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North Volt action

NORTH VOLT 5.9M 2013 TEST REVIEW

Stats Size (m2) 5.9 Luff (cm) 448 Boom (cm) 181 Battens 5 Ideal Mast 430/21 IMCS RDM Extension Req (cm) 18 Price £539

NORTH VOLT 5.9M 2013 TEST REVIEW

THE LOW-DOWN
The Volt is an all-new sail line from North. Replacing the classic Ice and Duke models it’s designed to combine the performance characteristics of both sails into one complete range. In sizes below 5.0 it is more focused on waves and in the bigger sizes it is more like the old Duke and aimed towards freestyle/wave crossover use.

AT A GLANCE

• Lots of X-ply with a clear mono window

• Narrow angled head

• Five battens with 2 micro leech battens

• Bumper Moulded tack fairing

• Straight foot

• High skin tension with increased luff curve 

• VTS & HTS rigging aids

• Up to 5 year warranty

The build quality of the Volt is, as you’d expect from North, very high and it is a class bit of kit showing great attention to detail.

RIGGING
Setting with a lot of twist in the leech – loose down to the 3rd batten – we rigged it on a 430 North Platinum Aero RDM, which is a new lightweight version of their premium mast range. Rigging and tuning is made easy with the help of the Visual Trim  System (VTS) tuning guides printed on the cloth.

PERFORMANCE
There’s good balance in the hands, with a neutral pull that’s easily controlled. The power feeds in smoothly and, while this isn’t the gruntiest of sails in lighter winds, it does still manage to get going reasonably quickly. Once powered-up and, particularly when it gets super windy for its size, this sail performs superbly well and there isn’t really anything that can touch it for high wind control. It’s quick in a straight line and very throwabout through manoeuvres, making for a useful and practical large freestyle or wave sail solution.

THE VERDICT
A light and lively sail, thanks largely to the new Platinum Aero mast, which really brings it to life and exploits the Volt’s full potential. This is a sail that likes to be powered-up and when it’s super windy there is nothing that can get close to it for control – although you might find yourself sailing slightly bigger sizes than everyone else. A capable freestyle or wave sail that’s also fast and fun for blasting.

NORTH-WINDSURF.COM

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