In 2017, Tabou broke new ground with the 3S and radically trimmed the all-rounder down to the supposedly trendy stub size. Significantly shorter and with a striking ironing board look, the board did not hit the nerve of all 3S fans - the good control that had become legendary over the years and the familiar easy-going feeling that had always characterised the 3S up to that point were somewhat lost. That's why Tabou is launching the 3S Classic at a very early stage - the model should be available at the beginning of July - which is more than just a new edition of an old shape, but is still intended to build on the old virtues. We were able to test drive the 107 exclusively and tell you what you can expect from it.
On land: At 236 centimetres in length, the Classic is a full eleven centimetres longer than the compact version of the 3S, and our test board weighed in at 6.42 kilos. Manoeuvring fans will find a wide inboard strap position as well as a plug row that is moderately offset to the outside, which invites you to step on the gas in a 4-loop set-up. The pads, which used to be extremely thick in the heel area, have been slightly adapted - still cosy and soft and with perfect cushioning, but without the overstretched foot position that takes some getting used to. A single fin and striking cut-outs sit under the rear.
On the water: "Length works" - this old sailing adage sometimes also applies to windsurf boards, as in the case of the 3S Classic. Especially when you are standing passively on deck and want to slide over the planing threshold without pumping and fanning, a little more length and a flatter bottom curve help enormously. Fortunately, the 3S Classic gets over the planing threshold effortlessly, accelerates harmoniously like a limousine and runs in a straight line with a good mixture of sporty, free yet comfortable handling. Another positive aspect: on the new pads, even in the 3-loop set-up and with sensitive ankles, you are now noticeably less overstretched. The "new" 3S also cuts a fine figure in the jibe - tight turns still go acceptably well with the right foot pressure despite the single fin. The board carves wide radii nicely over the rail, and here too the slightly more stretched outline helps when gliding through, although some jibe experience is required to stabilise the edge in the chop.
surf conclusion: Sometimes a step back is also a step in the right direction! The 3S Classic is noticeably more all-round than the compact version and should fully satisfy the typical 3S target group - planing performance, control and gybing characteristics are convincing and you don't have to do without a sporty ride either. For heating, jibing and the occasional shredding of Baltic Sea chop, the Tabou is therefore a highly recommendable boat. If you are looking for maximum ease of jibing, the Rocket is probably the better choice, as it is a little safer and easier to ride on the edge.
Technical data:Tabou 3S Classic Sizes97/107/117 litresLengthsn.a./234 cm/n.a.Widthsn.a./64 cm/n.a.Weightsn.a./6.42 kg/k.a.Prices1899 Euro (CED construction), 2199 Euro (LTD construction)Info: www.tabou-boards.com
