At Tabou, the colourful bouquet of board models continues to thrive. In the crossover or freemove class, the 3S Classic and the 3S+, there are two very different models to choose from, each with two construction methods. The weights between the Team Edition and LTD are not far apart according to the manufacturer's specifications; in the Team laminate, the PVC sandwich is extensively reinforced with carbon instead of glass fibre, especially in the stand area.
At first glance, the Tabou 3S+ resembles the Starboard Kode with its pithy swallow tail and pointed nose, but up close the shape looks much more toned down. The rather thick tail doesn't look quite as chubby and the rails form a really sharp trailing edge at the back. The rocker - the bend in the tail - is still fairly moderate at three millimetres, and 52 centimetres of straight area under the foot straps create a good gliding base. The underside is a continuous V-shape with a double concave, clearly pronounced at the front and in the centre, then only subtle in front of the fins. On the narrow tail, the outer straps are quite close to the edge, which enables a good freeride position. Of course, there are also inside manoeuvre positions with wave suitability. The loops can be moved very far lengthways on the pleasantly rounded deck. The otherwise "domed" deck has a flat area around the foot of the mast, which should benefit the stability of the board when recovering and planing.
Everything is possible, nothing has to be
The 3S+ is definitely one of the wild three in this group. Although the rounded deck does not provide maximum tipping stability when the sail is being raised, the board does not feel as small underfoot as the We One. The transition from bobbing to planing therefore requires a slightly more sensitive load than with a Patrik or JP Magic Movebut remains easily doable. The board overcomes the glide threshold more smoothly than expected, especially when measured against the "wavy" look, and with a subsequent very quick turn from 20 km/h to top speed. As soon as you have made yourself comfortable in the straps, the planing position is always free and reactive. The Tabou 3S+ follows a sharp look in the new direction as if well trained, immediately and snappily. Making hooks is genetically predetermined for the board.
On the narrow, curved tail, the feet nestle very ergonomically against the curve in all loop positions. With this good connection and free gliding position, the 3S+ is very easy to lever out of the water for chop hops or to turn into an air jibe. But the standing position is also comfortable for freeriding - just don't expect a particularly stable planing position, the Tabou needs to be controlled in a controlled manner and with guidance through and over the choppy waves. The same applies to the power jibe: everything is possible, nothing is a must. The Tabou allows all radii, wants to be controlled cleanly, but then offers the necessary grip and does not skid. Even fluid carving jibes with a lot of speed are possible - with a measured load.
Surf summary of the Tabou 3S+
The 3S+ meets the core of the group very well, because in addition to particularly lively manoeuvrability and a good shot of wave suitability, the freeride qualities of the Tabou do not fall completely behind. However, if jumping and wave surfing are less important to you or if you want to gain even more confidence in power jibes and other planing manoeuvres, the Tabou 3S Classic is an even better choice.
Jumping, turning, basic freestyle, wave use
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Technical data Tabou 3S+ Team 116
- Weight: 7.4 kg*
- Price: 2299/2599 Euro**
- Info under tabou-boards.com
*surf measurement; **LTD/team version
Tabou 3S+: Available sizes and data
| Volume | Width | Length | Weight*** | Fin |
| 86 | 59,5 | 227 | 6,7/6,5** | 19+2x11 |
| 96 | 61 | 229 | 6,9/6,7** | 20+2x11 |
| 106 | 64,5 | 230 | 7,1/6,9** | 23+2x12 |
| 116 | 66 | 232 | 7,4/7,3** | 25+2x12 |
| 126 | 67,5 | 232 | -/- | 28+2x12 |
***Manufacturer information
This board is part of the big 2026 Freemove test, which includes Duotone Freewave, Goya One, JP-Australia Freestyle Wave and Magic Move, Patrik F-Cross, Severne Dyno, Starboard code, Tabou 3S+ and We One We Freewave.
