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Severne NCX 7.5 ::
Windsurf Magazine, UK - April, 2006
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At a Glance
The NCX is Seveme's no-cam freeride sail that has deservedly received high praise in the past, combining
the range of a high performance no-cam freeride with the handling of a freemove sail. Whilst similar in
appearance to the 7.5m NCX tested last year, a closer inspection reveals it has been refined signficantly
for the new season, with an x-ply gradient luff panel to increase stability, and an extra batten below the
boom, conforming to the brand's Homogenous Batten Concept. Incorporating the most up-to-date features
(including blind seaming in the foot), the NCX's physical weight is reduced by removing any reinforcement
deemed unnecessary, which is particularly evident along the leech; and although there was no evidence of
leech flutter to suggest the sail will flap itself to death, only time will tell if this conscious omission
will be reflected in the sail's Iongevity.
Rigging and Set
Rigging the NCX, it has a wide range of set on its downhaul making the leech twist away progressively along
its length. Irrespective of the downhaul however, the sail requires a significant amount of outhaul, pulling the
battens back in line with the mast. There is a fair amount of pre-shape low down, whilst the upper panels lie flat
at rest from the fourth batten up.
Ride and Handling
On the water the NCX is a very different sail to its predecessor. Tuned for marginal conditions, it is
incredibly light and neutral in the hands, yet doesn't possess the bottom end grunt required to partner
large stubborn boards and punch them out onto the plane. Instead, it is far more suited for use with high
performance boards that thrive on being driven and have seemingly limitless top ends. On the plane, the NCX
is beautifully positive and precise, efficiently reacting to changes in wind strength as it accelerates in
gusts and carries its speed effortlessly through lulls. Feeling compact and smaller than its quoted area,
the NCX is a joy to use in harsh sea states, absorbing the impact of chop and being supremely comfortable
for long periods of use. In severe conditions, it can be retuned with more tension to remain balanced and
subtle in the hands, never pulling the rider's stance out of shape. Its impressive speed and excellent
handling makes the NCX incredibly versatile in the gybe, happy either powering-in and driving hard, or
cruising through the turn and releasing the power early. The one aspect that we couldn't correct no matter
how much we retuned the sail was the two bottom battens sticking around the mast, requiring some persuasion
to rotate onto the new tack.
For: Top end efficiency and speed; supreme balance and handling.
Against: Bottom end power. Sticking bottom battens.
Verdict
The NCX has matured into a high-performance freeride contender whilst retaining the magical handling
characteristics of its predecessor. Best partnered with efficient boards, its speed is a match for any here.
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