2017 Severne Freek from Mike Burns on Vimeo.
About Me
- Mike Burns
- Nags Head, NC, United States
- Windsurfing has ruled more than 1/2 my life. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about how it feels to fly across the water, fly through the air, or spin around in circles on my windsurf gear. So to help spread the stoke (and further give in to my addiction) I started this blog. I hope you find it entertaining and a place to go for some useful information.
Friday, September 9, 2016
2017 Severne Freek Review and Details
The 2017 Severne Freek is back and it's better than ever!! I've had a chance to sail all the sizes from 4.0 up to 5.9 and they all work perfect! Powerful with loads of control, these sails will work just as well for a bump and jump sailor as they do for the PWA level freestyler and everyone in between. Check out the video review below for more details about the 2017 Severne Freek.
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Hey. Thinking of getting a 5.6 freek. Have you ever tried on a 400 mast?? Recommended is a 430.
ReplyDeleteCheers
I have every size 2017 Freek from 3.6 to 5.9 except for the 5.6..... Personally, I like the Freeks with a stiffer mast as opposed to a softer one in the larger sizes, so I would say go with the 430 as the first choice, but I'm sure you could get it working with a 400 as well. I find that when the mast is soft the sail looses it's shape easier and the reaction time of the sail is slower especially for backwinded tricks. If you've already got a 400, give it a go with the 5.6. If you feel it's too soft, then get the 430.
ReplyDeleteMike
Cheers great reply.my biggest at the moment is a 5.2. Do you notice a big difference between the 5.2 and 5.9 in early planing? Worth having the extra sail+mast? Still ok for freestyle?
DeleteIt depends on your size board. It's not worth going bigger than a 5.2 on the 93 liter. I use the 5.9 on the 100 liter and it definitely gets moving a bit earlier than the 5.2. The downside is the size of the sail limits the types of tricks you'll be doing. I can bang out burners on my 4.8, but struggle with them on the 5.2. On the 5.9 it's not even a thought. But I can do shakas, funnels and all the sliding moves with the 5.9 and 100 liter skate. I've even hit the occasional double spock on the 5.9. I just like to go out and get as much time on the water as I can and the 5.9 gives me some extra days. I think you need to ask yourself how many days you're at the beach with the 5.2 with enough power to get the board barely up on a plane, not quite enough to do some tricks. Those are the days that the 5.9 will be fully powered and will give you enough power to do what you want. If you find yourself in that situation often, then the 5.9 might be a good call with the 100 liter or especially the 108 Skate.
DeleteMike
Righto cheers!
DeleteHi Mike,
ReplyDeleteHappy owner of a set of blades 2017 in 4.2,4.7 and 5.3. Now I am wondering on what to buy as a light wind sail. It is for on a goya freewave 95. I am torn between Freek 5.9 or 6.3 or a blade in 6.2. I might occasionally use the sail on a angulo release sport 120 (freerider with familly dragerboard option). I am 75kg.
Conditions I encounter with the lighter winds are not so big waves max 1m, with some current. Freek 5.9 seems like a perfect size on the 95. But I wonder if I would plane much earlier with the 6.3? As the gap 6.3 to 5.3 seems do able.
Blade 6.2 would keep the feeling between sails the same. But it is a little bit more expensive.
Thanks
Yann
Hi Yann,
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the new quiver!! I've got a 5.9 Freek and I like it. Since you know you like the blades, maybe just stick with the 6.2 Blade. I would say just go with the 6.2 Blade since you already know you like it. When guys were testing out the Freeks and Blades they would generally like one much more than the other. It just depends on what type of response they're used to. Chances are that you'll like the Freek too, but you also might end up kicking yourself for not getting another blade if you've already got those dialed in. I was in Cape Hatteras a couple weeks ago and Brian at Ocean Air said that he had a 2017 large shipment of Severne sails coming. Give him a buzz and see if he's got any already in stock for you. www.oceanairsports.com
Also, have you gone that big for the sail on the 95 liter yet? The board might feel a little small, but you should be able to make it work. Maybe just double check the recommended sail size for the 95 liter to make sure. It's probably around 6.0, but just double check. I'm not sure how old the board is.
Take care,
Mike
Hi Mike,
DeleteThanks for the reply, very nice. Yes, probably 6.2 blades would be the safest. But in the past (2003/2005) I had some large gaastra wavesails mainly with xply and for some reason that doesn't feel as good as it can be in large 6.1/6.2 sizes. Only when I went to a gaastra echo 6.0 in 2007, I had a large sail which I really liked.
So still tempted by the freek in 5.9 or 6.3, monofilm just gives this responsive feeling which is nice for larger sizes. The goya fw95 is of 2016,max sailsize listed is 6.0. But the newer blade/freek in 6.2/6.3 have about the same mast and boom lenghts as my old 6.0, so I think it should be no problem. I will just have to see if I can test them somewhere in the Netherlands.
Cheers.
Yann
Hello Mike,
ReplyDeleteI have been looking at getting 103 ltr Flare and thinking of using it mainly with the 5.6 Freek. How much difference is really between the 5.6 and 5.9?
Thank you.
Hi,
ReplyDeleteThe 5.6 is the only sized Freek that I don't own, so it's hard to say. I ended up going wit the 5.9 since it was going to be my biggest freestyle sail and the boom length was only one more notch on the boom than the 5.6. Both are recommended on a 430 mast, so spec wise, they should have pretty much the same maneuverability, so I just went with the one with more surface area which will most likely have more power. I did notice that just like the rest of the 2017 Freek range that it had more power than my old 5.9 Freek. I really enjoy riding the 5.9 and I can do all the sliding tricks really easy along with some shakas, and an occasional air funnel if there's a piece of chop in the right spot. I think it depends on the rest of your quiver. If you've got a 6.3 Freek, the 5.6 might make sense. I only go up to 5.9 with my next sail down being the 5.2 and I'm a happy.
Mike
Hi Mike, regards from Germany... I want to get a new quiver overall so i thought Severne s1 pro 4.0 / 4.4 and the freek 4.8 / 5.2 / all 2016 / would be the right... Do you know if the freeks 2016 have the same amount of power at low end as the 2017`s.
ReplyDeleteany tips, wich size i can cancel... ? Best regards Tobi (excuse my english, school ... old memorys :)
Hi Tobi,
ReplyDeleteHave you sailed the S-1 Pro? I personally haven't but have heard a lot of feedback about them. They have a very different feel than the rest of the Severne Range from what I understand. They're designed specifically for multi-fin boards on a wave. I don't think they'd mix too well with a quiver of Freeks unless you plan on wave sailing your quad on the 4.0 and 4.4 and doing some small wave / Freestyle on the Freeks. The Freeks really are a very well rounded sail that anyone will enjoy on any single fin, or freestyle/wave board.
The 2017 Freeks were re-designed and do have a bit more power than the 2016's, but he 2016s were great sails!! 2016s were definitely on par with power with the other brands, but a much better overall feel the with best handling you can imagine. The 2017s are similar with more lift and more power.
Tell me a little more about the conditions you usually sail in and what boards your'e planning on using and I'll be able to give you a better idea of what sails would be good for you.
Thanks,
Mike
thanks for fast reply... boards i use in the moment: 72 l quad / 91 l flare / 107 l rodeo, so if I`m on 5.0 and 4.5 i prefer flat water doing spocks, trying shakas :) if it's windy i`m trying to catch some waves (baltic sea or denmark)... So my quiver have to find the balance between both. a couple of weeks ago i had the chance to ride a Freek 4.8 / 2017 and i fell instant in love. I would go for a freek also in 4.4 but I'm afraid they are not so durable like a s1 pro if i use it in the waves. Best regards tobi
ReplyDeleteHi Tobi,
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like your conditions are very similar to what we have here in New York! I only use Skates (I have every size 2017). The Freeks hold up better than you would think in waves, but waves here don't get much more than a little bit overhead and are pretty soft. The waves in the Baltic Sea I know can get pretty big! If you have crunching waves, then one of the wave sails would be best.
Many guys that have the quad for the small board and also freestyle boards, like you do, end up with 2 different mid 4 meter sails. A 4.4 Freek and then a mid- 4 meter wave sail. It's so hard to tell you what to do with the S-1 Pro because I haven't sailed it myself, but it does come in a 4.4 which would be a good compliment to the 4.8 Freek. If it were me, I'd go with 4.4, 4.8, 5.2 Freek and also 4.0 and 4.5 Blades. Comparably, the Blade is a little more locked in with a lower center of effort than the Freek. The Blade is full x-ply and can take a beating in the waves, but the light weight EM3 material keeps the sail light.
Price wise, a 4.0, 4.5 Blade AND a 4.4 Freek would probably cost about the same as a 4.0 and 4.4 S-1 Pro.
On a personal note, if I had to pick and could only own one sail that I've ever used it would be a 4.4 Freek. 2016 or 2017, there's just something about that 4.4 Freek!
Let me know if you have any thoughts or questions.
Mike
Hi Mike,
ReplyDeletewould change from the 15/16 freeks to the 2017 freeks but iam not sure if the bend curve is still the same. Did they change the mast bend curve? What do you think about early planing? Is it better now because of wider dacron panel?
Thanks a lot
Ben
Hi Ben,
ReplyDeleteYour old masts will work great!!! The tension and shape of the sail changed for 2017, but the bend is the same. I still us my old 370 Severne RDM100 along with my NolimitZ masts and couldn't be happier! The sails have a little more power and lift than the 2016s with all the same great handling. They have a little bit of a softer feel, almost like a stiffer 4-batten. The 2017 Freeks are really on point this year. I wouldn't expect the 2018s to be very different at all.....
Mike
Hello Mike!
ReplyDeleteGreat Blog :)
I'me new to freestyle windsurfing. I'm trying to learn air jibe/vulcan :) and i want to buy two complete new rigs somewhere between 4.5 and 6.0.
if you would have to chose 2 sails in that range to learn the air jibe on a skate 100, what sail/mast combo you would recommend (and keep in mind budget too ;))
i thought 4.8 and 5.9 Freeks would be nice.
kind regards
Alex
Hi Alex,
ReplyDeleteI'm glad yo like the blog! Before I read your thoughts on which sails you should get, I picked the same two sails. 4.8 and 5.9 Freeks would cover a very large wind range and both are good sizes to learn the beginning stages of sliding tricks on. Teamed up with the 100 later Skate you'll be riding a vulcan machine!
Good luck! Let me know if you need any tips!
Mike
Hi Mike!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your fast reply!
Sounds good :)
The only thing i'm unsure at this point is about what mast i should go for.
Doese it have to be a severne mast or will a Freek sail also work fine with a mast from another brand/company?
regards from lower Austria :)
Alex
Hi Alex,
ReplyDeleteObviously the sails are built for the Severne masts but the Freeks will work great with other mast brands. I actually use NoLimitz masts which are "constant curve" masts. I've used Severne masts as well and you'd really be splitting hairs to tell a difference. We also did a bend test at the NoLimitz factory with a Nolimitz Sumo and Severne RDM 90. They were almost dead on by less than 1% difference in bend. So it's pretty safe to say that any constant curve mast should work well with the Freeks.
Happy sailing and wnjoy the new sails!
Mike
Hi Mike,
ReplyDeletethanks again!
Just ordered my new sails 4.8 / 5.9 Freeks plus Severne Gorilla masts :) can't wait to get them!
In your video you are using a chinnook boom. Currently i only have a Neil Pryde X3 (SDM).
Should i instantaneously switch to a lighter boom in rdm design or can i go for my X3 with adapter this year?!
I unfortonatley ran out of budget :D
regards
Alex
Hi Alex,
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the new sails! For the boom it's pure preference. I've go the Chinook RDG (super-skinny boom) on it's way, so I'll see how it works compared to the regular diameter of the Chinook. I would just recommend carbon over aluminum to get more reaction from the rig. The diameter of the boom is purely preference.
All the best,
Mike
Always interesting comments here. I suggest board and sail are most important for freestyle. If consider carbon boom, maybe see what Mike says after trying the skinny carbon boom. I've had Chinook carbon for years and they're great. Got some new sails then "upsold" to get Severene enigma boom. The difference in stiffness and weight (to my surprise) was noticable right away. I'm not saying it will make learning Vulcans easier but if you go carbon consider options carefully as you will have it for years. Also, the price can be better if you package it with your sails.
ReplyDeleteHi Mike,
ReplyDeleteThat's exactly what the Chinook guys said about the RDG boom! Incredibly light swing weight, and they're just doing some bump and jump stuff. I'm looking forward to trying it. I've tried the Severne Enigma and it was REALLY nice too. To me it didn't feel any lighter than the Pro-1 Carbon Chinook 135-185 when I sailed it, just skinnier. The deciding factor for me was that I like the incredible service that Chinook gives folks when they try to warranty something, so I stuck with them for the new booms again. They support all the local events and I've seen them warranty stuff well past the warranty expiration date and the newer Pro-1 Carbon booms (not the older design) are nice and stiff. Really, it's hard to go wrong with any Carbon boom nowadays....
Mike P does bring up a good point about some price negotiations if you buy more stuff... And yes, a good board and sail are definitely the most important for freestyle!!
Glad to see folks liking the comments. Thanks for adding to the conversation Mike P!
Mike Burns
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteMy carbon Chinook was 150 vs enigma is 135. Maybe it was swing weight I felt since it seemed alot more than 30cm of carbon tube. We've got some very engaged Severene folk locally, though, I would have seriously considered Chinook (if I was aware their rdm boom was available - don't think it was yet)for their long standing reputation of customer service.
ReplyDeleteHi Mike,
ReplyDeleteI noticed a big difference in swing weight between the 150 and 135 Chinooks. I'm really interested to see how the 135 Reduced Diameter Chinook performs against the standard Chinook Pro-1 of the same length! I can't wait to get them on the water to see if they offer up more than the Severne booms....
Mike
Hi Mike!
ReplyDeletetested my new Severne Freek 5.9 last Sunday and i'm super stoked :-)
Thanks for your input!
I'm looking forward to hear your review about the super skinny chinook boom.
Alex
Hi Alex,
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you're stoked on the Freek! I can't get enough of those sails! So stable and very powerful. Just a dream every time I'm on the water with them.
I'm going to do an official review about the Chinook RDG (reduced diameter grip) boom after using it a bit more. I am very happy with it though after 2 times out using it. One day with the 4.4 and 2 days ago with the 4.8. It does feel noticeably lighter than the regular grip Chinook. It did take a while to get used to the feeling of the narrower grip. Honestly, I couldn't care whether the size of the grip was the old one or the skinny one, but having such lower swing weight to the rig is awesome!! And I really like the easy rigging new tail piece that they have. I'll do a nice video review on it after I have a chance to pick it apart, but so far I'm really liking it!
Mike
Hey Mike,
ReplyDeleteI've bought the 2017 5.2 Freek and I absolutely love it. Sins I'm new to freestyle, it's the only fs sail I own so I was looking to buy ether a 4.4 or 4.8.
With the 5.2 I use a Severne Blueline boom (alloy 160-220) which I've been using for freeriding. Sadly, I don't think this boom fits the 4.4.
So my question is: would you recommend the 4.4 or 4.8 Freek and should I concider a knew boom (to use on the 5.2 aswell)?
At some point I'm gonna get a new boom, but now as a sudent budjet is key.
Cheers,
Nicolas
Hi Mike.
ReplyDeleteI am thinking of changing my actual quiver.
Do you think a quiver of
4.0 freek (2013)
4.8 freek (2015)
Alex
5.4 NeilPryde Wizard (2014)
can work?
I know the distance 4.0-4.8 it is 0.8sqare metters, so might be too much, but I like no more than 3 sails, and the freeks have a 0.4 distance among them.
(Now I have 5.3Gaastra, 4.5Severne Blade, also 0.8 and I can do it with no problems, but I am not sure on 4.0-4.8 it will do the same)
Thanks.
Cheers.
Hey Mike thanks for the great review. How do you think the Freeks would work with Ezzy Hookipa Masts?
ReplyDelete