RRD MOVE MK6 5.7M TEST REVIEW
RRD MOVE MK6 5.7M TEST REVIEW
OVERVIEW
The Move continues in the RRD range for 2018 as their freewave / freemove sail. The big change for this new Mk6 version is the incorporation of the brand’s ‘performance construction’ – a carefully considered combination of materials and layups to reduce weight and improve the lightness of handling on the water, without compromising durability. Available in two distinct colour ways, it uses the most modern construction techniques available including integrated battens and a ‘cross panel construction’, layering up the panels to provide stability and strength in the main loading areas. As with the Mk5 tested last year, the head area and top batten length remain reduced for improved handling, whilst the leech outline is stepped just under the main batten. It is recommended for use with an RDM mast throughout its sizes and was tested here on a Dynamic Pro C100 mast, setting with a low to moderate amount of luff curve and very little profile in the draft at rest, particularly above the boom. There’s a number of rigging guides printed on the sail for hassle free tuning, the leech twisting off smoothly along its length as more tension is applied.
BRAND CLAIM
“The Move offers plenty of power and huge amounts of stability. Whether it’s flat water blasting, bump and jump or waves, the Move does it all. Larger sizes are orientated more towards flat water conditions, whilst the medium and small sizes morph through the range to maximise performance in bump and jump and waves. If you ever wanted one sail to do everything, the Move is the answer.”
PERFORMANCE
On its minimum setting the Move feels particularly light and balanced in the hands at rest, the pressure building smoothly and progressively as it is sheeted in. There is not a great deal of movement in the luff sleeve, the sail relying more on the stretch available in the tapered Dacron luff panel (that runs the length of the luff) to breath into a deeper, more meaningful profile. The centre of effort is high and forward, which combined with a relatively long boom, works well to deliver a good amount of feel and power, the reduced luff curve enabling the sail to be pumped efficiently if you’re feeling pro-active. Once going, the Move remains beautifully light and balanced, with a softness and ease to the power delivery that makes it just so forgiving, and above all, fun to use. You don’t need to think about trimming the sail, or anticipating a gust with a change of stance – the sail simply seems to do the work for you, moving and breathing to absorb the after effect of any impact. It has just the right balance of feel, response and ease, which becomes apparent again in transition. Powering into a gybe or bottom turn smoothly, the Move returns to a more neutral position as it is sheeted out, the battens pushing back round the mast and the sail’s profile reducing. It makes that crucial mid-transition phase of the turn or manoeuvre that much more manageable and helps to inspire the rider to be more creative or expressive. Great for the improving intermediate, it wouldn’t be out of place in the hands of an expert rider or on a wave board, used as that light wind secret weapon for those less than ideal days.
THE VERDICT
One of RRD’s most successful sail ranges and having used the new Move, it is clear to understand why. Soft and forgiving without being dull or slow in response, it has a wide user appeal, from intermediate to expert, being both easy and fun to use.
Other sails in this test:
• NORTH SAILS SUPER SESSION 5.6M