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Dhe X-Over model, available in sizes from 3.7 to 6.2, is a powerful freewave sail that complements the Wave model, which we have already presented to you ( Click here for the test ). In sizes 6.7 and 7.2, the X-Over is said to have been tuned more towards gliding power and freemove. This model is manufactured using almost seamless 3Di technology. Here, the high-tech fibres are individually laminated in the direction of pull for each sail size.
The North Sails X-Over on land
Our test size of 4.7 square metres has very similar dimensions to the Wave model, but is stabilised by four slats. In addition, the X-Over has slightly more tread depth and a pressure point that is further back.
Despite its low weight, the material used is surprisingly solid and resistant to creasing."
The X-Over 4.7 also fits either a 370 or a 400 mast - we used a North Sails Skinny Pro 370. At a measured 2.46 kilos, the X-Over is 200 grams heavier than the Wave, although the use of the term "heavy" is completely out of the question in such spheres. Despite its low weight, the 3Di material is very robust and resistant to kinking. Due to the integrated pulley block, the sail can only be translated twice when trimming the luff - the pulling forces are therefore higher.
The North Sails X-Over on the water
The X-Over can be rigged with barely visible loose leech, the profile is very dampened and draws a full belly on tight retrieves, which generates a lot of planing power. The X-Over feels more stable and smoother in the hand than its extremely playful sister model, the Wave. Choppy waves are simply swallowed up with the best damping - ideal for sessions on choppy spots, far away from the surf. The X-Over is also convincing on the wave, it pulls powerfully through the bottom turn and offers a little more drive on the sailing hand than the Wave. In manoeuvres such as jibes, duck jibes or classic moves such as 360s or loops, the North Sails is an absolute pleasure - the batten rotation is virtually imperceptible and the low weight allows effortless, playful windsurfing.
surf conclusion:
The X-Over also immediately enters the league of the lightest and best all-round sails. Its planing power, control and handling are absolutely convincing. The Wave model offers ambitious wave surfers even more agility and neutrality on the wave. However, if you are looking for an all-rounder for waves and occasional bump & jump sessions, the X-Over is even better.
Technical data North Sails X-Over
- Available sizes: 3,7/4,2/4,7/5,0/5,4/5,8/6,2/6,7/7,2(tested: 4.7)
- Luff: 364/379/401/412/421/433/448/456/486 cm
- Fork: 148/156/162/165/175/184/196/203/207 cm
- Price for the tested 4.7 mm sail: 949 Euro >> available here
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Manuel Vogel
Editor surf
Manuel Vogel, born in 1981, lives in Kiel and learned to windsurf at the age of six at his father's surf school. In 1997, he completed his training as a windsurfing instructor and worked for over 15 years as a windsurfing instructor in various centers, at Kiel University sports and in the coaching team of the “Young Guns” freestyle camps. He has been part of the surf test team since 2003. After completing his teaching degree in 2013, he followed his heart and started as editor of surf magazine for the test and riding technique sections. Since 2021, he has also been active in wingfoiling - mainly at his home spots on the Baltic Sea or in the waves of Denmark.
