SIMMER 2XC 7.8 2020 TEST REVIEW
THE VERDICT
Offering balanced, easy handling and a supremely useable power delivery over an impressive tuning range, the 2XC is all about maximum enjoyment on the water with minimal hassle.
OVERVIEW
The 2XC is in the Simmer lineup for another season, providing twin-cam power for “high performance freerace” sailing. Dressed in green and yellow for 2020, it has similar dimensions to its 2019 predecessor, with a short luff and remaining comparatively long in the boom. Compatible with either RDM or SDM (and tested here on an SX10 version of the latter), it sets in a conventional manner, exhibiting a moderate luff curve and plenty of deep camber pushed low and forward in the draft, the leech falling away progressively down to batten four. The two Tekcams were straightforward to fix onto the mast, the zippered pockets providing the stretch required in the luff sleeve. And just like its predecessor, as well as all other Simmers in their range, the 2XC benefits from the brand’s ‘vertical shaping’ concept, designed to redistribute the sail’s forces through a larger area and lock the sail’s sweet spot lower in the draft. Build quality is excellent, with x-ply in the foot, clew and luff panels, x-ply used extensively in the upper batten pockets and abrasion beading along the length of the main cross-batten. There is also the brand’s trademark Kevlar stretch control system in place, with a single strand radiating from the clew to the front edge of batten three, to build in structure and ensure the sail twists correctly when under pressure.
BRAND CLAIM
2XC has also become a favourite sail of the team for windfoiling, with its dependable and stable power band. Able to get up and stay up on windfoil setups requires a lot of stability and not everyone wants a four cambered race sail. 2XC is the ideal solution for no compromise.
2020 2XC from Simmer Style on Vimeo.
PERFORMANCE
Taken out in light marginal winds initially, the 2XC is a stunning sail for making the most of less than ideal conditions. With its deep forward profile and relatively long boom, it generates plenty of useable feedback through both hands. Passive or active, it can adapt to different riding styles – just stand there and let the sail take the lead, or actively pump and make the most of the softness, flex and movement in the sail’s leading edge. Once going the 2XC feels user-friendly and dependable, the centre of effort is super low and forward, effortlessly transferring its energy directly to the board, and almost bypassing the rider. It is an easy sail to get on with and use for long periods, requiring little input or exertion from the rider. Happy cruising on all points of sail, it covers distance with ease, pulling positively through lulls and finding another gear automatically in gusts. As the wind increases the 2XC can be re-tuned with more tension, which, combined with the use of the lower clew eyelet, helps to increase twist and lock the centre of effort in place. It’s not the loosest slipperiest contender here, but has real versatility in its application, capable of powering everything from the widest freeride platform, right through to freerace performers and even foiling boards. Indeed, in light to moderate airs the 2XC is a great engine for foiling, its forward draft location and back hand feedback making it super useful for kick-starting flight on the widest platforms. Cam rotation is clean and natural in transition, the low power position never pulling the rider to their toes or unsettling their stance.
VITAL STATS:
Size: 7.8
Luff: 477 cm
Boom: 219 cm
Battens: 6
Cams: 2
Ideal mast: Simmer 460 cm SDM/RDM
Available sizes: 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, 7.1, 7.8, 8.5.
PRICE: £689.00
Other sails in this test:
THE LINE UP