French tabou shaper Fabien Vollenweider is bursting with creativity in his work. He can even revive an older freestyle concept. His Bic Tabou Threestyle 252, as it was called in 2000, was ahead of its time. Today, everyone is trying to build boards that feel comfortable in both flat water and waves. The Bic predecessor was the exotic cutie, the radical ski among the pure freestylers.
The ride feel of the new 3S 87 really does convey a sense of déjà vu that meets the demands of today's freestyle culture. The Tabou held its own in particular on spocks and 360s off the Bay of Pigs on Lake Garda - even if a nimble foot is required when turning. The fact that Fabien's shape is timeless only really becomes apparent with more wind in flat water and in the waves (Almanarre). Whatever you ask of the board (tight turns, wide turns, jumps, sliders, drifters), the Quirl solves them without any hiccups. Even when the water is boiling, the ride remains smooth and calm. A new school all-rounder for medium and strong winds, not just for experts and pros.
TABOU 3S 87/97/107
Lengths/widths: 237/58, 237/62 and 237/66 cm Volumes: 87, 97 and 107 litres Weights: 6.7, 7.0 and 7.2 kg Fins: 22 and 26 cm for US-Box, Powerbox 28 and 30 cm Prices: 1199/1399 (LTD) Euro
Info: New Sports GmbH, Tel. 0221/546950.
