SEVERNE FOX 120 2020 TEST REVIEW

SEVERNE FOX 120 2020 TEST REVIEW

VERDICT

A high octane blasting machine that comes to life the more challenging the conditions become. If the sea state looked intimidating, it was the board we all gravitated to.

THE LOWDOWN

This is the third season we have had the pleasure of testing the Fox in this category, using it as somewhat of a benchmark for accessible performance when the conditions turn on. The overriding feature of its design, which defines its character, is the pronounced vee that runs along the centre of the board like a backbone or spine, enhancing control and gybing capabilities when fully powered. And despite its comparative quoted volume, it is easily the longest and narrowest here, accentuating its stretched outline with a thin nose profile and relatively flat deck. To counter this and improve ride comfort, the deckpads are domed themselves, raising the toes of both the rider’s feet. The complex bottom shape of the Fox is complimented with a hard rail edge throughout, although it displays a good deal of tuck early on, leading into bevels in the nose. And the story is softened in the tail with extended single tier cutouts that zig-zag to the rail just before the 1 foot off mark. Severne continue with their unique Hex4 tool for 2020 – a single tool that is capable of every task in tuning and rigging, from fixing the straps and fin in place, to tightening Severne sail battens. It also comes supplied with the same accurately machined black-G10 F-Series fin, tailored to the requirements of the board size. These remain Powerbox fins, for ease and efficiency, albeit precluding any use of the Fox with a foil. And whilst the designs of the Foxes haven’t changed, the brand are keen to report that the 2020 Foxes are witness to a greater manufacturing accuracy, as a result of refinements to their compression moulding process.

BRAND CLAIM

“Designed to take freeride to the next level, the Fox allows you to blast full speed through the choppiest water you can find. Continuous rocker, reduced tail width and extreme vee provide unique levels of control.”

Fox from Severne Sails on Vimeo.

PERFORMANCE

The Fox has had a ‘Mach-blue’ graphic update for 2020, but otherwise remains unaltered for this season. Used in light airs, it gets going early but doesn’t really release or feel as alive as some in the group, its narrower outline and thinner tail profile resulting in it sitting lower in the water, allowing for less drive and feedback through the fin. This is certainly noticeable in marginal fluky winds, when others in the group seem to glide through the extended lulls more efficiently. As the wind increases and you can load the power, the Fox turns on, beginning to exhibit its potential. And as we found in years past, it really comes into its own when the conditions become volatile, its deep vee hull making light work of the harshest sea states, smoothing out the ride and enabling the rider to keep the hammer down. Partnered with an efficient sail, it’s simply in a class of its own, making charging around in coastal conditions a real delight, when the ride on a slalom board would be a bone-shuddering mental-strength challenge. The thick contoured deckpads also help in this instance, providing extra comfort and helping to trim the board without stressing the rider’s stance, or requiring any extra effort. In the gybe, the Fox’s comparatively thin and tucked rail outline comes into effect, biting and gripping smoothly and helping the rider to push with confidence through the turn. Since the Fox has a Powerbox, the opportunity for foiling compatibility is not there. Instead, this is a purist machine, for those that like to sail powered at all times and are looking for a board to back them as they contend with variable seas states.

www.severnesails.com

VITAL STATS
Volume (Quoted): 120L

Length: 244 cm

Width: 70.0 cm

1ft off: 47.8 cm

Bottom shape: Vee with double concave and bevels in the nose and shoulders, the vee becoming incredibly pronounced in the mid-section, whilst the double disappears by the front straps, leading to rounded vee in the tail with single tier cutouts.

Weight (‘Naked’): 7.45 kg

Fins: Severne G10 40 cm (Power)

Sail Range (Quoted): 6.5-8.5m

Sizes Available: 95, 105, 120, 140