SIMMER STYLE BLACKTIP 5.0 2023 TEST REVIEW
The verdict
Packed with some extra punch, Simmer’s Blacktip has tonnes of extra back hand throttle, which provides fast speed, fast rotation and fast turns. This sail is designed for the advanced rider to take their sailing one step further and squeeze as much juice out of all aspects of their wave sailing.
The lowdown
One of the lower aspect sails in the test range, the Simmer Blacktip is a 4-batten wave sail designed for advanced riders focused on performance and drive. As one of the widest on test, it comes as no surprise that Simmer claims the sail provides some extra back hand throttle. Available in two different colourways, it is also produced as the Blacktip Legacy. It is said to deliver the highest level of durability with the PVC window paired with all X-Ply scrim in the lower sail body.
The Blacktip boasts similar Kevlar tendons extending from the clew; however, in addition to this, the sail also possesses a vertical Kevlar load line running from the top of the sail right down to the tack, which is said to improve the longevity of the sail as well and ensuring that the profile of the sail stays in position when stronger gusts hit. Rigged on Simmer’s SX10 RDM mast, the Blacktip displays some clear twist in the leech, which falls away progressively behind the outermost tendon. The sail rigs beautifully without a wrinkle in sight, providing plenty of shape forwards in its draft.
The sail’s workmanship is evident, with smooth skin tension across the sail due to its material choice. All the features add up to the production of a classy-looking sail that sets cleanly.
Brand claim
“The 22/23 Blacktip presents absolute high-end performance for advanced to pro wave sailors looking for a sail to push their limits in any conditions.”
Performance
Step onto Simmer’s Blacktip and you will immediately feel the extra throttle in the back hand as the sail allows you to load up and release instantly. Despite this drive, the sail requires little tuning as the wind changes, as the recommended settings afford the Blacktip with a fantastic range, allowing the rider to continue sailing even when the wind builds. A real plug-and-play sail, in gusty conditions, the sail is stable, and when the gusts hit, there is a real sense of acceleration produced by its direct power. In short-period waves, this quality allows the rider to pick up speed quickly between transitions, before reaching some impressive heights when taking flight. In the air, the sail’s power allows the rider to direct the kit at will, and when the time is set to trigger a rotation, a slight pull on the back hand instantly snaps the kit into action, producing fast and aggressive rotations.
On the wave, the Blacktip feels fast once again. The sail’s draft produces a real sense of drive, especially in onshore conditions. As you drive into bottom turns, the sail continues to work, enabling you to maintain speed down the line before hitting the lip. As you hit the lip, positioning the sail well provides heaps of power, allowing you to crank hard around punchy turns. Despite the drive offered, where it feels almost like a 5-batten sail, the Blacktip also maintains some classic 4-batten on/off ability through transitions.
SPECS
Price: £675
Size: 5.0
Luff: 401 cm
Boom: 167 cm
Battens: 4
Ideal Mast: SX10 100C RDM
Available Sizes: 3.1, 3.4, 3.7, 4.0, 4.2, 4.5, 4.7, 5.0, 5.3, 5.6, 5.9.
THE LINEUP