Windsurf MagazineNORTH SAILS X-OVER 5.8m TEST REVIEW 2024

The Verdict

Smooth in nature and incredibly stable the X-Over is a delight to sail. Responding well to proactive input from the ride, the X-Over will reward you with amplified comfort and ability in less than perfect conditions. Its weightless feel will allow you to sail for hours – even in overpowered conditions.

The Lowdown

With a snug fit when feeding the mast into the luff sleeve, everything fits and feels premium in quality and exceptionally well-constructed. Rigged and at rest, the X-Over sits and rigs with a slightly different leech opening, while in the belly of the sail, there is excess sail and overlap on the mast for the X-Over to fill and expand while riding. Using North’s 3Di moulded technology, the X-Over rolls up incredibly tightly and feels extremely robust, not to mention its featherlight weight. As a whole rig, once setup with the correct mast and extension, its overall weight is insane. With a 5-batten layout together with its lightweight and strong 3Di moulded technology, it offers stable power delivery, as well as control in stronger winds. The X-Over’s sail size range is vast; the outline and characteristics required change to meet the requirements of both the conditions and the sailor. In sizes 3.7-5.0m, the X-Over is more wave and manoeuvre-oriented, while in sizes 5.4-6.2m, the X-Over looks to fit into most areas, from freeride to jumping and waves. In the larger sizes, 6.2-7.4m, the outline shifts more towards freeride and early planing potential. The X-Over range seems to have you covered, with the usual top spec features from North placed all over the sail such as: bright blue padded reinforced areas on the tack and head of the sail, a PVC strip along the foot of the sail, and a reinforced window. Add in the integrated batten pockets, and the X-Over is a clean-cut and well-engineered sail.

Brand Claim

“The X-Over sail range is designed to excel in all water and wind conditions, no matter what the day throws at you.”

Performance

Absolutely weightless from the moment you pick it up, the X-Over floats in your hands as you walk it down to the water. Up on the board, the sail instantly feels light, while sheeting in with the back hand and committing to the harness, the power delivery is incredibly smooth and stable. The X-Over doesn’t tug or pull you with its power; it’s very measured, which keeps you in control the entire time, while it responds well to a pump with the back hand if you need a little extra power. Up to speed, the X-Over remains stable; it twists off naturally at the leech. When overpowered, or in gusty conditions, the X-Over is well-behaved. It stands proud, not losing its shape, it remains stable as it delivers the excess power to you in a usable form, giving you time and opportunity to drive it down into the board. Through transitions, the X-Over is light and smooth. It responds well to being moved through the hands of the rider, which is made easy and more natural with its weightless feel. Bouncing over chop in bump-and-jump conditions, the X-Over continues to remain stable, not flexing and losing its form as you rise and fall through the lumpy sea state or land jumps. On a more defined wave, regardless of onshore or cross-shore, the X-Over handles it well. You don’t need to be an expert to use this sail on a wave as the power is always easy to find in and out of turns as you concentrate on the boards positioning. The more you move the sail, the more you are rewarded with a smooth riding style to match its smooth and stable delivery.

NORTH SAILS X-OVER 5.8m TEST REVIEW 2024

www.northwindsurfing.com

VITAL STATS

Price: TBC
Size: 5.8m
Luff: 433cm
Boom: 178-184cm
Battens: 5
Ideal Mast: North Ultimate 400/430
Available Sizes: 3.7, 4.2, 4.7, 5.0, 5.4, 5.8, 6.2, 6.7, 7.4

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