Individual test 2021: Tabou Magic Carpet 120 Team Edition

New "hybrid boards" - boards that combine different foil variants, real windsurfing and even wave SUP - are competing with the mushroom season, especially in the wake of the current "wing hype". We will soon be devoting a full test to this group; the Magic Carpet fluttered onto Lake Garda as the first harbinger of the test.

On land:

The Magic Carpet offers - the name says it all - plenty of soft flooring on deck. The standing area for windsurfing is just as well padded as the area further forward for wingfoiling. There are also suitable strap options for both types of play. A recessed handle on the underside makes it easier to carry with the foil mounted. The board is not quite as wide at the back as many pure windsurfing foil boards and a "kick tail" is another visually recognisable concession to wingfoiling.

Windsurfing foils:

Due to the even volume distribution, the sheet launch on the short board is quite easy and the upturned nose does not tend to nose dive excessively, but the front foot on the Tabou should be in the foot strap before the take-off. With the large 1200 windsurfing foil, the board is better suited to smaller sails than to powered foil racing, allowing it to be edged moderately for upwind riding with an early take-off, but without producing too much lift. We would categorise it as a fairly sporty freeride set. The long mast also offers plenty of height reserves in choppy water. The board looks short, agile and compact underfoot, the trim fits well with our set-up - with footstraps and foil mounted far back. Through foiled jibes, the wing carries for a long time, but the board, which becomes noticeably narrower towards the tail, requires measured guidance.

Wingfoiling:

The board offers plenty of buoyancy for an easy start, and 120 litres is considered quite a large volume for wingfoiling, even in light winds. Accordingly, learning success in this new sport should come quickly. The pad has a good grip even without loops. The generous 2000 litre wing lifts very early and glides smoothly and stably through the water. Advanced wingfoilers are now increasingly turning to smaller boards and wings.

surf conclusion:

A sporty windsurfing foil board, combined with a wingfoil base suitable for beginners. When windsurf foiling, the board is already quite small, agile and sporty, but when wing foiling it is more of a comfortable cruiser

• Length: 195 cm
• Width: 78 cm
• Volume: 120 litres
• Weight9.0 kilos (surf measurement without straps)
• Other size110 litres (189 cm/73 cm)
• Price2099 Euro (Team), 1699 Euro (MTE)
• Info: www.tabou-boards.com