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SEVERNE NCX ::
AT A GLANCE
The NCX was one of our favourite foils during last year's no-cam freerace review, and its appearance has certainly taken a turn
for the better for 2005, standing out on the water with its bold upper panel stripe prints. Aiming to combine 'crisp acceleration with an
extremely balanced feel', overall the NCX displays a good attention to detail, including protective 3D padding areas below the boom cut-out
and on the tack fairing, as well as dual elastic rip-cords for holding the rolled sail in place. One reservation we have, however, is the
lack of reinforcement along the leech of the sail.
RIGGING AND SET
Displaying an excellent tuning range, it was easy to achieve a good set with the NCX, applying tension on the downhaul and adjusting the
power delivery on the outhaul. The leech opens progressively right down to the clew, whilst the application of downhaul was made easy thanks
to the roller pulley being aligned at right angles to the foil so that its rollers are in the same orientation to those of the mast-foot.
Setting ideally on a 430cm mast, the NCX has an adjustable head so that it can accommodate a 460cm mast as well.
PERFORMANCE AND HANDLING
With plenty of power on hand, the NCX is up and on the plane early, feeling crisp and responsive in the hands and transferring power directly
into the board. One of the lightest and most balanced sails in the test; it is exceedingly efficient and slippery through the air, its low
forward center of effort providing more acceleration in every gust. In the gybe, the battens slide back next to the mast (allowing the sail to
go neutral), whilst the short boom length results in a fast smooth transition onto the new tack. Under full tension, the bottom batten did stick
around the mast a bit at idle, although once powered it soon corrects itself, rotating round the mast firmly.
 TECHNICAL SPEC
Luff:457cm
Boom:190cm
Rec.Mast:430cm
Other Sizes:5.0,5.5,6.0,7.0,7.5,8.0,9.0
SUITABILITY
For use in any sea state by the intermediate through to the pro sailor (including all rider weights), the NCX is happy on freemove to slalom boards.
For Superb wind range, versatility of performance
Against Lack of reinforcement in the leech
VERDICT
Providing exceptional performance and handling across an impressive wind range, the NCX will find favour with all rider styles and abilities.
It comes highly recommended.
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