Only a small + separates this Rocket from its freerace counterpart, the Rocket Plus (Tabou Rocket Plus 113 in the test) - both on paper and on the water. The boards look very similar, but this Rocket is a good four centimetres narrower and two centimetres longer with almost the same volume. In terms of weight, the Rocket even undercuts the lightweight Plus model in the Team Edition by 200 grams. With this light weight and the long planing surface of 98 centimetres, the Rocket not only planes early and particularly easily, but is also ahead in all performance disciplines up to the medium wind range - so much so that it even compares favourably with the Plus model in comparison rides. JP Supersport from the Freerace group could keep up. The board plays in the same league as the Plus, which is only faster at top speed.
The gliding position feels almost as free, the ride under the thin, firm footpads feels crisp and direct, more like an RS racing shell than a French comfort seat. The flat V in the rear part of the sliding surface obviously offers less damping, but plenty of power. In the outer strap position, the feet are positioned far out on the rail to suit the characteristics, but the straps cannot be tightened properly for very small shoe sizes. On the other hand, the board also offers numerous positions for manoeuvre surfers and intermediates, with the straps automatically moving forwards in the more inward positions.
The board has a very sporty feel, is a tiny bit easier to surf than the Rocket Plus and also turns like a super sports car: If you actively steer turns and find your way through choppy waves, you can surf through all radii with little foot pressure, from tight to wide carves, with very good planing behaviour right up to the new course.
Tabou Rocket - the conclusion
A very crisp-looking board that more than just scratches the surface of the freerace class. Light, very fast, agile and demanding. For advanced freeriders looking for a free-flying board.
Fast, direct, lively, sporty to jibe
More demanding to surf
Loop width
Technical data Tabou Rocket 115 Team
- Weight: 6.72 kg
- Length: 240.5 cm
- Width: 68.8 cm
- Length of sliding surface: 98 cm
- Rocker: 1 mm
- Shape at 33 cm from tail: flat V 6 mm
- Shape at 100 cm from the tail: clearly double concave V, 8 mm
- Price: 2599/2299/1799 Euro >> e.g. available here
all data measured by surf
Tabou Rocket: Available sizes and data
*Team/LTD/MTE; (105 + 115: Team and LTD only)
