669 euros - many brand manufacturers offer just a front wing for this price. With the French manufacturer, you get a complete set with all accessories for this price - that sounds interesting. Read the test report to find out whether the foil can still keep up on the water or whether you have to accept noticeable compromises.
On land
The set includes all components. The centrepiece is the front wing with a surface area of 1500 cm2, which, like the back wing, is made of fibreglass. The wings look quite stiff, but are somewhat heavier than those made of carbon fibre - at 5.52 kilos, the foil set is not one of the lightweights. The wings are mounted on a 62 mm aluminium fuselage, which in turn is mounted on an 80 cm long aluminium mast. The screw connections make a solid impression. All components of the AO Foil are compatible with other Taaroa components, so you can upgrade your foil with higher-quality components if you wish. One small drawback: the wing covers cannot be fixed and fall off immediately on land.
On the water
The Taaroa AO Foil develops lift early when pumping, the takeoff is harmonious and always predictable. Once lifted off, the altitude is easy to maintain and even in gusts the AO Foil does not develop excessive lift that needs to be tamed. If you were to put a stamp on the Taaroa AO Foil Set, it would probably be "Cruiser" The foil is obviously not designed for speed or maximum performance, but scores primarily with smooth radii - but the foil is by no means too slow or even boring. In manoeuvres, it is not quite as logged in the water as, for example, a Armstrong S1This means that you have to steer a little more sensitively, but you also get a foil that can be steered through all foil manoeuvres without much effort despite its wingspan. Another positive aspect is that the rounded wingtips leave no permanent marks, even in the event of unintentional foil contact.
Taaroa AO Foil - the conclusion
You shouldn't expect maximum performance from the AO Foil, but you do get a good-natured and solid-looking foil set for entry-level foiling and relaxed freeriding - and for a more than fair price.
Price-performance; Freeride
Weight
Cover for the wings
Taaroa AO Foil - technical data
- Test model: Taaroa AO Foil Set LA 1500
- Front wing area: 1500 cm2
- Front wing span: 98 cm
- Back wing area: 230 cm2
- Wingspan back wing: 46.5 cm
- Fuselage (aluminium): 62 cm
- Mast (aluminium): 80 cm
- Price test set: 669 Euro
- Weight set (own measurement): 5.52 kg
- Contact: To the website
- Scope of delivery: Cover, screws, tools
- Special features: -
