SIMMER STYLE S MAX 7.8 2022 TEST REVIEW
THE VERDICT
Compact and powerful, the S Max has an impressive tuning range, giving it real user appeal for recreational use on both the fin and foil. Spend time experimenting with its set and the S Max will keep delivering.
OVERVIEW
Introduced last year to replace the 2XC, the S Max is Simmer’s twin-cam sail, sitting between the no-cam V Max and their SCR race/speed programme in the range, the brand recently adopting a two-year cycle for its sails. Using the brand’s latest vertical shaping templates, the S Max has two full length x-ply luff panels, the second of which widens above the boom before tapering to the head, and like its predecessor, the S Max has been developed with very much a crossover into wind foiling in mind. There’s a stretch control tendon from the clew to the front of batten three and lightweight monofilm batten pockets are utilised to mitigate any stretch. Rigged on a SX10 SDM, it is straightforward to rig, the Tekcams popping onto the mast with two-thirds of the downhaul tension applied and the cam pockets open. There’s no guide present for downhaul tension, but as more tension is applied it adopts a moderate luff curve, the leech falling away progressively down to the clew, whilst a deep profile remains locked forward in the S Max’s draft. And with an RDM Tekcam supplied in the sail bag as standard, the S Max is one of the few sails on test here that is also compatible for use with RDMs.
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- 7.1m sail in photo
BRAND CLAIM
“The S Max is the ideal dual-purpose high-performance sail for both freeracing and wind foiling. If you want to go fast, whether on a foil or a fin, you need control. The S Max features superb stability that a cambered sail offers, a short boom for better control, and a forward-focused and powerful sail profile.”
PERFORMANCE
Comfortable and balanced at rest, the S Max’s deep profile provides excellent drive and feedback in light marginal conditions, its long boom length providing the leverage through the back hand. It is easily the shortest on test here, with a low aspect, compact outline, making it feel smaller and more manageable in the hands than its quoted area would suggest. It’s a great partner for sailors that like to feel an obvious power source, such as the larger rider, utilising it easily and redirecting the energy into the board. And with a little less downhaul issued, there’s also some flex through the leading edge and tightness in the mid-leech, blessing the S Max with some spring and punch as it’s used for pumping a foil board into action in marginal airs. It’s certainly a good crossover sail for making the most of light winds on either fin or foil. Back to use on the fin and once going, the S Max settles into a relaxed stance, the centre of effort low and focussed around the rider. A great freeride ally for covering distances in comfort, and when the wind increases, the S Max can be re-tuned with more downhaul to open the leech and improve its efficiency. A drop down to the lower clew eyelet also helps rake the boom geometry and increase control, and whilst the S Max may not be as loose or slippery through the air as some others here, its top end stability was impressive. In the gybe, the S Max’s control was again noticeable, the low down centre of effort making the power manageable through the turn and during the exit, never pulling the rider to their toes, whilst the cams rotate smoothly and completely onto the new tack.
SIMMER STYLE S MAX 7.8 2022 TEST REVIEW
SPECS
Price: £709.00
Size: 7.8m
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.
OTHER SAILS IN THIS TEST