would anyone have any leads on release date of the severne redback?

Seems to be out in Finland.

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Ben1973 said..
Seems to be out in Finland.

cool thanks. do you have any links

I am a very small guy, 165cm 63kg, so i was interested about this sail, so asked Dieter about it, here is the reply:
"The Redback will only be release later this year, it's a scaled down S1 one for the younger but also smaller riders. It's a high end sail with the same material as our normal S1 sails so no compromise their in quality. The key differences are that the clew is lower and the boom cut out as well. This will make it much more comfortable to ride and allow the younger and smaller riders to fully enjoy this high end sail."

I was planning to order one end of last month but my importer in Greece told me Severne doesn't accept orders yet, he said they will probably be ready to ship them on March-April shipments.

I ordered blade instead but looking forward for some user (small guys) reviews comparing blade and redback.

rautiosports.fi/purjelautailu/severne-purjeet-2020/

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Sea Lotus said..
I am a very small guy, 165cm 63kg, so i was interested about this sail, so asked Dieter about it, here is the reply:
"The Redback will only be release later this year, it's a scaled down S1 one for the younger but also smaller riders. It's a high end sail with the same material as our normal S1 sails so no compromise their in quality. The key differences are that the clew is lower and the boom cut out as well. This will make it much more comfortable to ride and allow the younger and smaller riders to fully enjoy this high end sail."

I was planning to order one end of last month but my importer in Greece told me Severne doesn't accept orders yet, he said they will probably be ready to ship them on March-April shipments.

I ordered blade instead but looking forward for some user (small guys) reviews comparing blade and redback.

I've got an order in for my son who's moving up to a 3.8m. I think the website says fall which is around now so it should be soon.

We have the 3m xs3 and a 2.6m custom redback. my son loves them. Says he'll never change brands now. they are very light and more affordable then the S1 if you include the mast and boom which are really well priced.

My sons friend is using a 3m S1with a 1.2kg duotone mast until his redback arrives. also a light setup. we will do some comparisons with the xs3, maybe even this weekend looking at forecast.

My son was going to have to switch from the xs3 to the s1 for the bigger sizes but once we were told by our local shop the redback sizing went up to 4.7m we were really happy to stay on redbacks for the next few years.

i'd say for smaller adults as well it's a no brainer going for the redback for everything except slalom/speed. not sure if the mast is suitable for small adults but if it is it's a much more affordable solution. the sails themselves are top shelf and designed to work as proper sails not kids sails although you could use them for that for learning. no other brand i'm aware of has put so much time and effort into smaller gear and it shows in the final product.

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Ben1973 said..
rautiosports.fi/purjelautailu/severne-purjeet-2020/

great thanks.

looks like the redback is in the wild in WA. from what I've been told east coast orders will start to turn up towards end of week.

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Gestalt said..
looks like the redback is in the wild in WA. from what I've been told east coast orders will start to turn up towards end of week.

Always very envious of my mates sons XS-3 when I'm on my 3.3m S1. Sails looks super comfy and soaks up gusts. Redback looks great.

I run my 3.3m S1 with the half batten which makes it softer and less twitchy. Really tempted to get a Redback instead but looks like a different mast and clew position will be a bit low for me @ 178cm

I was going to do a direct comparison between the xs3 and the s1 but didn't realise the s1 we tinkered with previously was a 3.6m
One thing i can say is that the xs3 and redback are a lot lighter in the hands than s1. partly because the mast and boom are a lot lighter.

We'll have a 3.8m redback by the weekend if all goes to plans so will compare that to the 3.6m S1. I'll overlay them and look at clew and boom positions which are lower on the xs3 / redback.

My sons Current quiver is a 3m xs3 and a 2.6m custom redback.

I'm not an expert on the sails but agree the redback geometry is more geared to kids and smaller adults. At 178cm the S1 would be a better choice. from observation the S1 also looks stronger than the xs3 which is due to heavier materials. not sure with the production redback.

take it as gossip but I was told the redback is the xs3 with improved stability.

Hello - I just joint here looking out for the new redback - saw a prototyp shown at a freestyle event in the Netherlands an looks like it would be the best next fit for my daughter.
Joining the discussion on sail comparisons: My sons is riding the xs3 in 3 and 3,6 and the S1 in 4,4
The S1 in my opinion requires an absolute minimum size of 140cm bodyheight. under that the boom can't be adjusted within reach (below chin). My son is 144cm now, can adjust the boom comfortably, but the sail shape is not optimum for this very lowest position. The xs3s he is adjusting in mid position and that looks fine. Should be same with the redback in comparable sizes.
I don't like sails for the kids with long booms as you often find with special kid sets. My kids are very keen on freestyle and even the first tricks work much better if you don't have to handle over a long boom. And kids boards - especially my sons kids flare freestyle board - and also the beginner kids boards with centerfins react so easily that you don't need broad sail shapes.

One question to you @Gestalt; do you own the xs 3 as a set? I think the xs3 boom is missshaped: the plastic part that holds the trim cord at the tip of the boom is on top (instead of on the outside) and if you trimm it properly, the end it does not fit into the cut out edge. you have to adjust the boom way longer than necessary or you force the corner of the sail to bent which certainly damages the sail within some time. Happens on both sizes and as I said in mid position Same with S1 (even worse) when you use the xs3 boom.

I don't know if there is that much difference between redback and xs3 - according to the data sheets its heavier than the xs3 (in the small sizes even 200g bigger sizes even more but which is due to the additional batten). The forth batten which comes 3m and over is the main advantage I guess, as Gestalt mentioned with stability. - compared to the xs3.
-compared to the S1 I think price is the only advantage if you are tall enough, but I think for (most) adult body sizes I would go for an older S1 or even S1 pro which you should even get cheaper. xs3 seems best choice for lightness as for kids is useful.
S1 is not much heavier than redback. (e.g. S1=2,7kg in 4,4 and redback=2,5kg in 4,2 (4,4 does not exist). S1 pro is even lighter.

Just a quick note on the S1s:
I have had these for several seasons and at first I found the boom cutaway really high on both the Severne S1s and on the Blades - including for the pro versions I had. I was often using the boom set right at the bottom of the cutaway, because I like a low boom for wave riding.

But the S1 boom cutaways were lowered for this last season (2019) and I now have 2020 S1s which have a noticeably longer cutaway, meaning the boom can go as high as before but you can also get it lower than for previous years.

This information is for other short arses like me who like a low boom - and just in case earlier comments about boom cutaway height were based on earlier versions of the S1.

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britzise said..
Hello - I just joint here looking out for the new redback - saw a prototyp shown at a freestyle event in the Netherlands an looks like it would be the best next fit for my daughter.
Joining the discussion on sail comparisons: My sons is riding the xs3 in 3 and 3,6 and the S1 in 4,4
The S1 in my opinion requires an absolute minimum size of 140cm bodyheight. under that the boom can't be adjusted within reach (below chin). My son is 144cm now, can adjust the boom comfortably, but the sail shape is not optimum for this very lowest position. The xs3s he is adjusting in mid position and that looks fine. Should be same with the redback in comparable sizes.
I don't like sails for the kids with long booms as you often find with special kid sets. My kids are very keen on freestyle and even the first tricks work much better if you don't have to handle over a long boom. And kids boards - especially my sons kids flare freestyle board - and also the beginner kids boards with centerfins react so easily that you don't need broad sail shapes.

One question to you @Gestalt; do you own the xs 3 as a set? I think the xs3 boom is missshaped: the plastic part that holds the trim cord at the tip of the boom is on top (instead of on the outside) and if you trimm it properly, the end it does not fit into the cut out edge. you have to adjust the boom way longer than necessary or you force the corner of the sail to bent which certainly damages the sail within some time. Happens on both sizes and as I said in mid position Same with S1 (even worse) when you use the xs3 boom.

I don't know if there is that much difference between redback and xs3 - according to the data sheets its heavier than the xs3 (in the small sizes even 200g bigger sizes even more but which is due to the additional batten). The forth batten which comes 3m and over is the main advantage I guess, as Gestalt mentioned with stability. - compared to the xs3.
-compared to the S1 I think price is the only advantage if you are tall enough, but I think for (most) adult body sizes I would go for an older S1 or even S1 pro which you should even get cheaper. xs3 seems best choice for lightness as for kids is useful.
S1 is not much heavier than redback. (e.g. S1=2,7kg in 4,4 and redback=2,5kg in 4,2 (4,4 does not exist). S1 pro is even lighter.

hi britzise.

the clew is a bit tight on the xs3 sail but the boom has a swivel head so I can push the clew end down slightly when outhauling. it's not a big issue for me but is noticeable. I do find the figures on the sail exact though. it is set and forget.

the xs3 material is very light. probably too light really. if the redback is slightly heavier i'd be happy.

I don't have the production redback as yet but did notice it's on the severne website now and lists boom cutout dimensions.

I really wish the mast sizes had a bit more flexibility though. if the 3.4 worked on the 300mm and the 3.8m worked on the 370 then there would be no need to buy a 340 mast. i'll probably end up getting the 4.2m for my son and rigging it on a 340 with longer extension.

picked up a 3.8m redback and an xs3 330 80% rdm mast from surf fx today.

the sail looks fantastic. i think im more excited then the kids!! The kids said the sail looks sick. better than the xs3.

i think its built stronger than the xs3. it's definitely a different shape lying on the shop floor. will get some photos tomorrow and post.

the cutout at the clew is gone this year.

my son says he likes the sail a lot. it feels light and comfortable just mucking around in the yard.

not sure if it stands out in the pics but the sail has a nice shape with good draft and twist. it's spongey like the s1. the xs3 was less spongey and a little flatter.

the sail feels like an adult wave sail to me. looking forward to some wind so we can get it on the water.

Hello Gestalt and thanks for your assessment on the XS 3 boo. Your right - that works; but only if you trim not really flat - and my son why ever prefers really flat trim; so that you have to apply some force which sets the swivel head you mentioned straight again causing the clew end hitting the sails clew batten end again. But it didn't cause any damage so far. So I think Sail is built strong enough for our needs.
The weights I had given in my former post are from the latest severne catalogs, so you are definitely right and as I see happy with the fact of the redback being heavier. And feeling like an adult sail. For the weight it is close to the freestyle freek sail. (which has one more batten) I think starting with the 4 batten sizes the redback makes sense for kids as yours.. with the 3 batten sizes I?d still think the XS 3 would be better, because beeing lighter and no relevant disadvantages.
For my son, who is 10 (who is very much wanting the redback under the Christmas tree just because of the really great and grown up look) I am thinking if I should better buy the Freek in last years version, because I think you get at least the same or even better quality for better price. And one more batten for his preference on flat trims. Only problem is, that is my son is now fixed on that cool white black red color match which would mean having to buy the this years freek. So I d be happy if you/your son gave comparison with testing redback on the water, as I think its similar to size and former experience with the XS3. May I ask how old and tall your son is?
With the masts - for the XS 3 - I think it worked with the 3,6 with a 3m Mast, so did you try that with the redback?

i'd also contemplated the freek but decided it was not the right way to go as the coe is higher up the sail and that's not really what kids need.

also, a lot of the weight savings with the xs3 / redback is the mast and the boom. using an adult mast and boom is really noticeable and that's what the freek needs

my son is 11 and 40kg, average height. his best mate he sails with is the same age and prob a little lighter. they both use a combination of xs3 and redback.

our 3m xs3 had to have some tape applied last time it was used and it's only 1 season old. for beginners it's a great option still. my opinion is the redback is a better sail and i'll probably end up replacing the 3m xs3 with a 3m redback.

for the 2.6m and smaller I wouldn't hesitate with the xs3. 3m and up the redback seems like a better solution.

I was told there is a new kids mast in the works. it's a kids blueline. i'm not sure on weights. the xs3 masts will work in the redback so no issues there.

I really need to compliment the severne guys on the redback. it's not a kid only rig. the dad of my sons windsurfing mate said today he thinks the redback is a nicer shape than his 2019 s1 and blades. he commented that is has a nicer draft and easier rotation. that's my take on it too.

I can't say what would suit your son. my son likes the lightweight gear most. I've tried him on lots of different gear. he sails shortboards and longboards and the xs3 and redback hit the mark for him.

we have some friends a bit further south from where we live and the 4 kids there are all on bigger sails and slalom boards and doing extremely well. for example 12 yo girl is on a 5.5m full cambered severne race sail. those kids are less concerned with weight and sail shortboard only.

the one thing I will say is a common theme is that all kids learn fast. the kids further south went from not windsurfing to planning on shortboards in the straps with harness in 3 months. that's amazing!!

because kids learn so fast they will take full advantage of using gear that provides no road blocks. pro kids rigs and high end small - light adult gear can do that.

Nice sail the redback..
We have an xs3 for our jnr.
I put the 2.0m xs3 rig on the scales - 4.8kg inc boom and mast.
All in all quite heavy for a 7year old to uphaul. Esp in the waves.
Doesn't help that there is so much unused length of the boom and mast causing extra unnecessary weight in the smaller sizes.
He is not really interested in using it and prefers his IRig at the moment :-(

i can see that being the case. at 7 my son was on a kids start rig with alloy mast and boom that weighed about 2kg.

then he had a break for a few years and by 10 was a litle more physical and got into it again with a soccer mate.

my son and his mate are keen to join you guys but we just dont know how to time it down there to get the easiest conditions

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Gestalt said..
i can see that being the case. at 7 my son was on a kids start rig with alloy mast and boom that weighed about 2kg.

then he had a break for a few years and by 10 was a litle more physical and got into it again with a soccer mate.

my son and his mate are keen to join you guys but we just dont know how to time it down there to get the easiest conditions

Re age, thanks for the comparison - maybe we invested in a performance rig a tad early.

Yea Cbin can be tough timing the conditions. Best approach is to keep eye on coolongatta wind gauge. If direction goes true SE or ESE (better) it will work. 12-2pm is always best time. 3-5pm wind starts getting holes in it. Don't bother with southerlies (too much wind shadow on inside)

we were thinking this sat at currumbin. low tide is just before lunch and N breeze. was going to try at low.

I got the chance to overlay the 3.6m 2019 S1 and the 3.8m 2020 redback today.

sail outline is very similar, almost the same.. the redback has a slighter bigger looking foot area which may be due to the lower clew.

the top clew eyelet on the redback is 7cm lower than the s1 and the lower clew eyelet is 13cm lower. the top of the boom cutout is equal between both sails but the redback extends lower by 7cm.

my son had his 3.8m out on his one design today and really likes it. hopefully there will be enough wind for the shortboard soon.

looking at my own quiver i'm needing some cyclone sails and i'm toying with the idea that the 4.2m and 4.7m redback might be a good choice giving me an option when it's nuclear and my son something to grow into without needing to double up on gear.

in the car on the way to the beach today my 11yo son said he likes the redback because if he puts the sail in the wrong place it corrects itself and if he sails along with no hands the sail just stays upright.

he said his xs3 was a great sail but the redback is more stable.

he then asked me if thst made any sense to a windsurfer.

i guess thats a thumbs up.

Hi Mums and Dads ... Have a 10 yo harness / beach starting / tricks / planing out of straps at mo - on a 2.0 neilpryde One ... He's 32 kgs ... Was looking at a redback - but local shop still has a Xs3 - 3.6 rig kicking around - and specs on the xs3 are super light (3.6 weighs 1.8kgs - ie lightert than redback) ... I was ideally thinking his next step is 3.0 , but the lightness of the 3.6 makes me think he might be able to handle it ???? any experiences 32kgs vs 3.6's ? .... and use his 2.0 when its stronger ...

Also .... noticed redback 3.0 weight is almost identical to 3.0 s1 standard ... was thinking maybe I could get a 3.0 s1 for him that I can also use when too windy for my 3.5 blade in side off (ie perfect amount of lots of usage for a small sail ) ... Was thinking wgt of s1 3.0 + blueline 340 is really light still , and he is fairly tall for his age boom cutout wise ... how much a factor the lower clewcut on redback say ?

I think the step from 2m - 3.6m is too big for a junior who's planing. go the 3m next and then the 3.6m after that. you will need both. the only advantage with a bigger sail i can find is for learning waterstarts.

geometry aside, what makes the redback / xs3 rig lighter is the mast and boom.

last session we had my son on his 3.8m redback / 110lt flare and his friend on his dads 3.6m s1 / 85lt jp. it was light. say 8-12 knots. they were both planing on and off and having a great time.

yes the s1 is heavier and it's noticeable to the kids but some kids don't care so much if they are waterstarting. for uphauling it gets tough with a heavier rig when the wind gets up.

both kids will be 12 this year so a little older. when my son was 10-11 his 3m xs3 was his go to. now it's the 3.8m and I can see we need a 2.3 or 2

it never ends...