The standard version of the Severne S1 weighs just 2.73 kilos, made possible by a minimalist design that omits any gimmicks. Nevertheless, the sail is by no means undersized in terms of foil thickness. The S1 Pro, on the other hand, is interwoven with close-meshed carbon fibres, which are aligned in the direction of pull and absorb the forces that occur. The connecting film is somewhat thinner, yet the finished laminate is not only soft and supple, but even more valuable than the standard material of the S1. The roller block is sewn on at a 90 degree angle and optimised for the in-house Cyclops extension, but can be converted for standard models.
Although both models have a comparable outline and identical dimensions, small differences are noticeable when rigging: The S1 wants to be rigged with a slightly visible loose leech between the upper two battens and appears a bit stiffer overall. If you apply the same downhaul rope tension to the S1 Pro, the sail is almost completely without visible loose leech - but can still be ridden in light winds. Moderate tension on the boom is sufficient for both models.
Minimal advantages with the Pro version
Both S1s are stable and balanced in the hands after the first sheet in, gusts are converted into propulsion without delay, making the two S1 models impeccable gliders. Sheet in, accelerate and send off the first jump - it's easy with the sails. In a direct comparison, the S1 Pro even loads up a little more, but you can't attribute more than a mini advantage to the noble sail.
The biggest noticeable difference between the two models is on the straights: The S1 seems a tad tighter, the material of the S1 Pro simply swallows up hard hits, the sail lies in the hands without any rustling and with stoic calm. Even in light wind trim, without visible loose leech, the S1 Pro offers a good wind range, plenty of planing power and tolerates stronger gusts without complaining. If the wind gets really windy, both sails can be quickly brought into shape with a little more tension. Because the top then twists cleanly, power can escape and both the S1 and S1 Pro score with top control, the light sail feeling is maintained over a wide wind range.
Both Severne S1s are among the best on the market
In manoeuvres such as jibes, duck jibes or classic moves, both models are among the absolute best on the market: The rotation is as smooth as butter, the profile flattens out at the push of a button when shifting, which, combined with the low weight, results in fantastic handling. The only criticism is that the lower batten of the S1 Pro rotates somewhat unruly around the mast. In wave use, both models present themselves as complete all-rounders: on the one hand, they offer propulsion ("drive") to arrive at the lip of the wave with sufficient speed even in underpowered conditions and to convert this into powerfully carved turns or wave moves. Nevertheless, both models also allow the power to escape in a controlled manner, as the profile flattens out as soon as the sail is unfurled a little or laid flat - the result is flawless on/off characteristics.
We also rode the S1 and S1 Pro with two mast models. It is pleasing to note that both sails also worked perfectly on the Severne Blue mast, the carbon content of which Severne is keeping quiet about, but which is also lightweight and around 200 euros cheaper. Of course, in direct comparison, the more expensive Red mast feels a touch lighter and crisper, but the difference is actually very manageable, so you can go for the cheaper version without hesitation.
Surf summary of the Severne S1 and Severne S1 Pro 5.0
With the S1 and the S1 Pro, Severne offers two models that can be described as top all-round wave sails. Plenty of planing power, feather-light handling and balanced wave and manoeuvre characteristics ensure that every windsurfer will be happy with them - whether blasting on flat water or wave sailing in powerful ocean waves. Because the S1 is already so good, we find it difficult to find arguments that justify the hefty additional price of the Pro sail. You're hardly buying more performance here, just the (good) feeling.
Gliding, handling, control
Lower batten rotation on the Pro
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Technical data Severne S1/Severne S1 Pro 5.0
Sail weights
- S1: 2.73 kg*
- S1 Pro: 2.58 kg*
Masts used
- Severne Red RDM 400; 100 % carbon; 825 Euro*
- Severne Blue RDM 400; % Carbon: n.a.; 619 Euro*.
Mast weights
- Severne Red: 1.37 kg*
- Severne Blue: 1.54 kg*
Sleeve opening: 90-150 cm*
Info severnesails.com
*surf measurement
Severne S1: Available sizes and data
| Size | Luff | Battens | Mast | Boom | Price € |
| 3,0 | 343 | 4 | 340 | 140 | 775/1208 |
| 3,3 | 343 | 4 | 340 | 144 | 800/1259 |
| 3,6 | 353 | 4 | 340/370 | 148 | 838/1306 |
| 4,0 | 373 | 4 | 370 | 152 | 852/1359 |
| 4,4 | 386 | 4 | 370 | 154 | 901/1431 |
| 4,6 | 399 | 4 | 370 | 156 | 920/1464 |
| 4,8 | 404 | 4 | 400 | 157 | 925/1502 |
| 5,0 | 414 | 4 | 400 | 159 | 942/1522 |
| 5,2 | 421 | 4 | 400 | 160 | 959/1548 |
| 5,6 | 431 | 4 | 400 | 165 | 968/1604 |
