SEVERNE GATOR 5.7M 2013 TEST REVIEW
SEVERNE GATOR 5.7M 2013 TEST REVIEW
THE LOW-DOWN
The 100% X-ply Severne Gator range is designed to be a tough ‘aggressive freeride’ sail – covering all windsurfing environments and claimed to have a consistent feel and character throughout. Available from 3.7 right up to 8.0, the smaller sizes obviously lean towards wave and bump & jump use, with the larger models intended for manoeuvre-orientated freeriding. For 2013 it’s had a few tweaks, with new materials that claim to increase the strength by 20%.
AT A GLANCE
• Full X-ply construction (HD twisted dyneema and polyester fibre).
• 5 battens with 3 micro leech battens.
• Adjustable head cap.
• Kevlar reinforced head
• Dyneema foot panel
• 2 outhaul options at the clew
• Moulded tack fairing
The Gator has a medium aspect shape and has an extremely deep foil shape for a rotational sail and a noticeably twisted leech. It’s clearly well-built with the fully reinforced construction looking like it should stand up to some serious punishment.
RIGGING
Using a Severne Redline 100% RDM 430 carbon mast it was completely hassle-free to rig with a wide tuning range, setting with a huge amount of shape in the foil and a fairly loose leech.
PERFORMANCE
There’s a lightweight and perfectly balanced feel with a pull that’s from forward and low down. There’s heaps of power in the foil that’s combined with total control resulting in a surprisingly fast top-end speed. With a short boom it’s also a pleasure to throw around in a range of situations – whether it’s into a screaming gybe, laying it down in some swell or launching into some freestyle. The wind range is very impressive, the full foil and pronounced leech twist handling the extremes of gusts and lulls admirably.
THE VERDICT
The Gator is a fast, powerful manoeuvre-orientated sail that blends both freeride and freewave performances together. It’s also highly durable and should be able to take a beating in whatever conditions you want to take it. It will suit a wide range of riders, but in this size the Gator is arguably slightly more biased towards wave use, which riders wanting to crossover into smaller surf will love about it.
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