This is the review from our test team of the RRD Pocket Rocket LTD Y25 180 foil board, which was featured in our September 2020 edition of Windsurf Magazine.
THE LOWDOWN
The Pocket Rocket quite rightly garnered some attention on its release last season, its short compact length and encouragement of strapless wind foiling grabbing the headlines in this fast-evolving discipline. What seemed like a massive leap forward seems almost the convention in just 12 months, with many sub-two metre length designs emerging for 2020. This Y25 Pocket Rocket is in the brand’s LTD construction, coming complete with a three-phase deckpad (covering half the deck), the brand’s standard Velcro straps and carry handles in both deck and hull. It has a subtle scoop in the deck just ahead of the front straps, whilst the deck in the rear remains flat. With inboard and outboard strap positions, two leash inserts in the tail, and the ability to mount Deep Tuttle or plate-mounted foils, it is clear the board is intended to be as versatile in its application as possible. And with our test schedule being set back due to the Covid-19, there’s been the opportunity to look through the crystal ball into 2021 development. The Pocket Rocket remains a feature in the RRD lineup, evolved subtly with a tail kicker and bevelled front rails (skimming off 2 litres of volume in the process), endearing it to the other disciplines of wing foiling and SUP foiling. There is also the addition of a larger 200 (referring to its length in centimetres) version, with 140 litres in volume for lighter winds and larger sails/riders.
BRAND CLAIM
“When we first rode the Pocket Rocket 180 cm we immediately understood that we had our feet onto a new real jewel. The lack of a nose in front of the mast track allowed it to be more stable and keep foiling even in the lightest winds without the need of a big sail. Not to mention the practical side of things while you pack up and load the gear in your car!”
PERFORMANCE
Step on the Pocket Rocket and its compact nature does belie its quoted volume initially, feeling smaller than anticipated. Despite a wide nose, the mast track is placed well forward, so as you draw in the sail’s power, you’re encouraged to step back early, utilising the additional stability contributed by the foil. The concave in the front of board’s deck helps to naturally gravitate the rider’s feet towards the centreline – the ideal position from which to focus on. Sailed in strapless mode, the Pocket Rocket reminded us of just how fun and playful it is. It can’t help but bring a smile to your face when you’re on it, feeling balanced and responsive underfoot. The deckpad provides good traction, the flat deck in the tail helping the rider to remain upright in stance and connected with the foil. Place some straps on the RRD and it can be loaded confidently, feeling more familiar and comfortable straightaway, as opposed to when it was initially introduced last year. Funny how quickly the radical becomes the norm in such a fluid discipline! Opt for the outboard strap positions and the response of the Pocket Rocket is amplified, requiring slight of step and a precise timing to keep the board in flight during transitions. Far easier to use the inboard positions and partner the board with a low aspect foil, such as the Universal from RRD tested last month. And so to the question of crossover appeal, into other forms of foiling. We had a chance to try the Pocket Rocket for wing foiling and have to say it performed admirably, using a foil mounted forward in the US tracks, whilst moving our stance forward on the board. The compact outline of the Pocket was certainly welcome, making it feel quick and responsive to any change in direction. The all-over EVA deckpad for 2021 will be a welcome addition, and it will be interesting to see if the rail and tail tweaks add to early pumping ease or comfort in transition. Time (and another test!) will tell…
VERDICT
The original ultra compact wind foiling board has lost none of its sparkle. Fun to use and incredibly adaptable, it can now crossover into wing foiling too and the latest 2021 sneak-peak tweaks we have seen will no doubt ensure that the design will survive several seasons yet.
VITAL STATS
Website: www.robertoriccidesigns.com
Price: £1957.00 E-TECH: £1334.00
Volume (Quoted): 122 litres.
Length: 180 cm.
Width: 76 cm.
1ft off: 60.8 cm.
Weight (‘Naked’): 8.85 kg.
Box: Deep Tuttle Foil Box and 2 x 10” US Boxes
Sail Range (Quoted): 4.0 – 6.0m.
Sizes Available: 180 cm / 122 litres.
OTHER BOARDS IN THIS TEST: