On land:The shape of the Techno Wind Foil 160 (255 x 82 centimetres, 160 litres, 1120 euros) is based on the tried and tested Techno 160, with features such as a complete soft deck, a box for mounting a centre fin and a reinforced deep-tuttle box in the rear for foiling, turning a freeride board into a true all-rounder for light wind surfing, planing and even for first foil attempts. Bic recommends the Techno Foil Magic Carpet to all those who want to take to the air. At around three kilos, the full carbon foil is very light, which is partly due to the fact that the mast and fuselage are firmly connected to each other, thus eliminating the need for screws, and partly because the mast is quite short at 60 centimetres.
On the water: It was to be expected that the board, with its full 82 mm width, would make a good board for intermediates. It is stable in the water, even when there are heavy chunks on deck. However, the comparatively long overall length of 255 centimetres also ensures that the board doesn't push through the water like a big pot in light winds, but rather cruises quite briskly. The mountable centre fin makes cruising even easier, especially when children are on deck with small sails (<3.5 m²). Another positive aspect is that the board is very manoeuvrable - the concept works perfectly for practising jibes and other manoeuvres as well as a children's board. If a gust of more than twelve knots does come up, you can make yourself comfortable in the loops, as the Techno Wind Foil 160 planes very well.
Of course, you shouldn't expect a sporty, flying ride from the board built using ASA technology and equipped with a complete soft deck, but the shape can handle relaxed planing and power jibes in a wide radius without any problems. Only for beginners to planing surfing - for whom the shape is obviously well suited - would a slightly more inward loop position at the front have been nice. And for foiling? If you swap the fin for the Magic Carpet wing, the board really does take to the air without any problems. Of course, the board feels a little less sporty and agile due to its greater length and higher weight, but the Magic Carpet Foil is so controlled and directionally stable that it actually gives you a nice feeling of flying at a moderate height.
surf conclusion: The Techno Wind Foil 160 really does have a wide range of uses! As a light wind, intermediate and children's board, the concept is ideal and also affordable. It also works more than passably well as a planing board. When foiling, you can at least get your first taste of high altitude - but you should use the Magic Carpet wing adapted for this board, as other foils with a smaller front wing are probably less suitable.
Info: www.bicshop.de
Manuel Vogel
Editor surf
