100 SPOTLIGHT
Keep it simple…
XO Sails EOL 7m
Info: https://xosails.com/en/eol.php Price: £489
WORDS: WINDSURFING UK PICS: JAMES JAGGER
AS A WINDSURFING UK FIRST WE WEREN’T SURE WHAT TO EXPECT
WITH XO SAILS’ EOL 7M. THE WINDSURFING SAIL ARM OF FRENCH
WATERSPORTS BRAND EXOCET, THEIR EOL RANGE ARE BILLED AS
TOOLS FOR FLAT WATER AND FREERIDE. IT WAS THEREFORE WITH
HIGH ANTICIPATION WE UNFURLED THE 7M VERSION.
Firstly, we have to say the EOL’s ‘in the
flesh’ looks are impressive. For some
reason we’d perceived XO to be a more
budget friendly brand. And whilst
they’re certainly not as expensive as
some there’s no lacking in quality,
production and attention to detail. In
fact, in the early spring sunlight, the
EOL 7m looks the biz.
One thing we appreciate
wholeheartedly at WSUK HQ is
‘simple’. The least amount of faffing
the better. Getting to the beach and
getting on the water is what it’s all
about after all. With that in mind it’s
welcome to have a sail that’s not
super critical to rigging. We won’t go
as far as saying you can rig the EOL
any old way, but equally, you don’t
need to be scientific either. And
actually we found the EOL 7m to work
pretty well with minimal downhaul.
uk
WIND
SURFING
Setting with a tight leach the EOL’s
belly displays dependable fullness. On
the water this translates to low end
power which is obviously great for early
planing. But it’s not a mannerless sail
either. At full chat there’s plenty of
composure – the 7m doesn’t bend
riders out of shape. And for those with
advanced technique all that power can
easily be transferred to forwards
momentum and speed.
Round corners the EOL is efficient with a
welcome driving pull. Gybing newbies
may need time to dial in their technique,
but then that’s gybing in general.
Experienced transitionialists, however, will
be able to turn that drive into planing
exits without too much bother.
Conclusion
XO’s EOL 7m is a nice looking sail
that’s quick to rig and delivers
regardless of shoddy settings.
Obviously with a bit more
concentration riders will be able to
get more out of it. But as far as a
simplistic product goes, that’ll put a
smile on ya chops, you can’t really
knock it. A powerful bottom end
transfers directly to early planing
and speed whilst the handling round
corners is dependable and drivey.
We should also note the XO Sails
ELO 7m makes a good choice of
windfoil sail as well.