SIMMER ENDURO 5.9M
2020 TEST REVIEW
THE VERDICT
With a wide wind range and impeccable manners, the Enduro has such an even comfortable power delivery that it takes all the stress out of sailing, leaving the rider to simply enjoy their time on the water.
OVERVIEW
Branded with the motif “4WD. Drive, Power ‘n’ Control”, the Enduro is Simmer’s five batten price-pointed all-rounder, capable of “top level wave to freeride performance”. Available in two colour schemes, it has been refined for the new season with an “enhanced shaping profile”, using more luff curve in the top quarter of the sail, which in turn is complimented with extra twist down the trailing edge. Simmer continue to champion their ‘vertical shaping’ concept (aligning seams and panel shapes for a more balanced profile and even skin tension), which is instilled in the Enduro here, along with many of the benefits and lessons learned in its siblings, such as the Icon and V-Max. Available in five sizes, from 5.4 to 7.8, all Enduros can be set on either RDMs or SDMs, albeit the brand suggest RDMs for the smaller sizes, more likely to be used in waves, and SDMs for flat water use, where their faster reflex response will enhance stability and acceleration. All bar the 5.4 are recommended for use with a 430 cm mast, which provides extra practicality for the recreational quiver. All the familiar materials are in play, with x-ply used in the foot, clew and luff panels, surrounding a clear monofilm window and coloured upper panel. Dacron is used in the head panel to improve longevity whilst rolling, just as it is to sandwich the luff panel by the luff sleeve. With features incorporated such as the Kevlar stretch control tendons, a seamless foot panel, integrated batten pockets and moulded tack fairing, it has all the trimmings you’d expect of a modern sail from a top-flight loft.
BRAND CLAIM
“Stable and forgiving, the Simmer Style Enduro stays efficient through gusts and offers full control at high speeds. This control also makes the Enduro an ideal sail for foiling.”
PERFORMANCE
Rigged on an SX10 430 cm RDM, the Enduro has more luff curve than most and sets cleanly, with plenty of shape low and forwards in the draft. The bottom two battens retain plenty of rotation around the mast and the leech falls away significantly down to batten four. With the dimensions of 431 cm by 184 cm, the Enduro is one of the shortest and widest here, which, combined with the low down shaping, makes it instantly feel compact on the water compared to others. As the wind increases and pressure builds, the depth of the Enduro’s profile shows its true colours, the centre of effort low and centred around the rider. It is an incredibly comfortable position from which to feel the pull – balanced in both hands, with a real softness and fluency that can be put to great effect. It will find particular favour with the passive rider that simply wants to hook in, hold on and let the sail do the rest of the work for them! Providing plenty of low down drive to get the more stubborn board to release, it quickly settles into its comfortable cruising stance, locked in and gunning for those super-G reaches. Happy to potter round at half speed when partnered with an efficient blasting machine, the Enduro displayed its true performance credentials, accelerating in the hands through gusts and making light work of lulls too, pulling positively with plenty of low end torque. It covers distance with ease and has a calming character when the conditions turn on, its handling and stability remaining grounded and dependable. More freeride and blasting in nature than manoeuvre-oriented, the Enduro nonetheless has the manners and temperament for easy handling through transitions, rotating smoothly and keeping the board planted as it powers steadily on the new side.
VITAL STATS
Size: 5.9
Luff: 431 cm
Boom: 184 cm
Battens: 5
Ideal Mast: Simmer 430 cm RDM/SDM
Available Sizes: 5.4, 5.9, 6.5, 7.1, 7.8
Price: £569
Other sails in this test:
THE LINE UP