TABOU MAGIC CARPET 135 LTD 2022 TEST REVIEW
VERDICT
A great addition to the Magic Carpet lineup, this 135 provides the stability, quick release and response to be both fun and accessible for two, possibly three foiling disciplines. A real crossover champion, it also makes a great tutor for the progressing rider, and a real one-board-does-all solution.
THE LOWDOWN
The Magic Carpet has been in the Tabou lineup for several seasons now, yet the 135 is new for 2022, becoming the largest in the family. Available in either TEAM or MTE construction, it is tested in the dearer technology here, dressed in sky blue instead of white. Like its smaller siblings, it has an interesting design – short and wide, with a hard release edge tucked under a concave rail profile, which raises the apex of the board’s sides substantially. This, combined with a spoiler tail in the rear, is said to allow for a quick water release and easy flight. There’s a monopad covering a large section of the lightly domed deck, and includes a raised tail kickpad to help locate the back foot whilst riding. On the underside there’s both a Deep Tuttle and US tracks for foil compatibility and a carry handle for ease and practicality when launching and landing. Supplied with four of Tabou’s excellent soft Velcro straps, there are a multitude of footstrap inserts for windsurfing and winging, as well as a leash plug underneath the spoiler tail edge.
BRAND CLAIM
“If you are one of the many who has become addicted to foiling during the past years, or if you are just making your first steps above the water surface, the Magic Carpet is your go-to board for foiling in various disciplines.”
PERFORMANCE
Using the Magic Carpet for wind foiling, the Deep Tuttle box was employed initially. Partnered with a medium aspect foil, the 135 releases quickly, feeling composed and comfortable. The subtle dome to the deck and diamond grooved monopod contribute to this comfort underfoot, promoting an easy upright riding stance. It feels compact and responsive, its short length and thin nose really mitigating any swing weight, and helping to inspire the rider to enter foiling gybes confidently. This is enhanced further come mid-transition, as the rig is opened up, the wide tail creating lots of area to move into during the foot change. We did try wind foiling the Magic Carpet using a foil with plate fixing in the US tracks, and whilst it works okay, the board is more squirrelly underfoot, particularly for the novice rider whilst getting going. The reason is that the US tracks are shorter than on other boards, placing the foil further forward. It means the lift comes in early, but there’s less directional stability. Switching to wing foiling, the Magic Carpet really proves its crossover credentials, making a fantastic tutoring platform for this latest wind sport. Stable and planted initially, it can be partnered with all foil types for winging, from a mammoth 2500 front wing to promote the earliest lift, right down to a 1150. The large monopod provides plenty of traction and mitigates any rubbing on the knees during the get-going process, whilst the forward strap inserts are ideally placed for use whilst winging. Finally, a stated added bonus of the 135 is that it also has the potential for use in SUP foiling, the large, incorporated tail kick pad helping to locate the back foot whilst using the board strapless. We didn’t get a chance to use the Magic Carpet in this mode prior to going to print, so we’ll have to reserve judgement, but given its stability and compact nature, we have every faith that it will SUP foil well.
VITAL STATS
Price: TEAM: £1909.00 MTE: £1564.00
Volume (Quoted): 135L
Length: 195 cm.
Width: 83 cm.
1ft off: 59.8 cm.
Bottom shape: With a quad concave running from the nose, it then transfers to a double concave between the mast track and front straps, with a big step to a raised spoiler tail in the rear.
Weight (‘Naked’): 8.98 kg.
Foil Boxes: Deep Tuttle and Foil Track (25 cm.)
Sail Range: 4.0-7.5m.
Sizes Available: 110, 120, 135.
TABOU MAGIC CARPET 135 LTD 2022 TEST REVIEW
THE LINEUP
STARBOARD FOIL FREERIDE 150 STARLITE CARBON