The Blacktip model is already a classic within the Simmer range. The model has been significantly revised for the 2024 season. This primarily relates to the materials used and the batten spacing in the centre of the sail has been slightly increased, which should give the Blacktip a deeper profile and therefore more planing power.
Simmer Blacktip with good equipment
The sail is available in sizes from 3.1 to 5.9 square metres and in two colour variants; we tested the 4.5 square metre size. We measured it at 3.13 kilos, which is neither conspicuously light nor particularly heavy. The pricing is also worth mentioning; Simmer has significantly reduced the sales prices compared to the previous year. However, the high standard of equipment that the brand has practised over the years is also continued on the new Blacktip. The materials used are of a high quality and solid throughout, with integrated Kevlar threads running from the outhaul and luff area to the top, which should keep the shape of the profile stable over a long period of time. The mast protector also leaves nothing to be desired, as it is long enough, well padded and easy to fold up.
Large wind range, lots of neutrality
Even the 2024 Blacktip is not yet one of the most powerful sails on the market, as can be seen relatively quickly in comparison with some competitor products. Nevertheless, the concept now appears noticeably more balanced, as a much deeper profile is drawn into the sail with the first sheet in, compared to a few years ago. The bottom line is that the Simmer needs to be adjusted a little more sensitively, but then the Blacktip really gets you planing. When powered up, the sail loads up very well and lies absolutely balanced in the hand without any disturbing load changes. Our tip: Trim the sail so that there is little visible loose leech between the two upper battens. You should also use comparatively moderate tension on the boom and not over-trim the sail.
The outstanding pressure point stability that has characterised the Blacktip for years has fortunately been carried over into the new season. All in all, this results in a pleasingly large wind range, and annoying re-trimming is reduced to a minimum with this sail. The sail's neutrality is also convincing: in manoeuvres, the battens rotate quite smoothly despite the sail's rather tight set-up, and when riding waves and jumping, the profile flattens out at the push of a button, thus offering maximum control. Conversely, the sail is not one of the absolute powerhouses when riding downwind, pulling you through the bottom turn and up to the wave lip with unbridled power.
Simmer Blacktip - the conclusion
The Simmer Blacktip is much more balanced than in the past and scores with a wide wind range, with particular strengths in medium to strong winds. Handling and neutrality are at a very high level, which sets no limits even for experts. Only those who are looking for a sail for absolute light wind conditions or are just starting out in wave surfing will sometimes wish for a little more passive planing power.
Simmer Blacktip - technical data
- Available sizes: 3,1/3,4/3,7/4,0/4,2/4,5/4.7/5.0/5.3/5.6/5.9 square metres
- luff: 329/340/352/364/377/382/389/402/417/432/443 cm
- boom: 128/132/143/147/152/158/163/166/172/174/179 cm
- Test sail weight: 3.13 kg
- Price test sail: 700 Euro
- Info: To the website
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.
