SIMMER ENDURO 6.5M 2019 TEST REVIEW
SIMMER ENDURO 6.5M 2019 TEST REVIEW
OVERVIEW
Whilst Simmer have the Novex in their lineup as their ‘novice to expert’ freeride contender, they were keen for us to test the Enduro in this test, their five batten crossover option. Price pointed to provide value for money, it is said to be easy to rig and tune, and offers real practicality through the range, the three middle sizes, from 5.9m to 7.1m all setting ideally on a 430 cm mast. Rigged for test on a 430 cm RDM SX10, the Enduro sets with plenty of shape in its draft at rest, the bottom two battens holding onto some mast rotation, whilst the leech is loose in the head, yet relatively tight in its mid-section. Bright and distinctive in its two colourways, it is a classy looking sail, with x-ply used in the foot, clew and luff panels, and double thickness Dacron in the head panel for extra durability when rolled and stowed. The brand’s familiar Kevlar stretch control tendons connect the clew with the leading edges of battens two and three, whilst the battens themselves are integrated for symmetry between tacks. The Enduro has “4WD Power High-end Control” branded along its foot … but would it provide the ease and range to meet the demands of the novice sailor too?
BRAND CLAIM
“Recreational freeriders and bump n’ jump enthusiasts alike chose the Enduro for its versatility and manoeuvrability. Stable and forgiving, the Simmer Style Enduro stays efficient through gusts and offers full control at high speeds.”
PERFORMANCE
Taking the Enduro out onto the water, it feels compact and small for its quoted size, the pull coming from a relatively low position, centred around the rider so that it is perfectly balanced between both hands. There is a good amount of play in the luff sleeve, enabling the sail to breathe and expand to a deeper profile. It reaches its elastic limit, then the response from the x-ply luff panel generates a measured yet active response as the pressure increases. Accelerating smoothly in the hands, the Enduro just feels so natural and easy, the rider really doesn’t need to think or concentrate on it at all; it simply performs. When a sail is this comfortable to use, it allows the pilot to progress swiftly, calculating the entry to their next transition or focussing on the trim and control of the board, rather than the handling of the sail. As the wind increases in strength, the Enduro’s natural range shines through – it remains balanced and dependable, the centre of effort locked towards the sail’s leading edge. In overpowered conditions we did try increasing the downhaul tension to improve stability and efficiency further … and it worked to an extent (the sail retaining its handling manners), albeit producing some leech flutter from the upper panel. In transition the Enduro was refreshing and engaging to use, its balanced nature and forgiving delivery helping it to accommodate any number of rider styles, from the passive to the proactive. Providing the drive and energy to inspire a fast entry, it remains compact and manageable throughout, the battens rotating smoothly mid transition and the power returning smoothly as the sail is sheeted in once more.
THE VERDICT
Manageable power, natural range and impeccable handling – the Enduro is a fantastic all-rounder that will accelerate an intermediate’s progression and provide years of service beyond.
Other sails in this test: