Simmer Icon 4.7

On land: In addition to the tried-and-tested Icon model, a four-batten sail will also cover the extreme wave segment this year. The sails look very solidly reinforced and equipped, and instead of an eyelet on the clew there is a martial-looking ring sewn several times with webbing. On the Icon, the clew is high so that the boom is slightly raised at the back for smaller surfers.

On the water: The classic never lets you down. The sail with a profile that is not too hard, not too soft, not perfect, but very good "off" and sufficient drive and planing performance somehow suits every area and every rider. Even if it is not one of the super-light sails, it is agile enough on the wave, always remains controllable and never develops an unpleasant pull. It can hardly be trimmed in the wrong direction - the Icon works both bulbous and flat and changes its characteristics only slightly. In strong winds it is one of the most popular sails, damping and control are still exemplary, making the new in-house competition look old. This makes the Icon one of the best all-rounders, with only the lightest surfers favouring the even lighter-looking sail models in this test group.

Surf recommendation for Simmer: Next to the Icon, the Blacktip has a hard time finding a justification, especially for normal surfers who want to cover as wide a range as possible with one sail. Only in a very narrow wind window can the new four-batten design be used to slight advantage.

Mast used: Simmer RDM 400 cm, IMCS 19, 1.70 kilos, 100 % carbon fibre

Price: 599 EuroSail weight: 3.50 kgMast weight: 1.66 kg

Web: www.simmerstyle.eu

Downloads:

Wave sail 4.7 square metres 2011 (pdf)