SEVERNE GATOR 6.5M 2013 TEST REVIEW
SEVERNE GATOR 6.5M 2013 TEST REVIEW
BEST FOR
Those that like to sail powered-up and experience a more aggressive freerace feel but with the manoeuvrability of a more wave-oriented sail. Ideal for ‘surf slalom’ style sailing. A good partner for almost any type of board.
RECOMMENDATION
Get to know the wide tuning range of both downhaul and especially outhaul to widen the scope of use.
BRAND POSITIONING
Labelled as a ‘progressive freeride’ the Gator line scales from wave-oriented smaller sizes (from 3.7) up to bigger models (as large as 8.0) with more grunt and drive. The Gator sits in between Severne’s NCX no-cam freerace line and the dedicated wave and freestyle ranges.
OVERVIEW
Outline: A truly compact outline with a short luff and boom length, but a radical clew cutaway that widens the leech somewhat.
Build Quality: In line with Severne’s trademark functionality first and no-compromise policy there are no corners cut with Kevlar head protection, full x-ply construction, double seams, moulded bottom and batten abrasion, moulded foot padding, spectra fibres, seamless head and foot sections and much more.
Rigging and Tuning: The Gator 6.5 sets pretty deep-foiled and with a very progressive leech. We found most situations could be tuned with a quick outhaul tweak and a standard level of downhaul, but both extreme top and bottom end could be enhanced further with the downhaul. Severne recommend using RDMs up to 6.5 and then SDMs for the three largest sizes. Two clew positions further widen the options.
PERFORMANCE
Low End & Acceleration: An early-planing powerhouse that needs very little input to coax into action – it’s almost like there’s a pair of camber inducers in the luff sleeve.
Top End: That locked and solid feel makes for smooth sailing but also allows for good concentration on pushing up the pace.
Gybing & Manoeuvres: For such a well-built sail there’s no heavy sensation at all. The only thing slowing down manoeuvres is the clew cut-out but overall the swing weight is sweet.
Handling: With the feel of a cambered sail the low and middle pull works in all water states with the ability to ditch power like a wave sail during moves yet lock it down and milk maximum lift on the straights.
THE VERDICT
A smooth and powerful choice for anyone looking to blast, jump and turn at high speed at either coastal or inland locations.
READ THE OTHER REPORTS – to be released over the coming weeks!
Gaastra Matrix 6.5
Goya Nexus 6.4
Naish Rally 6.4
North Natural 6.6
RRD Evolution 6.4
Tushingham Concept 6.5