// Tushingham X-15 - Speed-Slalom -Race
Powerful yet controllable, the X-15 is built to launch skilled riders to the top of the podium in speed and slalom competitions.
With four cams and seven or eight battens, the X-15 has a solid locked in power profile in the base, which combines with a reactive upper leech to deliver stunning performance. The larger sizes are principally designed for slalom performance across a broad range of wind and sea conditions where foil stability and an even twist will deliver control and speed.
The smaller sizes have a dual role, which can be unlocked by simply changing the mast bend profile. Sails like the 5.8, 6.4 and 7.0m can be optimised for slalom or speed by choosing the appropriate mast:
Speed Pro with its flex-top characteristics for off-the wind maxed-out speed
Ultimate Pro with the classic bend curve for slalom racing, with the emphasis on acceleration and low-end power.
Ken Black is aware that most windsurfers aren't built like World Cup riders and pays particular attention to ensuring the X-15 deliver power in a balanced and controllable manner. You don't need to be seven feet tall and four feet wide to make the X-15 perform to an incredibly high level.
X-15 mast choices
Extensive testing taught us how the X-15’s characteristics can be altered by changing the mast bend profile. Sails like the 5.8, 6.4 and 7.0m can be optimised for slalom or speed by choosing the appropriate mast.
Our choice for off-the wind maxed-out speed is the flex-top Speed Pro 100
Slalom and Formula racers should look towards the Ultimate Pro 100 with the classic curve offering superior acceleration and low-end power.
The Carbon 75 mast range is a suitable budget alternative for slalom and Formula.
To maximise the performance of a racing or speed sail like the X-15, a little attention to how you set the sail will be necessary. However much conditions are firing, an extra few seconds spent checking the settings can be the difference between a good and a bad session on the water. Don't fear the camber inducers - using the right technique as shown in the video it's simple!
1) X-15 Rigging
Even after a night on the Rum Punch, Paul managed to rig the X-15 with ease under the Caribbean sun! Check out the video.
2) Cam spacers - how to use them
These fine-tune the cams so they always fit on the mast with solid pressure to lock the foil shape. If you simulate wind in the sail by pushing an induced batten hard to leeward, the cam should still be engaged on the mast. If it pulls away you will need to de-tension, remove the cam(s) and add a spacer or two.
DO NOT overload the cam with too many spacers, as there will be too much pressure, leading to breaking battens or excessive wear on the mast.
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