Magazine test text here for you:
WINDSURF UK MAG
Tested by WINDSURF (UK), July 2011
S-1
INTRO
Amazingly light.
BACKGROUND
The S-1 is Ben Severne's
personal signature wave
sail, made from only the
very latest and lightweight
materials available. It is
built with no expense spared. Its
lightweight and crisp handling also make it perfect for
freestyle.
AT A GLANCE
It is even lighter for 2011, thanks to new materials,
some of which are claimed to be 25% lighter. This sail
has obviously been built as light as possible but it still
has plenty of re-enforcement and with X~ply in all but
the middle window it should stand up to some serious
abuse. It has five battens, a compact shape and a
short boom length, with a stepped leech.
RIGGING
It rigs on a 400 RDM, the tuning range is good with
two out-haul options at the clew. Down hauling is easy
with 8:1 built in pulleys but beware not to over tension
it as you will lose all power.
ON THE WATER
As soon as you pick it up you can feel the benefits of its light weight, it feels incredible. It is a highly efficient
foil, with a decent bottom end to get you going early as well as good control at the top end. It
has a super crisp feel and the power can be instantly switched on or off when ever you need. It is also
perfectly balanced, which combined with its extreme lightweight, makes it very easy to throw around in
maneuvers, you can literally forget about the sail until you need to power out of the move and it will switch
back on.
SUMMING UP
I hate to keep on about how light this sail is but it really does make it feel very special. It was one of the
favorites on the test and comes highly recommended although not cheap.
Anyone who red thumbs this obviously hasn't sailed a recent s1. The weight, or lack of is just ridiculous compared to any other sail out there. If you don't think it would make a difference do yourself a favour and try one.
