SEVERNE BLADE 5.3M 2015 TEST REVIEW REPORT
SEVERNE BLADE 5.3M 2015 TEST REVIEW REPORT
OVERVIEW
Severne’s wave sail offering has expanded for 2015 with the new 3-batten, the S1 and the SWAT sitting alongside the all x-ply Blade, as tested here. There’s also a Blade Pro version in some sizes featuring the much-hyped new HyperSpider membrane construction.
BRAND CLAIM
‘The 015 Blade is a 100% X-Ply wave sail designed to create the perfect blend between power and control. Sail profiles are designed for maximum stability and wind range. Moderate head tension allows responsive twist. The SpiderFibre technology has radically reduced the swing weight, whilst also creating a much stronger clew. To achieve it’s incredible weight/strength ratio, the 015 Blade is entirely built from proprietary X-Ply laminates specifically designed for each area of the sail: lightweight eM3 body panels, KS Optic X-Ply window and HD Dyneema foot panel. The 015 Blade is the wave sail to choose for all-round high performance.’ (Sic.)
PERFORMANCE
You can’t comment on anything else with most Severne wave sails before mentioning the unbelievable blend of super light weight and detailed build quality. It really is in a league of its own and, although they’re not anywhere near cheap, they are particularly good value for money when you consider the re-sale and longevity involved. (Although we did frown slightly at there being just neoprene on the leading edge of the tack fairing.) The 2015 Blade does feel similar to last year’s version – with a lively, efficient, ‘downforcey’ power delivery as opposed to raw grunt – but for all of us it had a much more refined feel this time around. We particularly noticed a very gentle ‘inflate’ from neutral to full shape and power and felt it had lighter, more ‘finger-tippy’, energy-saving handling. You always think of Blades as having more low-and-forward power, but to us the draft feels up and central to slightly forward, yet once again the sail seemed to allow you to favour the back foot for the onshore rides and the front foot for more drawn out turns and control when clew-first. The new Blade also felt less ‘revvy’ and over eager at the low-end this year, feeling settled and composed at all times, which certainly widens the effectiveness of control and power. Not everyone on test trips agrees on graphics and presentation, but, for what its worth, the Blade also had a full-marks stamp from all the testers looks-wise and looks really striking on the water as well as offering excellent manoeuvrability and performance.
THE VERDICT
A premium product and no mistake about it, the super high-spec Blade is a refined and smooth sailing weapon for any type of wave riding use. You simply have to feel the lightness and efficient power to believe it. Featherweight feel deceives the fact the build can take on heavyweight swell without fear. It might hurt the wallet, but you won’t be disappointed on the water. A true go-anywhere, hard-core wave sailing pick.
Other boards in this test: