On the beach
Brand: Bic
Model: Airflow 142
Length announced: 142 cm
Width announced: 34.6 cm
Volume announced: NC
Weight announced: 2.9 kg
Technology used/Composition: Polyurethane core, Skin epoxy/glass-fibre/carbon+polypropylene.
Scoop Rocker Line: The scoop is complex with lots of detail. It’s a combination of various concaves, flat surfaces on the sides, and grooves at the ends… The rocker line and scoop are asymmetric when comparing the backside to the front side. Not easy to describe, you’ll have to see for yourself!!!
Rails: The rails are flat with a very sharp edge.
Equipment: 2 finely grooved foot pads with heel pads, 2 very rigid, multi-position, velcro footstraps, Provision for a central handle, hole in the far right for a leash plug, 4 wake like fins with BTR screws: 2 x 5 cm for the backside and 2 x 4 cm for the front side. Bic is going to be available with new equipment in the near future: ergonomic footstraps and pads.
Design/Finish: The decoration is eye-catching and generally pleasing! The finish is attractive, though the durability of the rails and edge remains to be tested. The straps are not the most comfortable.
Specifications: The 142 is pronounced suitable for all riders who have begun to master steering and jumping. It is suitable to use in a wind speed ranging from a minimum of 12 to 15 knots depending on the rider’s weight. This board positions itself at the limit between a freestyle board, in strong wind, and free-ride board in medium to strong wind. It is a very sound board, which planes quickly considering how short it is.
On the water
Ease of use/Of getting used to: Very easy to get used to for those familiar with TTs and does not require any acclimatization for those used to small boards. For those used to navigating with big boards, the rear may perhaps seem to be a bit evasive. Applying pressure on the front is therefore absolutely essential!
Launch/Early planing: The 142 takes off rather well for a board its size. It is a bit technical in light wind, which is normal!
Planing: Planing is good and without pulling water. Only heavier weights will experience difficulties to maintain planing in the wind slacks. Yet again this is normal, given the size of the board.
Edging/Grip: Once again, very easy: the edge grips of its own accord, and going upwind is effortless. In light wind one should navigate more flatwise and should benefit from a good acceleration; in constant wind, position yourself on the care and it will edge perfectly. Its grip allows an excellent preparation for jumps.
Manoeuvrability: The 142 is extremely manoeuvrable in both directions, easy in executions, and light on the feet. It should be tested in waves and in breakers…
Summary
General impressions…
A board that has surprised more than one!! This little board is easy yet radical. A toy one would love to play with in good wind conditions!
The good points: Its grip, manoeuvrability, ease of use, and its price! It’s extreme!
Flysurf.com’s advice: Either choose the new equipment or change the straps. As for the rest, go for it!
Who should use it?: Experienced lightweights, Experts all weights (depending on the wind speed!).
Compliance to specifications: No need to comment, they’ve even omitted to mention some of the features in their specifications!
Their advice
Philippe, 40, 70 kg: "A TT for heavy conditions, easy and light, but the pads and footstraps are uncomfortable!
Caro, 33, 62 kg: "A little jewel! An absolute pleasure in every aspect! I would only change the footstraps with bootstraps!
Cédric, 21, 78 kg: "Unbeatable price/performance ratio, it is a genuine board for extreme conditions!
Damien, 24, 70 kg: "An incredible little board! Perfect except for the uncomfortable footstraps and pads! And not expensive!!!"
Test conditions
Wind speed: 10 to 35 knots.
Kites used: North Toro 14.0, Naish X2 12.0, Takoon Skoop 12.5 et 8.5, Wipika AirBlast 8.4.
Testers’ profiles: Experts, 62 to 78 kg.
Boards normally used: TT Jack Fly 140, TT Sliver Radical 142, TT Wave’s 160, TT Magma 160.
For more information on BIC: http://www.bicsport.com.
thx to flysurf.com for text and pictures