First impressions count. Nils unpacks the Point 7 AC-X and, before rolling it out for the first time, he and Mario marvel at the shiny material and the pleasant weight of the sail. The AC-X makes a high-quality first impression, both visually and in terms of feel.
Once unrolled, the obligatory pieces of paper used to protect the sail during transport fly around. A good sign – it's windy! The first impression is quickly confirmed, and both the shape and colors come into their own. The Point 7 branding on the AC-X appears subtle and elegant. It seems less obtrusive, especially on the version with yellow accents. In addition to the overall successful look, the UV-resistant monofilm used in the sail window is striking. A clear plus point. It looks sexy, and if it works as advertised, then hallelujah!
Setting up the Point 7 AC-X starts with a surprise. The 7.0 size requires a 460 cm mast and a 10 cm Extension. High aspect, in other words. Basically, this underlines the sail's claim to be as fast as a Point 7 slalom sail. Nevertheless, we are surprised, because most modern slalom sails still use a 430 cm mast.
When rigged, the Point 7 AC-X actually looks like a slalom sail that has lost its camber. Lots of loose leech, an official belly that underlines the motto "Fat is Fast" and an overall very flush feel. Nils and Mario didn't even think about playing around with the trim much. One bonus was that the battens were already pre-tensioned when delivered. A dream for lazy people and those allergic to trimming!
Info: Nils, who is very familiar with Point 7 sails, pulled the sail >beyond< the recommended trim point. About 2 cm more than recommended seemed appropriate.
The walk to the water revealed a first disappointment for Mario and Nils. However, not in relation to the AC-X, but in relation to the conditions. Chaotic chop and gusty wind. Suboptimal, especially for a first test.
Mario took to the water with his Avanti Sails Poweride (monofilm) to provide a speed reference for Nils. As soon as they were both out on the water and gliding, things went better than expected. Although the conditions did not allow for speed runs, both Mario and Nils reached maximum speeds of over 30 knots. Each was using the Point 7 AC-X, Avanti Sails Poweride and appropriate slalom boards with slalom fins.
After a strenuous session, it was time to evaluate their first personal impressions. Nils was enthusiastic about the Point 7 AC-X. As a speed sailor who likes to reach speeds of 45 knots, he was initially very skeptical about a camberless sail. He was all the more surprised that he was not only fast on the water, but also had a lot of fun.
Nils and Mario summarize their initial test impressions as follows:
The Point 7 AC-X is touted by its developers as a slalom sail without camber. This claim is Incredibly high. Although the definition of a slalom sail is not clearly defined, one naturally thinks of competition sails. To become world champion, you need camber – that's just the way it is. Nils and Mario would not describe the AC-X as a slalom sail.
But apart from the slight misrepresentation in the product description, the Point 7 AC-X made an entirely positive impression. Not only that, it delivered overwhelming performance. The pressure point remained so stable throughout the entire session that Nils could hardly believe it. It was as if it were nailed down, almost as if camber had been installed. The speed was actually so fast that even a slalom sail would hardly have been any faster. In terms of handling, the sail was a little more demanding than ordinary freeride sails, but still very easy to use. The performance requires a few small compromises.
Conclusion: if you want to buy a freeride sail at a good price with a strong focus on performance, we can recommend the Point 7 AC-X with a clear conscience. However, it is not suitable for beginners; for them, we recommend a slightly more moderate freeride sail. For intermediate and advanced riders who want to really go for it but don't want to bother with camber, the AC-X is one of the best options.
Nils will be happy to advise you personally on the purchase of your next Point 7 sail. Just send an email to nils@windlounge.de and take your windsurfing sessions to the next level!
Hang Loose,
your Wind Lounge Team
