Windsurf MagazineSIMMER BLACK TIP 5.0M TEST REVIEW 2024

The Verdict

The Black Tip is a wave sailing weapon, an absolute demon on a wave. Responding well to active input from the rider it will reward your efforts with a hard charging style.

The Lowdown

Regardless of which colour-way you choose – fluorescent yellow or fluo orange – they will definitely bring a smile to your face upon unrolling them. The colours are feisty, exuding an air of aggression, telling you it’s going to take you out there and make you shred the wave with real vigour and attitude. The Black Tip is constructed using high-quality materials, featuring new Q2-ply panels in the foot and clew, which are 20% lighter, while maintaining the same strength as x-Ply. In the upper panels of the sail, above the large well-placed window, a lighter Q-ply is used to reduce swing weight during manoeuvres and while riding. In its pursuit of stability, Simmer has opted for two Kevlar control tendons from the clew going up towards the top of the sail, rather than carbon. Taking an extra step, they’ve added a Kevlar load line along the luff, which extends all the way up to the black tip of the sail. This not only helps control the effort and power in the sail, but also assists in maintaining the sail’s profile in demanding conditions. A subtle yet noteworthy touch is the foot of the sail being tucked in under the clew. This feature allows you to ride hard and well-powered, tucking the sail in as you ride without worrying about the sail getting in the way.

Brand Claim

“The Blacktip continues to reward top pro and many recreational wave sailors alike, both
complimenting and flattering their skillset.”

Performance

Immediately, the Black Tip feels light in the hands, so light in fact, that it does feel a little smaller than its quoted 5m size in your hands. Eager for power to help release the board on to the plane, responding well to input from the back hand to give you a little extra boost if needed. Planing through lulls, the Black Tip requires a small adjustment in sailing line or some well-timed pumps from the back hand as you squeeze a little extra juice out to help maintain speed and power in the rig, as you accurately select your path of least resistance. Pushing the limits in overpowered conditions and ferocious gusts, the Black Tip acknowledges your full commitment to the extra power to allow the sail to adapt and remain stable. It demands an all-in approach. Through critical transitions, the Black Tip is light and rotates well. Meanwhile, sitting on the crest of a feathering wave, looking through the well-placed monofilm window, its power comes from down and slightly forward, setting you up, poised and ready to attack off of the front foot. Unhooked and now accelerating down into the pit, you understand what the Black Tip is all about… riding! Moving through the hands with ease, holding power when you want it, and releasing it when you don’t want it, the Black Tip encourages a real charging attitude, putting you at the pointy end of wave-riding performance. Its light-in-the-hands feel allows you to ride to the wave’s pace and rhythm with seamless flow, while timing manoeuvres, or hitting the lip, is made simple with its manoeuvrable attitude and large window. The Black Tip shouldn’t be sailed half-heartedly; give it 100%, and it will give you 110% back.