I've been looking for a no-cam sail around 7.5sq m to replace an old Diablo 7.7 I had. I would like something fast, but not with cams or a wide mast sleeve. Does anyone have any thoughts on these two? The Point Seven got very good reviews from Windsurf UK which said "Pure unadulterated power. The AC-X is a raw, beast of a rotational sail that defies belief. Light and easy, Point-7 have discovered a magic formula that combines relentless drive with effortless gybing and control." They are available locally now (free shipping!) from www.thebigblue.com.au so price between the two not really a deciding factor...

serious red thumbing here....

What's red thumbing?

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zeeber said..

What's red thumbing?

Sort of a crowd effect, one person yells an insult at you and everyone else joins in.

Anyway this forum should be about reviews, ie reviewing a piece of windsurfing equipment. Its not about asking questions about windsurfing equipment. Questioning isn't a review.

I thought it would be the best place to ask if someone has first hand experience of the sails...must have misunderstood Gear Reviews, didn't know it was limited to reviews itself and stone those that ask for a review...

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Mobydisc said..

zeeber said..

What's red thumbing?

Sort of a crowd effect, one person yells an insult at you and everyone else joins in.

Anyway this forum should be about reviews, ie reviewing a piece of windsurfing equipment. Its not about asking questions about windsurfing equipment. Questioning isn't a review.

Moby,
I disagree - asking a question about a certain product leads to a review of the said gear by other posters who have had experience with it. I do it all the time (as do others).

As for Zeeber and the red thumbs it appears there might be a subtle windsurf retailer cross promomotion thing going on with his posts in lieu of a genuine query. The SB community are pretty astute but I might be wrong though so apologies if so Zeeber??

No ties to either, have been offered both sails at really competitive prices. Thought I'd mention the point seven thing cause no-one here sold themas far as I know?
I've spoken with a few people, and going to sandy point tomorrow, so will hopefully get a chance to talk to some more (speed) guys. At the end of the day, I think it's much of a muchness as far as performance goes, so the decider will be build quality and promise of durability... Thanks for the advice and apologies for using the wrong forum.

OK, well I have both sails at home and have sailed them a ton. The ACX is now for dad's use only as I'm on the Severne team...

...Bias aside, they are pretty similar beasts. Both have outlines similar to their flagship race sails. The Severne is lighter overall, it has slightly lighter materials in the luff pocket (feels a tiny bit easier to downhaul as the material is a bit more forgiving in the luff) and the coloured film is lighter than the film P7 is using. That being said out on the water you don't notice any weight differences.

The P7 feels a touch more 'locked-in' and the NCX feels a bit softer. I can't decide which is better. I've never done a speed comparison between them but I have murdered a bunch of half decent local sailors on fully cammed race sails so I can say with confidence these no-cam sails are NOT slow!

What I do notice on these sails is if you put a good mast in them, you get a MUCH bigger windrange and a ton more fun out of them. I have the Severne 100 masts and also the P7 C-100's for racing and when you put a 100% mast in to these freeride sails they REALLY come alive. I would pick the one you can get the best deal on so you can save the money to get the best mast. It really makes a BIG difference that is often overlooked in freeride sails. FYI i have the 7.5m size in both sails and I've used them in over 30 knots and with the right mast they are very stable. I liked the P7 maybe a touch more in strong winds with the more locked in feeling and the NCX is nicer to pump and gybe as it's that touch softer so the leech feels like it breathes more when you do maneouvres. Much of a muchness though... you should be safe with either....

Say NO to cams! ;-)

Thanks Sean for taking the time to comment. I just put my order in for a 7.5m2 NCX 2 days ago. I can't wait to sail it.

Sweet! Did you go for the white or the red? I have the white. I think its the best.

Thanks Sean, that's a great review. Good tip about the masts too, I'd have to upgrade to a 100%, and incidentally the 7.5 was exactly what I had in mind.

Sean:

I got the red one (7.5 NCX). It is very cool. I have it rigged on an older Severne Redline 460 SDM.

Do you have any tips on De-rigging (by yourself) to help avoid monofilm crinkles. Rigging was fine, De-rigging was not so successful.

Mark

Hi Mark,

I have the 6.5 NCX. Firstly I take the boom off. I release a little downhaul then I put my phillips screwdriver through the loop at the head of the sail and into the grass/soil. Release more downhaul while stretching the luff holding the handle at the foot of the sail. Take out the mast extension with right hand and pull the mast out twisting it as I do it. Pretty quick too.