushing hard against the fin. It certainly has a sporty character, encouraging the rider into a locked in and committed stance. And unlike its smaller siblings it releases well in light to marginal winds, gliding through lulls, before allowing the rider to really push and hunt as the power and impetus returns. As the wind increases, the Fox’s control and manners stand firm, helping to keep it pinned and focussed when other boards of this size start to exhibit control issues. This is particularly noticeable blasting off the wind over the back of chop, the Fox seeming to part the turbulent seas and cushion the ride, enabling the rider to maintain their locked in stance. In the gybe, the 140 is equally dynamic, thriving under the influence of a more assertive style, where the full length of the rail is used to help grip and hold the board into the turn. Get it right and the Fox will project you out onto the new tack before you’ve really registered what’s gone on!
VITAL STATS
Volume (Quoted): 140 litres
Length: 249 cm
Width: 78 cm
1ft off: 54.6 cm
Bottom shape: Extremely pronounced vee throughout its length, combined with deep double concaves from nose to front straps and pronounced bevels in the nose.
Weight (‘Naked’): 8.0 kg
Fin: Severne 019 SV F-SERIES 440 (Powerbox)
Sail Range (Quoted): 7.5-9.5m
Sizes Available: 95, 105, 120, 140.
PRICE: £2099.00
OTHER BOARDS IN THIS TEST
THE LINE UP
JP AUSTRALIA SUPER RIDE 124 LWT
STARBOARD CARVE 125 WOOD SANDWICH