SEVERNE NCX 7.5 2022 TEST REVIEW
THE VERDICT
The NCX continues to impress, with crisp positive drive, and light balanced handling across a stunning natural wind range.
OVERVIEW
The NCX remains a mainstay of the Severne lineup, sitting between the Gator and Turbo and classed as a ‘no-cam slalom’ sail rather than simply freerace. It benefits from the developments of the brand’s distinguished race programme in both design and construction, housing multiple tubed-battens and “graded monofilm for stability and max performance”. The NCX’s race geometry the brand refers to is depicted by its high aspect outline, with easily one of the tallest luff lengths, yet shortest boom lengths in the group. Rigged on an Apex 460, the NCX is recommended for use with an RDM up to 7.0m, the brand’s literature suggesting it “may work better” on SDMs in the larger sizes. Downhaul is easy to apply thanks to the well-oriented 3&4 roller tack pulley, and whilst the forced luff curve is somewhat moderate compared to others, the skin-tension through the sail’s leading edge is certainly high. There’s also plenty of depth to the sail’s profile, locked well forward in the draft, the lower three battens retaining plenty of rotation around the mast, whilst the leech falls away progressively along its length. It is certainly a classy looking sail, with a clean and uncomplicated appearance, using monofilm extensively through its panels and upholding the brand’s ethos and focus on physical lightness.
BRAND CLAIM
“It’s right for you if you don’t want cams and top speed and high-end stability are your main priorities. Suited to fast freeride, freerace and slalom boards. Improved performance in maxed, out of control conditions.”
PERFORMANCE
Taking the NCX onto the water in marginal winds initially, it feels light and balanced from the off, powering smoothly and positively as a gust hits. There is certainly some movement in the luff sleeve, allowing the battens to pull away from the mast, yet the NCX’s x-ply luff panel and deep forward-facing draft helps to provide more direct and useful feedback, responding well to all riding styles, from the passive to the more active. Tangibly accelerating in the hands as pressure builds, the NCX is not one to wait around and thrives on being partnered with a board that can keep up with it. It’s incredibly efficient, twisting beautifully through its upper panels without a hint of flutter, as it glides through lulls and charges across gusts, making the most of variable conditions. There’s real balance and precision to its power, making the NCX feel smaller in the hands than its quoted size and giving the rider the inspiration to lock in and keep pushing. And as the wind increases, the NCX does well to exhibit its excellent natural range on one setting, remaining manageable and dependable, its centre of effort positioned steadfastly in the front of the sail’s draft. If the wind continues to build a quick shift down to the lower clew eyelet works well to settle the power, angling the boom with more rake to improve control. Fast on all points of sail, it’s the Severne’s pointing ability that sets it aside from some of the other fast sails in this group, continuing to drive positively in the hands as you take a high line to the wind. In transition the NCX provides the speed and control to enter a turn confidently, going light as it’s eased out and enabling it to be repositioned effortlessly. It has the handling credentials that belie its size, making the NCX a great engine for the weekend racing enthusiast that is seeking slalom performance without the hassle of cams.
SEVERNE NCX 7.5 2022 TEST REVIEW
SPECS
Price: £745
Size: 7.5m
Luff: 482 cm
Boom: 200 cm
Battens: 7
Ideal Mast: Severne 460 cm RDM/SDM
Available Sizes: 4.5, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, 7.0, 7.5, 8.0, 8.5, 9.0.
OTHER SAILS IN THIS TEST