Renamed for the new season, the Rocket 95
(previously the Rocket Air 59) is included this year
as our benchmark board, having been liked by all
who tried it last year. Unaltered in shape, it’s had a
graphic makeover and comes complete with new
footstraps and deckpads, thankfully seeing the
absence of the slippery EVA sections on the rails
between the straps. Available in either standard or
limited sandwich construction (only 100 to be
produced) it is now the smallest in the Rocket range
and comes supplied with just one fin for 2006.
Ride and Handling
Despite noticeably feeling the smallest in the
group, the 95 releases onto the plane well, albeit
requiring more of a deft approach in marginal
conditions than some others here. Possessing a
superb blend of control, liveliness and response,
the versatility of the board is immediately apparent
once on the plane, adapting to any rider style or
ability. Happy cruising at half speed with an upright
stance, it can also be loaded and driven to show
an impressive top speed, feeling alive and ‘hunty’
underfoot without provoking any control issues.
Comfortably covering distance, the 95 drives off its
fin well and easily handles more severe sea states,
making it a very practical option for coastal sailors.
With such straight-line stability and speed, there is
no surprise that the Rocket excels in a bump-andjump
role, providing the acceleration and response
to make the most of the slightest ramp.
Manoeuvres
It’s in the carve, however, that the 95 shows its true
colours, certainly a match for any board in this
category. Showing a real willingness to turn in, it cuts
a beautifully smooth arc, holding such a positive
addictive cornering nature that it will have you craving
your next turn. Requiring very little drive or input from
the rider, it carries its speed through the turn, making
it easy and forgiving for the intermediate, yet more
than capable as a dedicated wave sailor’s light wind
wave board. In freestyle, the Rocket pops well but is
not an ideal first-time freestyle tutor, the shoulders
providing relatively little support in the slide. Those
looking for more freestyle potential should look to
Tabou’s 3S97, which offers much more wave/freestyle
crossover than the Rocket. As an all-round contender
for coastal bump-and-jump sailing, the 95 is a
stunning board and remains one of our favourites in
this group. In fact, the only grumble we have are with
the footstraps, which push down on the rider’s feet
and provide little support laterally, especially evident
in more intricate manoeuvres.
For: Speed, straight-line stability and awesome
carving capabilities.
Against: Lack of lateral footstrap support
