Some time ago, we had already presented the new Pocket Air MTE wingboard in a Test report t presented. In addition, the identical shape is also available in a significantly lighter team design - here are our impressions of the 87-litre version:
On land:
The Tabou Pocket Air Team is available in seven sizes from 57 to 117 litres. Due to the use of carbon fibre, the Team design is around 1.5 kilos lighter than the MTE version - with a measured weight of 5.50 kilos, the Tabou Pocket Air Team is really very light. However, you also pay around 300 euros more for the Team version at the till. The designers have given the bow an extra portion of volume to make the board stable in the water despite its compact length. Overall, the equipment is of a good standard, the large pad has a good grip and there are enough strap positions available for all personal preferences. A large and comfortable handle has been installed in the underwater hull. The tail area has a sharp tear-off edge, which should minimise water resistance during the planing phase.
The built-in foil box is quite short, but the position should suit most foils on the market. If you do reach the front or rear limit of the box with your foil, you can adjust the setup by changing the position of the footstraps - here are some tips on how to do this HERE .
On the water:
With a length of 5'0 (153 centimetres), the Pocket Air Team is quite compact, but thanks to its wide tail and inflated bow, the tipping stability is still acceptable. You can stand comfortably on the almost completely flat deck. When starting off, the shape shows two faces: if you just stand passively on deck and wait for take-off, you will sometimes have to wait much longer, as the board is not designed for maximum early planing. However, with an active riding style and appropriate pumping technique, you can get a lot out of this shape. The board then accelerates well to the required take-off speed and appears a little more lively than the MTE version. On the straight and in common foil manoeuvres, the Tabou Pocket Air Team hangs extremely light and agile on the foot - the compact dimensions and low weight have an absolutely positive effect. The shape absorbs accidental touchdowns well, and the voluminous nose also helps with nose-first landings.
The Tabou Pocket Air Team 87 also shows its best side when jumping: The inert mass is so low that you can whirl through all kinds of tricks with the board.
Tabou Pocket Air Team 87 - the conclusion:
The Pocket Air Team scores particularly well with experienced wingsurfers who are looking for a suitable board for freestyle tricks and jumps. The slight weakness in passive planing can be easily compensated for with pumping technique and appropriate riding skills, but this characteristic is not ideal for complete foil beginners. When it comes to jumps and manoeuvres, the board ultimately plays in the top league, where the team construction also has noticeable advantages over the MTE version. Anyone who primarily freerides and performs foil manoeuvres will also be happy with the MTE version.
Featherweight, compact trick machine
Passive gliding
