SIMMER ICON 5.9M 2021 TEST REVIEW
THE VERDICT
The Icon has lived up to its name and bidding yet again, its low and forward pull offering the handling, efficiency and manners that will find favour with most.
OVERVIEW
The Icon is a mainstay in the Simmer wave sail lineup and has been rejuvenated for 2021, dispensing of the 3.4m in the range and rebranding it as the ‘Style Wave’, offering “superior control in all conditions”. The 5.9m tested here is the second largest in the lineup, and benefits from the loft’s years of experience and R&D development. This includes notable features such as ‘precision tapered battens’ in the lowest two pockets, said to push the profile in the draft forward and lock it in place for improved bottom end power and top end stability. There’s then the brand’s vertical shaping, including a Kevlar load line that runs the length of the sail from head to tack, said to increase longevity and provide structural integrity to the sail’s profile. Kevlar is also used in the brand’s familiar Stretch Control Tendons, radiating from the clew and helping to distribute the forces felt throughout the sail’s panels. With lightweight 2 mil Q-ply scrim used in the head and luff panel, and 5 Mil X-ply chosen for the foot and clew panels, they surround the enlarged monofilm window that provides clear visibility. Rigged on a SX10 RDM mast, the Icon sets with a moderate luff curve, the two lower battens keeping rotation around the mast, whilst batten three keeps touch too. There’s plenty of shape low and forward in the draft, the leech falling away progressively as more tension is applied on the downhaul.
BRAND CLAIM
“The 2021 Icon is defined by its ease of handling, utilizing a powerful and direct riding feel. The five-batten panel layout gives you complete command in all situations and the confidence to push hard.”
SIMMER STYLE // Moments with Alessio from Simmer Style on Vimeo.
PERFORMANCE
On the water, the Icon continues to live up to its reputation, but if anything its handling has become its standout attribute, feeling wonderfully crisp and precise for 2021. In marginal winds the tension through its panels can be reduced, tightening up the leech and blessing the draft with some softness and breathability. The centre of effort remains quite low in the draft, powering from this low position and always feeling manageable, if not quite having the same leverage and spring as others. Once going the Icon is light in the hands and sharp in response, accelerating to an impressive speed and pinning the board down beautifully. It is an incredibly dependable companion, accelerating during gusts, whilst feeling alive and inspiring to the touch. And as the conditions turn on, a slight tweak to the settings opens up the leech and prepares the Icon to do battle with the most challenging seas. Stability assured, it is fast and slippery, twisting dynamically and moving around the rider’s stance, doing little to upset them. Its power delivery is so balanced and manageable through the back hand, bestowing the Icon with the ability to suit many different roles, from high wind coastal blasting, through to bump and jump aerial antics, to making the most in powered cross-on wave sailing arenas. A real workhorse and trustworthy engine, it will suit all rider weights, abilities and styles.
SIMMER ICON 5.9M 2021 TEST REVIEW
SPECS
Size: 5.9
Luff: 442 cm
Boom: 181cm
Battens: 5
Ideal Mast: Simmer 430 cm RDM
Available Sizes: 3.7, 4.0, 4.2, 4.5, 4.7, 5.0, 5.3, 5.6, 5.9, 6.2.
PRICE: £690.00
OTHER SAILS IN THIS TEST
THE LINE UP