SEVERNE OVERDRIVE 7.5M 2013 TEST REVIEW
SEVERNE OVERDRIVE 7.5M 2013 TEST REVIEW
The low-down
The Overdrive is Severne’s Slalom race sail line and features in their range alongside the Reflex race sail as a slightly easier handling alternative. Tested here is the 2012 model, but for 2013 the Overdrive has had a tune up and is closer to the full-on racing Reflex 4 model in design.
At-a-glance
Largest on test
Seven battens with three micro battens and three cams
Large clew cut-out
X-ply reinforcements
Solid racing foil shape
Medium aspect outline
Moulded rubber tack fairing
8:1 downhaul pulley system
One of lightest on test
Built in adjustable outhaul pulley
Rigging
Using a Severne Enigma 460 100% carbon mast this serious looking bit of kit is easy to setup, although not the quickest 3-cam sail to rig.The battens on the higher two cams also have tensioners two thirds along so you can also tune the batten curve. We liked it well-downhauled and played mostly with the outhaul.
Performance
The initial sensation from the Overdrive is of a smooth sail – not overly refined – but it does click nicely ‘through-the-gears’. The pull is from forward and high, controlled slightly by the backhand, which is a bonus for early planing and hauling you deep downwind. Popular with the bigger guys, it felt like it could keep accelerating in stronger conditions, but was still grunty enough in lighter breeze and in the lulls. Being the biggest on test it obviously felt one of the most powerful in comparison, but in general the Overdrive has a solid and stable profile and a leech that twists-off superbly in the gusts. After some initial glitches with the bottom cam rotation it flicked from tack-to-tack smoothly and was a pleasure to chuck around some turns.
The Verdict
The Overdrive is a high-class and super-fast slalom sail that delivers in a wide range of conditions. With the feel of a more serious race sail rather than a more comfortable de-tuned freerace foil it’s a strong option for performance in a more durable and attractively priced package. Best suited to more experienced riders hunting uncompromising power and value. New model is also out now.
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