RRD EVOLUTION 6.4M 2013 TEST REVIEW
RRD EVOLUTION 6.4M 2013 TEST REVIEW
BEST FOR
Any type of freeride or freerace sailor looking for a medium wind strength option and ambitious intermediates. Would pair well with any type of board but a strong option for heavier riders and those looking to power wider and/or more compact hulls.
RECOMMENDATION
Spend some time to get to know the wide trimming range – tuned mostly with outhaul – to maximise the scope of use.
BRAND POSITIONING
The Evolution is “Custom designed specially for each size, the perfect balance of power, control and manoeuvrability”. The Evolution is aimed squarely at the freeride market and sits in between the Fire freerace line and the Move ‘freemove’ range in the RRD sail collection.
OVERVIEW
Outline: Compact and low-aspect with the shortest luff and joint longest boom on test – even with the prominent cutaway clew. Slight cutaway/scalloping on leech around batten 3.
Build Quality: Some x-ply in the foot, head and leech, no fancy materials but certainly solid and beefy in all the right areas. A full x-ply heavy-duty version is also available. Integrated foot protector.
Rigging and Tuning: Requires considerable outhaul in stronger wind to prevent feeling back foot pressure on the board when overpowered.
PERFORMANCE
Low End & Acceleration: Good drive and power in more marginal conditions but the deep foil needs taming at the upper end of the range.
Top End: With a positive, lively behaviour the speed is on a par with racier sails so there’s more than enough pace for casual freeriding.
Gybing & Manoeuvres: The nice low-and-middle pull is excellent for controlling wider boards in gybes and engaging the front rail. Not the flickiest in turns due to the boom length and deep cut-out, but in no way inhibiting to those grappling with the carve gybe.
Handling: The excellent squat feeling drives any type of hull nicely down in the water, especially if tuned right when the going gets tough. The stable nature and constant pull helps give confidence and allow the focus to stay on having fun!
THE VERDICT
A stable, powerful and well-built choice with a slightly more freerace feel. A great match for modern, compact-style freeride boards.
READ THE OTHER REPORTS – to be released over the coming weeks!
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