BIC Techno 133

On land: The Bic - the only board with ASA technology in the test - has remained unchanged for some time and, at just 70 centimetres wide, is narrower than all the other boards in the group. The weight comparison with all the pro and team editions of other brands is somewhat misleading, as the Bic also costs significantly less than other boards. The Select Tuttlebox fin has not been skimped on at all, only the straps are a little unruly at the beginning and difficult to adjust.

On the water: Just because the Bic is inexpensive doesn't mean that it is only recommended for beginners: the narrow board tips noticeably more in chop, but planes very well. Even if the acceleration is somewhat slower than with lighter boards and you have to accept less planing potential on the cross and in wind holes, the Techno achieves an absolutely competitive top speed as soon as you are surfing well powered up. Even in choppy water, the narrow board remains smooth and easy to control, and the far-out loop position is also suitable for ambitious stokers and camber sails. In manoeuvres, the Bic can be turned comparatively tightly and stands firmly on the edge, especially in medium gybe radii. However, it doesn't have the extremely stable platform feeling of other boards, nor does it have the carving qualities of the sportiest boards. The Bic can therefore be recommended as a freerider, especially in medium and strong winds. As an absolute light wind glider, the narrower and heavier board is already at a disadvantage in terms of construction compared to the more expensive, highly equipped competition.

Info:Choppy Water GmbH, Tel.: 04343/494640, www.choppywater.de

surf measurement: Weight: 9.50 kg Length: 254.0 cm Width: 71.0 cmPrice: 849 Euro

Downloads:

Freerideboards 135 (pdf)